To give you a head's up - this is a three part series. My furry friends have a lot to say. It's been a cat's running amok, hairball, Dash knocking stuff off shelves morning and I'm a bit frazzled. But I will soldier on and try to make reading this worth your while.
| Matchett Family Meeting |
Me: "Okay, guys. Do I have everybody's attention? So far, we've heard from Petey, Roxy and Dash. The main complaints had to do with personal space, more treats and freedom. I'm anxious to hear what Eli, Chance and Finn have to say. Chance, would you like to go first?"
Chance: "What are we doing? What's going on? I'm confused."
Me: "Sweetie, I'm just checking in to see how everybody's doing. How are you?"
Chance: "I'm okay. Do I hafta go pee in the box?"
Me: "Well, yes, that's where you need to go, but not right now. Now I want to know if you have any problems."
Chance: "I kinda wish the new guy would stop scaring me. He hides behind stuff and jumps out at me all the time! I'm afraid to move. And he bites - hard!"
Me: "I understand. He's a kitten and he's a little different than the rest of you. Try scaring him back. He would love that! He's trying to get you to play with him."
Chance: "Finn and I play but we don't hurt each other. I'll go ahead and scare him. I'll scare him good. Should I pee in the box now?"
Me: (sigh) "Sure. Pee in the box like a good boy..."
Me: "Finn, do you have anything to add to this?"
Finn: "I really don't like to complain, but the new kitten does get a little rough. He's small but strong. Why, he can flip me over! And his nails are sharp."
Me: "Yes, I've seen him flip you. And I clipped his nails last night cause I got stabbed, too. Finn, can you just give him some time? He's a kitten now but in a while he'll slow down."
Finn: "I'm not so sure. I think he's a different breed. He may never slow down! And I really hate to complain but he eats everybody's food. Can you do something about that?"
Me: "Well, why don't you stop him yourself? You're his big brother. Just don't let him eat your food!"
Finn: "Mom. Have you seen him? He's fast and he sneaks in there and eats my food then zooms to another bowl. Could you feed him somewhere else - like in the garage maybe?"
Me: "Finn. I'm not feeding him in the garage. You just have to Cat-up and teach him to not eat your food, or flip you over or dig his claws into you. But I will try to pay closer attention at meal times. I know it's hard for you to speak up but I'm glad you did."
Me: "Well. Mr. E, we haven't heard from you yet. I'm almost afraid to ask, but do you have anything to add to this conversation?"
Eli: "You don't want to know what I'm thinking." (This statement accompanied by a glare that could remove rust.)
Me: "Yes I do! I really want to know why you're so grouchy all the time. Everybody wants to know."
Eli: "Oh, they know. You're the one who's clueless. You won't do anything anyway, so what's the point?"
Me: "Why don't you go ahead and tell me what's bothering you? I'm listening."
Eli: "Fine. First of all, you promised you would never get another cat - now look around - they're everywhere! And they annoy me! Somebody is always on your lap then when I try to sit with you, all I hear is, 'Don't hurt me. Get off my head. You're choking me!' I love you and I just want you all to myself."
Me: "You're right about most of that. Somehow you seem to know where all my pressure points are and you manage to push them till I want to cry. And what is up with this thing you have about sitting on my head? I do need to breathe you know. You were my first cat, and I wasn't planning on getting anymore, but now I like them so much I want a houseful!"
Eli: "Nice try. I am the one who made you like cats sooo much you have an obsession now? Well, let me tell you something, Missy. If you bring one more creature into this house, you'll be sorry."
Me: "Oh, really? What are you gonna do? Run away? You wouldn't last two minutes. Ask Fancy. Scratch stuff? Ha! Everything's all scratched up - who cares? Pee on things? Chance has that covered. What's left?"
Eli: "I will stop loving you."
Long pause.....
Me: "Oh. Wait. Don't do that. Let's talk some more and try to work this out..."
Sibling rivalry is a tricky thing. Whether it's cats, dogs or human children, it's a constant battle. And, as with any battle, or competition, there are winners and losers. It's up to the parent to turn it from a battle into a game where everybody wins. Well, at least everybody is loved and feels like a winner.
Some hilarious images of sibling rivalry:
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