This is part of the Multiple Cat Advantage. We are not only lightening the social burden by providing our cats with friends. We are not only adding to our own cat enjoyment by having more cats.
We are creating a Cat Civilization. The benefits of any well-functioning civilization includes the seamless integration of new members by establishing clear rules of conduct.
Cats can do the training of the new cats, for us.
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All we need is a Beta with the right skills, and we have our civilization’s core. Betas are cats equally at home in both worlds. They model good behavior by refraining from causing trouble, and encouraging other cats to do the same. They also model human affection moves, showing and supporting other cats in their efforts to make friends with humans.
Alphas and Gammas have their spots in the civilization too. They are friends to other Alphas and Gammas. They model the best ways for their type to fit in. They contribute to the Rules of the House that offer a place for every cat.
It is not just in the short term that we find a Cat Civilization working for us. As we add new cats, and, inevitably and regretably, lose others, we find that our civilization offers something else that is bigger than the sum of its parts.
We have continuity.
I have been blessed with many extraordinary cats who modeled the highest standards in human care and understanding. They have trained other cats with their insight and compassion. Thus, while I no longer have some of these cats, I do have the cats they created.
James Bond is my current generational anchor. He was raised by Bubby, my Maine Coon mix, and in turn Mr. Bond is raising Reverend Jim. In his turn, Bubby was raised by Myron, my Siamese-whatever Ghandi cat who was the founding cat of my home cat rescue, and influenced all the cats who came after him.
It’s not crazy at all to have multiple cats. More than half of all cat people have more than one cat. Of those who do not, most want to have another cat, but hesitate over potential cat conflicts.
It’s a problem of commitment.
If we decide we love cats enough to make our lives with them, we should do ourselves a favor. Start with two. Be open to adding more.
Because the more cats we have, the easier it is to have cats.
That’s the strength of any civilization. That’s the strength of committing to a Cat Civilization.
To have something which endures beyond the lifespan of individual members.
It’s tough for Cat Lovers that a cat’s lifespan is only a fraction of our own. We hate to say goodbye to a beloved companion. We can moderate the mourning by knowing we have a structure that will let our lost cats live on.
We can best yield to this reality by loving many cats.
By so doing, we never have to stop.
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There’s more about multiple cats in The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See more posts on the MULTIPLE CAT ADVANTAGE.
