One of the reasons why rescue groups advise people to adopt kittens in pairs is so that they can learn from each other. I saw this when I fostered the Felons. Oleo and Bisto learned about different aspects of life at different speeds, and one would pick up knowledge from the other. Having an older cat to instruct a kitten is a similarly good idea, especially if the elder is still young enough to be a playmate.
Zofia is learning from her two ‘brothers’, Hector and Horace. I watched this happen last night. One of Horace’s favourite spots is a cushioned chair at the dining table. Little Miss Zed has started jumping up to lie next to him. But yesterday, she learned something new.
I observed Zofia looking at Ivory, snoozing on his chair. Then, she looked at another cushioned chair. She looked at Horace; she looked at the chair. At last, she hopped up onto the vacant chair and settled down on its cushion. She may have thought that it was similar to Horace’s chair, but it was all her own. And she had mastered it after watching her foster-brother enjoy the comforts of his chair.
Even if Zofia is adopted alone, she will have absorbed valuable lessons from Hec and Ivory; how to play, how to behave, how to enjoy comfort. Even if, someday, her teachers fade from her memory, their tuition will remain, shaping her little life.
That's a good observation. When I took in Edgar, he was a very young kitten. I noticed that he quickly adopted my older cat Pongo as "Mom." I think part of the reason Eddie had such a wonderful personality was that Pongo--a very intelligent and authoritative fellow--taught him the ways of Catworld so well. Unfortunately, my other stray kitten, Kate, detested all my other cats, which caused...problems. She was somehow separated from her mom when she was way too young, so I think she had a hard time dealing with the world.
ReplyDeleteMany rescue organizations feel that two kittens should be adopted together. It helps a kitten learn how to be a cat. They learn social skills, they have another cat to play with, and they learn what behavior is acceptable.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy learning from other friends of this blog about their cats and how they get on in their world. Certainly reading about Zofia who is showing her intelligence every day, is a pleasure. Zifia is fortunate to have acquired two big brothers who are tolerant and good natured with her kittenish ways.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Zofia is learning so much from her older brothers.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you are witnessing Zofia's growth!
ReplyDeleteA good student learns by paying attention. I'd say Miss Zofia is a great student. And looks pretty in the process.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever wee girl.
ReplyDeleteI love watching pets teach the newbies
ReplyDeleteZofia is lucky to have two caring brothers.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good education, elders are wise and good teachers.
ReplyDeleteZofia is a smart kitty. How wonderful that she is learning form the others!
ReplyDeleteZofia catches on quickly! Annie learned things from watching Chumley, Nicki from watching Annie, and Derry from watching Nicki in particular (maybe that wasn't such a good idea, given Nicki's personality and propensity to get into trouble - ha).
ReplyDeleteOur first cat, Groucho, came to us at about age seven. He became the mentor for the next three kittens that came to live with us, one at a time. It was fun to see him decide the newcomer was ok, and then chirp at him/her to entice a play session. Then they would curl up on the sofa or a sun puddle. He outlived two of those 'newcomers'...
ReplyDeleteI love how Zofia can make deductions and then make her own 'thoughts' come too fruition.
Groucho sounds like cats we see and hear of now and then, like the famous Grampa Mason, or our own rescue's Uncle Tyson. They take on the care and education of youngsters, almost as a matter of course. It's wonderful to see.
DeleteShe's such a little doll. I'm sure Horace appreciates she found a chair of her own too.
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