Little Differences

Having two kittens is of course good for the kittens; they provide companionship and a playmate for each other. But it is also instructive in seeing how personalities emerge and diverge.

Watching Xandria and Valkyrie, I’ve noted some differences between them. Valkyrie is much more people-oriented, and willing to acquaint herself with any new human soon after she sees him. Her foster-sister is more reticent; she needs to become used to someone over time. Yet both enjoy the company of other cats and are willing to make the first move toward being friends. Xandria has formed a relationship with big brother Moxy, while Valk is not concerned with any one feline - though she seems to be trying to settle near Imogen, from time to time.

Xandria is much smaller than Valk, and iand I think this size influences her behaviour with humans, especially when approached by someone walking erect. Yet she has little fear in tackling and wrestling a bigger cat. She will often initiate a rough wrestling session, and, if breaking free of Valkyrie’s grip, will throw herself back into the fray. She gives as good as she gets in close-quarter tussling. I think she is aware of both her strengths and weaknesses.

Valkyrie is more aware of the advantages her wiry form brings than the disadvantages: she is less likely than Xan to avoid a situation where she might be caught unawares. But she is not timid about utilising her legs - now growing long and gangly - by leaping over Xandria and then landing on her, an action the relatively stubby limbs of her little sister cannot replicate.

Nonetheless, both kittens are active and energetic. Xandria likes a playmate, but will also entertain herself with toys or other distractions, more than will Valkyrie, who prefers someone to act off of.

In terms of food, Valkyrie is more vocal in demanding her meals, but eats less than Xandria when presented with them. On the other hand, Xan will still tuck into kitten-food, while Valkyrie, a whole two months older, will eat some varieties, but prefers grown-up food. Even so, when one wants to eat from the other’s dish, neither makes a fuss about it.

Such are the observations available to a foster-guardian. These will come in useful in finding the right adopter for the kittens, when their individual characteristics will be used to match them with the best families. Until then, however, I will continue to be entertained by what Xandria and Valkyrie have to show me.