Rivalry of two cats and me
Life has a way of surprising us with the most unexpected companions. A few weeks ago, I met a small cat—not quite a kitten, yet not fully grown—who appeared out of nowhere, chasing lizards in our backyard. Curious, I called out to her, and to my surprise, she responded with a soft “meow-meow” and walked right up to me as if we’d known each other forever. That moment marked the beginning of a unique bond.
We started feeding her, and soon she became a regular visitor—twice a day, like clockwork. Her presence brought joy and a sense of connection. But just fifteen days later, another surprise awaited us. A tiny kitten, clearly in distress and possibly abandoned, appeared in our backyard. She was fragile, scared, and in urgent need of care. Without hesitation, I began feeding her daily, hoping to help her survive.
As days passed, the kitten grew stronger and began to trust me. She followed me around, stayed close, and found comfort in my presence. Her attachment was so deep that we eventually allowed her inside the house to protect her from rival cats. But this act of kindness stirred unexpected emotions in the older cat.
The once calm and independent visitor began showing signs of jealousy. She started visiting more frequently, lingering longer, and even attempting to enter the house—something she had never done before. Her behavior shifted from peaceful to possessive, and she began confronting the kitten aggressively.
Now, I find myself caught between two feline friends, both dear to me, yet locked in a silent rivalry. I love them both, but their tension is causing emotional strain. I never imagined that caring for two cats could become so complex.
If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions on how to ease this feline feud, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Sometimes, the heart has room for many—but not all hearts accept sharing that space.
