Did I mention that B (in front) wasn’t initially a big fan of her new brother, Hank? The idea of getting a second cat came about when B was past her initial stress meowing but on to her meowing-for-attention phase. You might think you know what I’m talking about, but this was seriously a level or two past normal. I even voice recorded her one day when I got home from work when she would follow me around for 10 minutes despite having food in her bowl. I sent it to a friend and he said it was “off the hook”, or maybe it was “off the chain” – I’m not sure about the hip lingo these days. Either way, after a year it was clear that she needed a friend. Who we brought home one November Saturday, however, was not that friend. After Hank warmed up to his surroundings, he began his transformation into the king of the condo, which included terrorizing B, who’s meowing instantly stopped because it seemed to attract too much attention. After some time (and forced separation), they have found a comfortable companionship. They are often on the same couch or even in the same closet. Hank has started grooming B’s head, although that is frequently followed by an attempt at her jugular. When one of them finds themselves alone for too long, we will sometimes hear a lonely howling, like they are lost in a maze of rooms. Despite all the togetherness and hints of fondness, I’m still not convinced it isn’t all about who has the better sleeping spot. The one who got there first doesn’t want to leave, and the one who wants it is willing to share.