As some of you know, one area that we worried about before Althea came home was the potential conflict with our cat--Xena, Warrior Princess Kitty.We like Xena quite a lot, but . . .well . . .let's just say she's doesn't play well with others. Given her feistiness and usual habit of completely disappearing whenever children come to the house, we really wondered how she would deal with Althea's arrival.
Initially, she seemed predictably put out about the whole thing (and literally put herself out). She wouldn't even come in the house for about two weeks!
Eventually though, she figured out that she would have to learn to cope with this tiny intruder. I think it helped that Althea has always LOVED Xena, always been fascinated and thrilled whenever she even spotted her at all. Cats know they deserve admiration, so they usually respond well to it.
So, as you can see, they have reached a pretty good understanding. Xena even rubs up against Althea (then quickly scoots away). Althea has learned the word "gentle," and applies the meaning well most of the time.
I suppose they may still have some interesting encounters as Althea gets faster and rowdier. (Whoa, there's a sobering picture.)
But for now, we're grateful both for gentle toddler admiration and feline tolerance.
