WHEN A FOUR-CAT HOUSEHOLD BECOMES TWO - TROUBLE BREAKS OUT.
BY LAUREL & HANK GREER
PHOTOS BY JEANNE TAYLOR / JTPETPICS.COM
UP UNTIL SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WE WERE A HAPPY FAMILY THAT INCLUDED THE TWO OF US AND OUR FOUR RESCUED CATS.
Sam, whom we adopted from Charleston Animal Society in 1999, was the patriarch and soul of our household. He helped us keep everyone else in line.
Simon and Bear were born in our basement after we rescued a mama cat from a hoarding situation in 2004.
Then there was Sirri whom we found alone and frightened at just 7 weeks old in 2009.
Together, this cast of characters brought so much joy to our home. Everything seemed in perfect balance.
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Five years seemed to pass so quickly with all four of them together. Then in 2014, we sadly lost two of them just months apart, our precious Sam in June and our sweet Simon in November.
One of the things that helped us through this difficult time was the company of Bear and Sirri. We were devastated, but we still had both of them to cherish.
THE CHAOS
Unfortunately, the chemistry in the house changed dramatically after losing Sam and Simon. Bear and Sirri became archenemies, fighting quite violently -- and often.
We tried every type of calming method recommended: pheromones, crystals, herbal remedies, prescription medications, etc. Nothing seemed to work, and we were so disheartened to see our two babies fighting.
At wits’ end – we wondered if doing something drastic would solve our problem: bringing in new cats to re-balance the household.
