They might not be blood sisters but having grown up together since "kittenhood" Mili and Hecate are the next best thing. With very, very different personalities they might not be expected to get along, but as these recent photographs show they rub along quite nicely. Felidae (the biological family of cats) are solitary predators that, with the exception of lions, do not live in socially structured groups. However, while the wildcat ancestors of domestic cats are solitary animals, the social behaviour of domestic cats is, apparently, more variable depending primarily on the density of cats in the area and availability of food sources. Consequently, we try to ensure that Mili and Hecate have no competition for food or living space in the house. The old adage that you should never have more cats than there are knees to sit upon, holds more than a grain of truth.
Felis catus (the species that is the domestic cat) has proved to be a remarkably adaptable species, and while retaining its roots as a solitary hunter, will adapt to group living through the development of social structures. In our house this means equal standings with neither exhibiting dominant characteristics. Although for the first few years Mili did try to "mother" Hecate and will still occasionally groom her.
This time of the year going outside is not the priority for our two cats. However, when the weather is not too hostile they still like to keep an eye on my activities.
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