features@ihuxf.UUCP (M.A. Zeszutko) (11/23/83)
Of course such things happen! A "pecking order" is established quite readily, it seems, when a new creature is introduced into a household. My friend had one cat in residence (a shy scared little thing) when she adopted another cat (quite regal and quite self-assured). Guess who eats first? The first cat seems to be top cat. I have recently taken in a new cat for fostering. My own two, in residence for 6 and 5 years respectively, have made sure the newcomer knows his place. All three seem fairly content with the situation, except maybe when "treat time" comes. Then they each want to make sure they get some, and are quite emphatic about it. I think most creatures can work out a harmonious relationship if given time, patience, and little interference. My friends who work in a Montessori pre-school tell me the same kind of "ordering" happens with kids, too, as long as the adults don't push. I guess the kids' ways and the animals' ways are not necessarily ours.