There's a New Sheriff in Town

It's been interesting to watch Wylla's role as Deputy Kitten Wrangler take shape. With the first few batches she met,  the kittens were just curiosities, then playmates, but with the past couple of litters, her role is much more nurturing.

 The last batch was the first I saw her bathe.  With the Hollis Girls, she cleans them all the time and seems to monitor them more. She is definitely more "motherly".   If there's ever a cry of distress, she runs to find them.  At mealtime, when everyone is screaming, she thinks they're ALL in a state of distress and she moves from kitten to kitten, pulls them close, and licks them feverishly as if she's saying "Girls, girls, relax! It's ok!"   She'll chirp and trill at them, too - she's always talking to the kittens.

Here's a little clip of her in action the other day. It's very brief so I repeated it a few times for you. It's kind of quiet, so turn up the volume a bit.

And please make note of Bean's paws in action.  "Back off, kitten. I'm waiting for breakfast, too."



Bean's role has changed, as well. She still interacts with the little ones, but in a different way. You'll see her give an occasional bath, but mostly she likes to just hang back and watch and let them entertain her.

I think it might be time to promote Wylla to Lead Kitten Wrangler. I think she's qualified for the position, and I think Bean might be ready to step down.

Whatever their role, I'm grateful they are both a part of the process. I do think they help prepare the kittens for their lives ahead.