In every home with multiple cats there is a hierarchy established amongst them.
For many years, Cali held the 'top cat' status in our home. We did not have a male cat, all six cats were female and no one challenged her position. Mr. Ed joined our family almost five years ago but his character made him a 'non-threat' to Cali so the status carried on. When she passed away I was waiting to see what would happen. It was interesting to watch and see how this group of cats, with such age differences, would work out who would reign.
I expected it to be Sierra as she has been here a long time and is still young enough to possibly want this position. But she is a loner and that may come into play.
The first hint came the other night when I put a large plate down for them to share some salmon. Sierra stayed back with no attempt to share. She always eats on top of the dryer. Audrey was busy doing whatever Audrey does and did not notice and Annie, Ed & Lily approached the plate. Lily and Ed began to eat and Annie took a step back and waited behind Ed. Lily ate her share and left. Annie still waited. When Ed seemed satisfied he stepped aside and it was only then that Annie approached the plate and began to eat. Something was certainly being communicated and it may have just been that Ed, being a male, took precedent over her. He may also now reign king of the household. I'm laughing here because at 25 years of age with a gimpy walk, you could knock him over with a feather.
I'll keep you posted.
I'm joining Camera Critters at http://camera-critters.blogspot.ca/
hugs, Deb