Just the Two of Us

If you're like Mom Paula, you're already singing the little tune of "just the two of us..." As most of you know, we are half sisters and only 12 weeks apart in age. Truffle came to live with me on September 4, 2011 and Brulee joined us on November 5, 2011.

Brulee and Truffle after 3 days together

The first meeting between the two drew hisses from 5-month old Truffle, but Brulee didn't let it phase her. Truffle would pin her down, I'd pull Truffle away from Brulee, and Brulee would jump right back up and play with Truffle again. By the third day together, Brulee and Truffle could be found sleeping together, side-by-side, and I was a happy cat mom!

Truffle mothering Brulee about 6 weeks after Brulee joined our family

Over the next 6-7 weeks, Brulee and Truffle continued to get to know each other and each began to set their boundaries. It was obvious Truffle was the alpha kitty, but Brulee followed her around everywhere. There were lots of tussles, but also plenty of loving. I captured the two of them together on the piano bench one day and this will always be one of my favorite photos of them. Look at that contented face on Brulee as Truffle gives her a bath.

Truffle placing a protective paw over Brulee as she takes a nap

The girls continued to explore their relationship, which still included some spats. I remember waking up one morning and petting Brulee when I felt a little lump on her back. My first thought was, "Oh no! Another tumor!" and I rushed her to the vet. Turns out it was probably a little nip from Truffle and it healed up quickly. Truffle was almost 7 months old by now and would have her spay surgery done the next month. It was obvious she was maturing into the beautiful cat she would become and she continued to mother spunky little Brulee. As a cat mom of two kittens, I struggled to show each equal and quality attention. This was the first time I'd had more than one cat and I was so afraid I wouldn't give each enough attention. I eventually discovered (as human parents and children do) that the girls would let me know when it was time to have my attention.

Brulee and Truffle get side-by-side after Truffle's surgery

Truffle was spayed in January. I remember the day I brought her back home from the vet. His instructions were to keep her calm and don't let her jump around. As soon as Truffle was awake, Brulee wanted to play with her. I was afraid Brulee would cause Truffle's stitches to break, so I put Brulee in the bathroom behind the closed door for about 30 minutes to calm her down. The entire time Brulee was sequestered in the bathroom, Truffle maintained a vigil outside the door and didn't leave. I eventually let Brulee out and she was much calmer around Truffle after that. I looked around behind me in the home office and found the girls sitting side-by-side on the little table looking out the window. I guess this was the first time I realized the connection the girls had with each other.

Truffle and Brulee resting side-by-side in November 2013

Brulee was spayed on April 23, only 3 months after Truffle. The girls continued to be close. There were the spats, the mischievousness, and the sleeping together. This continued very peacefully until Brulee got really sick with an upper respiratory infection two times in 2015 and had to be rushed to the emergency animal hospital. For the first time, Truffle reacted differently when Brulee came home. Brulee had been placed in an oxygen chamber, blood withdrawn for tests, and sub-q fluids given, so she definitely smelled different. Truffle walked around the house hissing and slinking. I had to spend more time with Brulee because she needed medication and had to be closed in the bathroom with me for the hot steam of the shower to help clear up her sinuses. For some reason, the girls really didn't cuddle next to each other too much after that. The would sleep on opposite sides of me in the bed and would rest near me in the living room and in my office, but they weren't snuggling anymore. I was beginning to believe all the tales I heard about female cats not getting along as they get older were true.

Truffle and Brulee have begun to get close to each other again

I've talked to animal communicator, Coryelle Kramer, a few times over the last few years. Coryelle shared that the girls are typical sisters. Each loves me and they have set parameters for when each of them will snuggle with me. We really didn't discuss why they don't snuggle with each other anymore. This past year, both Truffle and Brulee had a major illness.  Truffle had bladder stones removed in April and Brulee was very connected to Truffle during that time. Brulee was very patient with Truffle and appeared to look out for her while she recuperated. Brulee became very ill after her vaccination in July and had to spend 4 days in the emergency animal hospital. Truffle was a little hissy when Brulee came home, but both cats were on antibiotics because of infections, so they didn't feel well. One morning in late September, I woke up to find Truffle and Brulee snuggling together on the corner of my bed beneath the fan. I was shocked! This was the first time in years they'd been so close to each other. In fact, Brulee was actually resting a paw on Truffle. They are still having their little spats, but I'm seeing them resting near each other a little more frequently. Hopefully, they are becoming close again.

I hope you enjoyed our little trip down memory lane.

Truffle goes back to the vet this morning for her 6-month follow up ultrasound and urinalysis to see how her bladder is doing. I will take Brulee with Truffle to help decrease the reaction to a difference in smells. I'll update you on our Facebook page when I get them back home. Special thoughts and purrs are appreciated.