"Cats don't meow as much as you'd think." The reality of owning a cat, different from the "ideal" shared by multi-cat owners

If I lived with cats, I would want to do this and that. If I had multiple cats, I could probably see cute scenes like them all huddling together in a cat pile... !

With such excitement, I started my life with three beloved cats. However, what awaited me was a cat life slightly different from my ideals. I realized that cats are much deeper and freer creatures than humans imagine.

Gap from the Ideal ①: "They never form a cat pile..."

One of the joys of having multiple cats is seeing them snuggle up together in a "cat pile" and getting excited about it (?). When I welcomed Jiji, a calico cat, and Kotaro, a tabby cat, and started my dream multi-cat life, I was genuinely looking forward to seeing a cute cat pile.

However, reality was harsh... Even after taking plenty of time to let them get used to each other, the two were incredibly hostile, always in "fight mode" when they met. They ended up in a "clashing relationship" far from a cat pile.

After that, we welcomed Leon, an orange tabby, as a mediator, and Jiji and the others' relationship improved, but a cat pile still wasn't seen... In the end, all three of our beloved cats became independent and slept wherever they pleased.

However, in the middle of winter, a cat pile can be seen very rarely...! But when I imagine that they're probably just huddling together out of necessity to keep warm, not really wanting to be that close, it gives me a strange feeling.

Gap from the Ideal ②: "Their meows are unique, and they don't just 'meow'."

The most surprising thing I discovered while living with multiple cats was the shocking fact that cat meows have individuality.

I wish I could tell my ignorant past self, who thought that at least the pitch and the way they said "meow" would be unique, that cats don't actually meow that much. Here are the meows of my beloved cats that I've observed while living with them:

[Jiji]

• Kyū-wan Kyū-wan (when they want to play or be noticed)
• Hooo~~~~~~ (during chattering)
• Kya-kya (when carrying a bath mat)
• Kya! (when surprised)
• Cha~! (when happy to make eye contact)

[Kotaro]

• Guwa-guwa! (when very curious about something)
• Un? Un? (when following me)
• Wan-wan! (when they have something to assert)
• Guwaaaan! (when looking for their housemate Leon)
• Un!!! (when surprised by sudden touch)

[Leon]

• Un~~~! (when grumpy)
• Waaan!!! (when making excuses after being scolded)
• Unn-? (when called by name)
• Unn-uhn! (when dissatisfied)
• Un?! (when surprised by touch)

I think I'm living with cats, but maybe they're not all cats after all... Every time I hear their strange meows, I can't help but doubt the true identity of all of them.

Gap from the Ideal ③: "They surprisingly don't fight over food."

I worried that having multiple cats would lead to fierce battles over food. When I first started living with three cats, I watched them closely during meal times to make sure no riots broke out (I'm a worrier, you see).

However, my cats are very well-behaved and seem to have had the spirit of "food for everyone equally" ingrained in them from the start. Not once has there been a dispute over food.

Even at snack time, if I made sure to give them treats in the order of Jiji → Kotaro → Leon, saying "in order," they would sit and wait patiently without getting rowdy. (Occasionally, if I made a mistake in the order, they would look surprised and as if to say, "Huh? It's my turn, isn't it?!")

I'm impressed by their intelligence, but after Jiji was diagnosed with heart disease and started needing medication, I was deeply moved by the wisdom and kindness of all three cats.

For Jiji's medication, we use "Churu," a cat treat that all three cats love. Even though it's a treat they crave, my cats patiently wait their turn. 

When giving medication, I give Jiji Churu mixed with medicine on a separate plate, and Kotaro and Leon have never tried to steal it.

If I were a cat, would I be able to respect others like this and wait patiently...? Every time I see the gentle behavior of my three cats, I reflect on myself, who always has my eye on my partner's ice cream.

Gap from the Ideal ④: "They don't play with toys together..."

Our cats have a unique way of playing with cat teasers. Just like at mealtime, it seems they respect their housemates, as they never play together at the same time.

The one who always starts playing first is Leon, the youngest. Leon loves jumping games. When I move the cat teaser up and down, he jumps and shows off comical poses.

While Leon is playing, Kotaro watches him, waiting for his turn to play. Kotaro loves playing with the cat teaser moving like a snake, batting at it with both paws.

When Kotaro starts playing, Leon lies down on the flooring for a short break, as if to say, "I'm good now. I'll let the senior play." He watches Kotaro from a spot where he won't interfere with the play. (Maybe he's thinking, "He's really going for it.")

After all that cat teasing is done, Jiji finally starts moving, as if to say, "Alright, here I go." Even though he was unresponsive when I waved the cat teaser in front of him just a moment ago, he suddenly lights up, as if a switch has been flipped.

However, Jiji's way of playing is unique. Perhaps the urge to play with the toy becomes so strong that he can't control it, but he doesn't touch the cat teaser, instead dashing across the room from one end to the other. In the end, he's satisfied with his dash, without playing with the toy.

Cats are creatures that cannot be defined by a single mold or categorized as "this kind of animal." I want to continue serving my cats and enjoy this unpredictable cat life that is different from my ideals.