When Ripley came home with us, Dexter was not impressed. He hissed and ran upstairs where he hid for the next couple of days. He was six months old and Ripley was six weeks, and hardly 'scary' looking, but Dexter would have nothing to do with even being around her. After about a week things had started to settle down a little and Dexter no longer hissed when Ripley came near, but he was still very aloof and suspicious. Eventually he realized that she was rather fun to be around and soft to curl up next to. Over time they became best play and cuddle buddies. They loved playing tag late at night and they enjoyed venturing out to the "wilds" of the fenced in backyard. Ripley was always far calmer and braver than Dexter, and she eventually grew larger than him.
It was difficult to know who the 'boss cat' was. We knew it changed, but even so, it was hard to discern. Ripley and Dexter were so close that I think that's perhaps why there was never any real need for 'top cat', but that it was more of a game or mood thing for them. |  |
Ripley and Dexter complimented each other in every way.. in looks, and in temperment. They were opposites, and they were very bonded to one another. One of the hardest parts of losing Ripley is to see Dexter looking so lost and lonely. I'm not sure we can ever introduce a new friend for Dex, he's not very friendly to other people or animals. Ripley was overly patient with him - I'm not sure any other cat would have been able to endure 12yrs with Dexter. |
