Alpha Cat

D.H. asks, "Miss Kitty,

As a new cat owner who has previously owned dogs, how do I tell which of my two kittens is 'the alpha'? When wrestling, the burly grey kitten submits to the dainty white kitten. When eating, the dainty white kitten allows the burly grey kitten to shoulder her out of the way in order to polish off her share of the food. Are there other indicators? Or is the designation of an alpha merely a simplistic tool people use to categorize animal relationships that, in reality, are much more complex?

Hi, D.H.

I think the most important thing to remember here is that these are cats, not dogs.

Cat society is different from dog society, as in, it's a little more relaxed. They don't spend entire days trying to prove who is coolest. Today, the dainty white one may be in charge; tomorrow, it will be the burly grey one. Cats aren't nearly as concerned with status as dogs are.

Where do you think the phrase "cool cat" came from?

Thank you, D.H. for your question! Keep 'em coming, guys! askmisskittyanything@gmail.com