Ask Lyle is our weekly cat-to-cat advice column from Modern Cat (and ridiculously outspoken gentleman), Lyle. Submit your questions to asklyle@moderncat.com, and he will be happy to answer them. Don't forget to include a photo of the questioning cat so that we can post it with the advice!

You can also follow Lyle's adventures on Twitter and Instagram, @lylestagram. 

Dear Lyle,

I have recently been adopted into a forever home! I have been here one week and I love it and my new momma although it seems that she inadvertently brought home another cat when she brought me home! This other cat is always trying to snuggle up to me and wants to be near me all the time, it's rather annoying so sometimes I just give her a swat. She is a lot younger than me and doesn't know the ropes of being supremely well behaved. I'm wondering how long it will be before my momma realizes her mistake and returns the pest back to the adoption home we came from (at The Meow Foundation).

Trying to be tolerant,

Hyacinth

Dear "Table for One" Hyacinth,

That is fantastic news! I am oh so glad you have found your forever home. It always makes me happy when an older cat finds just the right place they have been waiting for. Let's get to the meat of your question here. Hmmm…meat…yum. Oops. Just drooled on the keys here. Please don't tell my momma. I have thought long and hard about your situation, and I think you might not like the conclusion I have come to. I don't think it was a mistake on your momma's part. I think she meant to bring home your new sister. Maybe she thought you would like to have a friend around…someone to cuddle with and groom? It sounds like your buddy has an incredibly big heart, and she is just looking for a little indication that you like her as much as she likes you. Maybe throw her a bone (pardon the dog-based expression) once in a while, and let her have a cuddle?

When I moved into my forever home, it was just me and my momma, and I was very stressed out when she wasn't there. I had a bit of a rough go of it in kittenhood (my first owner didn't understand what I needed and left me at a pound), so I was naturally scared that my new momma wouldn't always come home to me.  Once she realized I needed a little more company, she got me a new brother, and we have been best friends ever since. Having this new guy around helped me learn that I was really part of a family, and it sounds like you are too. I know it can be irritating if someone is in your space when you just want a moment alone, but that is the thing about family–they get to intrude because we love them. Trust me on this one, you will be glad your sister is there soon enough. I wish you all the best!

 

-Lyle

There is more great advice where that came from!

Why Does My Human Leave Me to Travel? from Cordelia

Why Do the Humans Laugh at Me? from Dorian

Why Can't I Scratch on the Couch? from Nibbles

A Cat's Sixth Sense from Elroy