When we were little, my sister and I were thrown together for sheer survival. We were often left alone...figuratively but also quite literally. And as a result, we formed an extreme codependency, a strange sociology, and a language all our own. Most of which could potentially get us locked up for observation if ever witnessed by outside observers.
To this day we carry parts of it in our DNA. Sometimes we can still be spontaneously triggered into chanting seemingly random phrases in unison, accompanied by reflexive choreography committed to muscle memory.
One of our little quirks is to tilt our heads together, shrug our shoulders, and declare loudly in an annoyingly nasal whine, “We loooooove each other!”
So goes the mysterious bond of siblings. And it transcends species.
On 25 June, 2016, I stumbled upon a family giving away two adorable kittens in the parking lot of a Mexican grocery store. Now I’m a lifelong cat lover. I’ve shared most of my days with these superior creatures. But my last cat had died in 2010 and I was on the longest feline hiatus I’d ever experienced.
It’s not that plenty of cats didn't attempt to burrow their way into my heart. I was tempted. Often. But until I met these two, I’d resisted. All it took was one look...and I was smitten.
I pretended to waffle and struggle, knowing full well that I was beyond the point of no return. I tentatively held the boy: a majestic tuxedo panther with a little man face. And then his sister: a wild-eyed, pied-face muted calico with racing stripes down her back and a partially hidden tiger pattern under the tabby suit.
These two were superheroes and there was never any question that I’d be taking them both home. But just in case, the panther shot me a telepathic glance, telling me in no uncertain terms that I was not to break them up.
Like I said, I’ve had cats all my life. I’ve even had litter mates several times before. But I’ve never known two cats so deeply tied to one another. Max and Cassiopeia are absolute soulmates, partners in crime. They play together, plot together, eat together, sleep together. But it’s so much deeper. They’ve never once had an actual fight. They look out for each other constantly. Their connection and loyalty are astounding. As is their awesome choreography and their secret language.
I suspect that should other kitties ever witness it, my little monsters just might be locked up for observation. Because while the words may be in another language and the sounds and sights are slightly different, not a day goes by that they do not lean in, put their heads together, shrug a little, and solemnly declare, “We loooooove each other!”
In CAT, of course.