In a touching display of feline affection, a London cat named Tattie has formed an unusual attachment to a hand puppet, leading her owner to contemplate expanding the family with a new kitten.
Beth, a London resident, welcomed cats Tattie and Neeps into her home in 2022. The duo’s story began when Beth received a cat collar with the name Tattie as a Christmas gift from her boyfriend. Excited about the prospect of owning a cat, Beth and her partner decided to adopt two kittens after learning from the breeder that one of the kittens, Neeps, had a special bond with Tattie.
This bond between Tattie and Neeps is in line with recent research. A 2022 study published in Nature demonstrated that cats living with other felines can develop strong relationships, often recognizing and responding to each other’s names. The study, conducted by Kyoto University researchers, involved 48 cats and revealed that these animals could identify their companions through visual and auditory cues.
Since joining Beth’s household, Tattie and Neeps have displayed a close relationship, characterized by playful interactions and mutual care. Despite their occasional play fights, the two cats are inseparable, with Tattie often taking a protective role over her sibling.
Their bond was tested when Neeps was diagnosed with a rare and severe heart condition as a kitten. The surgery he underwent was groundbreaking, marking him as the first recorded case to receive such an operation. Against the odds, Neeps survived, and the experience deepened the connection between him and Tattie.
In a heartwarming twist, Tattie has recently become enamored with a hand puppet, treating it as her personal “pet” by carrying it around. This new behavior has led Beth to consider adding a kitten to their family, although she is currently content with her two playful and affectionate cats.
“They have really big personalities and they’re very chatty and super playful,” Beth said. “It’s wonderful to see how Tattie has taken on a nurturing role with her new ‘toy.’”
The story of Tattie and Neeps highlights the depth of feline relationships and the unexpected ways pets can enrich our lives.
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