A post from Fil a while ago got me thinking about welcoming Chester into the
family and it occured to me that I hadn't actually formally welcomed him.
It's been more of a pay-attention-to-Chester-thing-when-Otis-isn't-looking.
... but I hadn't really realized that I was doing that.  Otis is too
possessive and I haven't wanted to get Chester in trouble.

Well, once I realized what I've done FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS, I talked to
Chester and formally welcomed him as a fully functioning member of the
family, with all related priviledges.

It actually has made a difference.  He sleeps on the bed all the time and
will come up and curl beside me.  I can call to him when Otis is in the room
and Chester can come for love without getting run off by Otis.  I think my
subtle body language change has given a message to darling Otis that Chester
has rights too - and that I don't love him any less when I pay attention to
Chester.  Chester has always been loved and pampered and treated like
royalty but there was just a subconscious difference in the way I treated
the two of them.  I delighted to say that Chester has really grown into the
role beautifully.  He's still a cat that seems to prefer some quiet time on
his own every day (Otis prefers constant companionship) but he's also
unashamed about asking for love in front of his brother.

I can't believe that they're 10 years old (Otis is but Chester will be in
July)!

Susan M
Otis and Chester