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a Beta kitten will also take advantage of this natural alignment, as the Beta kitten's energy and curiosity will match First Alpha. With proper support, a grown Beta is capable of keeping First Alpha at bay, demand respect, and becoming a willing Supervisor of First Alpha's routines.

It's easy to tell what our own cat is like. How can we tell what Assertiveness Level a new cat might have? If the new cat is a kitten, try the box test. Place the kitten in a large, empty, cardboard box. If the kitten just sits there, or looks up at you pleadingly, they are a Gamma. If the kitten patrols the box to check it out, they are a Beta. If the kitten immediately leaves the box, or demands to be let out with loud cries, they are an Alpha.

Adults give more clues. Ask the shelter people about this cat's habits. If viewed in a cage, see if the cat studies everything around them and has moved around anything that might be in there. That's an Alpha, trying their best to engage what little environment they have handy. Does the cat press against the bars to engage you, reach out with a paw or a sound? That might show the Beta tendency to get their humans to provide what they need. Is the cat huddled in a corner, trying to shut out the intrusive sounds, and looking around with some confusion? That's a Gamma, trying to build a little world of their own.

Of course, we should consider the cat's friendliness, health, age, and sex. Every cat needs to be neutered or spayed. We want to handle the introductions properly, and not rush them because of our own impatience. But the hidden key to successful Second Cat acquisition is proper matching of Assertiveness Levels.

That's where the smartest and best intentioned people get into trouble. They do everything right; except that.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Merritt.
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