Jerry is a 3-year-old male domestic short hair black cat who started attacking his housemates, other cats: Boo-boo, Sparkle and Jody. His mom wanted to know what was going on with him.
Frances: Hi Jerry – how are you?
Jerry: I’m ok, why? Who wants to know?
Frances: Your mom, Mary asked me to talk with you, is that ok?
Jerry: Yeah, I suppose so. [Sounds like a tough guy.]
Frances: Why are you beating up on your housemates?
Jerry: Like who?
Frances: Boo-boo, Sparkle and Jody.
Jerry: Aw, they’re just pussies – they can’t stand up for themselves. I’m trying to toughen them up.
Frances: Why do they have to be toughened up?
Jerry: To get along in the real world they have to be
tough.
Frances: Jerry, your real world is your home with your loving family – they do not have to be tough, nor do you. All you need is to love; love is what your world is all about.
Jerry: That’s not what I see on the TV – it’s rough out there.
Frances: But Jerry, what you see on the TV is make believe, it’s not real. Your life is your home and your loved ones, not those on the TV.
Jerry: You mean they aren’t going to come in and get us from the box?
Frances: No honey – the images you see on that box is called a TV. They are just like the pictures on the walls that don’t move. They are not real and cannot jump off the wall or out of the TV. Does that make sense?
Jerry: Are you sure?
Frances: Yes, honey, I am sure. Actually, I am positive that your family is safe, and nobody is coming out through the TV.
Jerry: You sound pretty adamant about that, so I guess I’ll just wait and see for myself.
Frances: I promise it won’t happen, but in the meantime while you wait and see, please do not attack your housemates, they are perfect as they are. Just stay loving and kind to everyone in your home, including your housemates.
Jerry: Hmmm, I guess I could do that, but I’m not going to be a sissy if something does come through that box.
Frances: I understand you are not a sissy, but you can be strong and kind at the same time. You are perfect as you are, and mom would like you to be the kind and loving cat she knows you can be. Can you do that?
Jerry: Yeah, I suppose so. I was just trying to prepare everyone in case of a problem, you know?
Frances: Yes, I understand, but you now know that isn’t going to happen, right?
Jerry: Yeah, I get it. I guess I can calm down more, right?
Frances: Yes, you can relax and play with your housemates in a kind and loving way.
Jerry: That sounds pretty good. I think I’ll try that approach. Thank you for explaining this box to me.
Frances: You’re very welcome, Jerry.
My client told me it started when her roommate would play very aggressive video games and Jerry would sit and watch. Luckily the roommate is no longer living there so they can return to being a peaceful and loving home.
Frances
