Now, what happened for Yin Yin to earn that nickname?
Well, one reason is, if Blackie is in Yin Yin's way, she would just brush past him without sparing him a glance or thought. On the other hand, if Yin Yin is in the way, Blackie hesitates to walk past her.
He would put one paw forward tentatively, and if it looked like he might brush against her, which he would if she were standing sideways at a door entrance, he would step backwards again and waited until she moves out of the way.
Sometimes it is a long wait, and I am never sure whether to laugh or feel sorry for him as he waited and waited patiently for her to move out of the way first.
The second reason is, the way they interact with each other. When Yin Yin wants company from Blackie, she would approach him and make a cooing sound. Then she'll walk off and for an hour or two at least, Blackie will be following her around (he never walks in front of her, always just at her tail).
So, you can imagine the funeral procession in my home with me being the hearse. Yes, Blackie and Yin Yin like to follow me around, although Blackie has changed from following me to following Yin Yin now. I'm not sure if I should be offended at this. :)
And they have their own special seating arrangement....she sits on a higher ledge than him. If he tries to join her on the same level, she'll whack him with her paw, and he'll return to a lower spot.
Below is a photo I couldn't help taking last night. Yin Yin had disappeared behind the curtains after spending some time with Blackie. Blackie, who has been whacked by Yin Yin before for trying to sit on the stool, continued to sit on the floor, and meowed for Yin Yin. Only after a few meows did she deign to pop out again, and sat on the dressing table to keep Blackie company.
See the gap in the curtain? That's where Yin Yin popped out from.
It's strange, as Blackie has been sitting on the stool, dressing table, and the window ledges his entire life, and yet, now he bows down to Yin Yin as having the right to those places. Yin Yin is the alpha female?? *scratch head*
