Here's why we like Sophie

One reason, at least: So Sophie’s lying on the bed, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Suddenly, she jumps down, trots into the bathroom to retrieve her favorite toy (a looped cable-tie) and brings it to the mirror and tries to give it to the kitty in the mirror, pushing it against the glass.

Isn’t that sweet?

OTOH, when Louise still lived with Sophie, Louise had to obey The Rules, which included, for example, the rule that Louise was not allowed to sit on the sofa. Also, whenever Louise went into the bathroom to use the litter box, The Rules required Sophie to stand outside, hidden beside the door, and jump on Louise as she emerged. Louise got more and more nervous about going to the bathroom and, since Sophie would stay hidden, she never knew whether Sophie was there or not. Finally The Wife had to accompany Louise to the bathroom and wait while she did her business, and then accompany her back.

Before you weep for Louise, recall that when Louise lived with Stella, a lovely and matronly cat, Louise would sit on the cover of the litterbox and bat at Stella’s head while Stella tried to do her potty.

Kitties are complex creatures.