Well, here's a little update:

Reinhold called me on Saturday morning, asking why I haven't called them. I told him that my mother doesn't want me to, and that I'm still upset about the incident. He explained he reacted that way because he found it odd that a cat opens a sliding door and walks into the cabinet. Told him that Lily is allowed to do so, and even if she wasn't, it would have been my turn to tell her, not his, and I would have used other methods but punishment. I don't know if he really got my point, but he better does!

Then he asked me if I would stop by in the afternoon (at their restaurant), and I was reluctant at first, but then I did. My mother acted as if nothing has happened, and I didn't bring up the subject with her since I felt it wouldn't make any sense. When my mother feels defensive (and I'm sure she knew they were wrong), she cannot admit her faults but acts hurt and offended. It would have only led to a new argument, at least at this point. But I have planned to bring this up again when some time has passed.

Actually, I feel I made it too easy for them, but I hope they have learnt that lesson. I don't like being in conflict with somebody, and especially since my mother's sister has suddenly passed away last fall, I realized that my mother isn't the youngest anymore (64), and that she might not be there anymore one day.

moosmom, Reinhold is indeed a control freak when it comes to animals, but not with the women he lived with. It's more the other way around. When he was still married (his wife has died), he didn't have much to say in that relationship (he told me that when I yelled at him, he thought he'd see his wife in front of him). My mother isn't that bad, but still the one who's wearing the trousers. Guess he doesn't have much self confidence when it comes to people (he grew up in an orphanage), and I figure that's why he has to show to animals (who he considers to be lower creatures) that he's the boss. Sad.

Kirsten