Is there hope?

My problem is simple compared to some. When we adopted our first kitty, Trixie, she was an "only" kitten. A year later, we brought 4 week old Petals into the house. My husband found her trying to climb out of ditch out in the middle of nowhere. How she got there we'll never know. I think some cold hearted person dumped her because she was very sick. Happy to say she is a happy, healthy 2 year old now. Back to the story though, Trixie sort of took over the roll as "mother" to this baby, after a day of hissing and staring at this "stranger". She bathes her still to this day. They play nice, sleep together, etc. A year after finding Petals, my husband finds yet another kitten out in the same general area. His name is Tigger. This one is male and about 4 months old, but almost just as sick. Once again, I'm happy to report he is a happy, healthy, rambunctious 1 year old. At first, the girls stayed away, and every time he wanted to get near them, they hissed until their voices were literally hoarse. Well, after a week or so, the girls started getting used to thier new "baby brother". Tiggy is the most loving sweetheart you'd ever want to meet.
But for some reason, the girls, although they play with him occasionally, seem to not include him in the bath times, cuddling times, etc. He tries to include himself but they generally leave. Do you all think this is because he's male?
On a whole, we are one big happy family and I know we all love our fur babies, but I can't imagine loving mine more than I do. I wish I could adopt 10 more!
Susie

Susie, you are wonderful for taking in these two kitties. My guess is that, because, as you said, Trixie feels that she is mother to Petals, she wants to protect herself and her 'kitten' from Tiggy. Also, Tiggy may be the lowest ranking cat in your house and that means he doesn't get the same attention from the other cats. It sounds like Trixie and Petals share a very close bond and although they don't share a close bond with Tiggy, he will be happy enough because he can sleep near them, they play with him sometimes and share their home with him. As long as you make a fuss of him sometimes, to make up for the baths and cuddles he doesn't get from his sisters, he will be happy.

Thanks for the reply.......I think you are right. He knows he's loved...........