Hertzler Outpost

Annie’s New Nemesis, Cat

Last week when the cold weather hit, the local stray cat which Audrey has been feeding kicked the “Let-Your- Neighborhood-Cat- In” campaign up to the next level. With big saucer eyes she peered in our back door and meowed for all she was worth. It worked.

Cat immediately endeared herself to all the right people. Right away she curled up on the couch with Andrew who had been wanting a pet which preferred him. Since Audrey is allergic to cats, the mere presence of a cat being cute in the house was enough to please her. And Cathy’s world was far better knowing she had reduced feline suffering in the world. My warnings about fleas, dirt, scratched up furniture, and the alienation of Annie fell on deaf ears.

Before I knew it the question had become, “Can she spend the night in Andrew’s room?” We completely skipped the “Can Cat come in the house and stay for a couple hours?” stage.

Furthermore, Cat clearly established her authority over Annie. A few swift claw swipes to the curious, but stupid, dog face made this point. An extra loud hiss and a show of sharp little cat teeth made the point emphatically. Poor Annie isn’t sure what to do, so she generally goes about business as though the cat doesn’t exist. It appears to be a coping mechanism.

As I write, Andrew is searching for Cat so he can put her out and go to bed. I think Cat knows this and is hiding so she can stay inside all night. I’m sure the whole thing is part of her plan to live inside permanently.

I have a bad feeling about all of this.