Last month I said that the spring was almost upon us. Well since then we have had some days when even I think it is warm enough to sit out and just do what comes naturally to any self respecting cat- snooze in the sun. You can see that I just have an eye slightly open, as well as both ears cocked in case Sandra comes any nearer with the camera, Ruari jumps on the seat or there is any hint of food in the offing. I am slightly ashamed of the background here. Sandra was supposed to have sanded the seat and varnished it by now. Strongly encouraged by me, she has done it since the picture was taken but I’ve not deigned to re-pose for her and she is not skilled enough to retouch the photo! Sigh...I need to have a shot of me enjoying both the Aga and the sunshine together on my stripey towel. Something to look forward to for us all!
Talking of food – which we almost were and is always my favourite subject, as you know – we have had quite a good month for human visitors which means special meat and fish for us all. Ruari has never learned the taste for real food which I find amazing – but welcome in that there is no competition and more for me. I have to have the food flaked, mashed or processed to cope with my lack of teeth but I hate it like pap – so demeaning and it seems to lose flavour with the texture. It has to be just right!
With the happy prospect of real food to come, I have been gracing the front room with my presence to charm the guests. I see this as playing to the gallery, and don’t want to devalue my allure by appearing too often. However, I hear ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs ‘ when Ruari works the room and I don’t want him to have all the attention. The best moment with human guests is when they leave. I like to see them off the premises to make sure they are really gone. If they show signs of staying too long, I take up position in the hall, howl and/or strafe the carpet which often seems to remind them that they should go soon. Once the door is closed on them, I often get an extra treat of left-overs (for being so charming, of course) while Gill and Sandra do the washing up. Makes all the hard work socialising worthwhile and I sleep very well.That is until Ruari brings in a mouse, or Oscar, or both.
The good weather and balmy nights have encouraged them to be more nocturnal. Then they crash in in the early morning, go mad with the rug and toys if no real mouse has been found , just manage to stay awake long enough to have breakfast – and sleep soundly for most of the day. Ruari will tell you his version below. Make allowances for his ‘purple passages’ of exaggerations. Mind you, I have to admit that his hunting techniques have developed greatly since he was proud of bringing in worms. I’d rather have the catnip variety of mouse. Sandra has brought a new batch back from London recently and they are second only to swimming costumes for a quick, legal, high. The trouble is that Oscar and Saffi like them too and it does not take them long to find that we have new supplies. Sharing toys is so tiresome. It is not as though they bring any of theirs in return although Ruari does ‘share’ their food, I think.
Here’s the ‘tiger cat’ himself (fanfare sounds)...
RUARI WRITES: There’s no need for Suzie to be so snide. I think she is just jealous. Yes, the worm catching was a long time ago and the last few weeks have seen me catching a vole, mouse and, the one of which I am most proud, a baby squirrel. Sandra is a real pain as if she sees me with a catch; she either takes me or my catch away from the other one. I was having such fun with the squirrel. I only ever want to play with these creatures – hunting, catching and playing. It is instinctive; it’s what centuries of evolution have honed in me. I get praised for my skill – but my prize is taken away – what kind of message is that? These humans are such spoil sports.
Anyway, the hunting and all the extra exercise in the light nights and long days has trimmed me of the winter bulge on my hips and you can see from my camouflage picture above, stalking through the garden jungle, that I am in magnificent shape. Suzie won’t tell you that so I have to, gleaming the while!
