Cat Tale

Cats are such characters, their behavior is a lot more nuanced than dogs. Oftentimes there seems to be some significant thought involved in what they do. They consider their options and make strategic choices.

I guess that's what makes this story entertaining... a small animal quietly sizing things up and deciding what works best for them.

I met someone new at a party this weekend with an amusing story of a resourceful little cat. They're not cat people. She wanted to make it clear they do not have a cat.

However, this might be one of those times when you don't actually have a choice in the matter.

I'm here!
It started with her husband's cell phone bill. They have a fancy security system that sends a text with a photo to his cell phone any time someone comes to their door. Even a small cat. He didn't pay any attention until the bill arrived – he'd gone waaay over his plan – several hundred dollars worth of cat mug shots.

He called AT&T and explained. He and the customer service rep had a good laugh and she credited his account and switched his plan to unlimited texts.

The visits became more frequent, starting at 5 a.m. his cell phone would begin to chime, registering arrival texts...
Ding! Ding! Ding!

So my new friend contacted the president of their HOA... who does this cat belong to? Bogey and her family were identified. Phone calls were made and the neighbors agreed to come retrieve their cat.

But it didn't go well. Bogey was not happy to see them. My new friend described how they picked Bogey up under her shoulders and held her dangling in front of them as they goose stepped home with her. Bogey went stiff and uncooperative, her legs forming an X-shape, ready to latch onto any nearby object and bring the return march to a screeching halt.

Displaced
Turns out Bogey's family had recently installed a new dog. It was an intolerable situation. Bogey continued to run away from home.

5 a.m.
Ding! Front door—
     Ding! Back door—
Ding! Front door—
     Ding! Back door—

Back and forth she'd ricochet, peering in the side light... "Hello! I'm here! Anybody home?"
When they finally opened the door, she looked up and purred at them. "Hello."

They bought a bag of cat food, made a space for her in the garage and chose a new name. But just so you know... they don't have a cat.

But Bogey has decided she has people.