The Intruder

A most unusual thing happened last night. Well, although S.S. Squeak loves Fred (the cat), Fred has never really been too keen on S.S. However, they get on OK together just as long as SS doesn't flaunt herself too much in front of Fred. Now to get to the `unusual' bit, a few weeks ago I noticed a black and white cat on the balcony. It has been there several times since, but never when Fred is around, so I naturally assumed that Fred wouldn't come in until this new intruder had gone away. Well, last night I opened the balcony door when I heard Fred's meow and in she walked, closely followed by the black and white cat. They seemed to be on the best of terms and Fred didn't worry at all about him being in there, but she did `his' at SS in passing. SS Squeak, of course, decided she didn't like this new intruder at all and was most rude to him, `hissing' and `glaring' as if she owned the place - shades of Dennis? So for a while I had three cats in my living room, and I must admit I could see the funny side of the situation. There was Fred `hissing' at SS and SS in turn `hissing' at the black and white cat, but completely ignoring Fred (which I am sure only aggravates Fred all the more). The black and white cat meanwhile ignored both Fred and SS and just got down to pinching the food I had previously put down for them. By the time they, and myself, realised what was happening he had gulped down most of it!

Grace Russ - 23rd August 1977