Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Following the Bad Example

A few years ago, Tucker decided to see what the fireplace was like. There was no fire in the grate at the time - even my roly poly knew not to investigate open flames - and the ashes from the previous winter’s use were cleared away. But once used, a fireplace is never again perfectly clean, so he became a very sooty cat, and needed as close to a bath as he’s ever likely to come.

This week, Noah determined to emulate his sausage-shaped roommate. I suppose he figured that if Tucker was his superior in the feline hierarchy at my house, Tucker knew best. Tucker does not. Even so, Noah imitated him and explored the fireplace. Having none of Tucker’s timidity, however, the new boy saw no problem with barging his way through the screen-barrier, even while I was watching and telling him to desist.


Unlike Tucker, Noah did not scurry out merely because I was showing my displeasure. I had to haul him away and cart him to the bathroom, where, thank goodness, only his feet needed washing. His predecessor in that predicament was smudged from nose to tail. It’s true that I may have missed some soot on Noah; his colouring would not show it as readily as the roly poly’s. But I smoothed him down with my hands and nothing came off.

Nonetheless, he left my tub a mess and was thoroughly annoyed at having to have his paws touched, something he doesn’t like. He was annoyed…



Now, my fireplace is blocked by cardboard, fronted by aluminum foil. I have no worries about my perma-cats trying to get in there, and during my absences, Noah is sequestered in the parlour. But he is a risk for mischief while I am present, and as was demonstrated, even being in the same room is no bar to him doing what he ought not. But such is life with a youth like Noah, and there are times, rare though they may be, when he is actually still, and peaceful. Briefly.

13 comments:

  1. Enjoy those brief moments of peace and quiet from Noah, because they definitely are few and far between. Silly boy. Good thing the fireplace was relatively clean, though, all things considered!

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  2. There is nothing more exciting to a cat than something that is banned.

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  3. Looks like he is dreaming of a new escapade!

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  4. Curious cats just won't listen to the word no. Miss Poppy is the same, getting into stuff when I am home.

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  5. Noah is such a character looking for adventures!

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  6. dood.....yur dad just dinna understand ya waz onlee lookin for Santa Claws.....ya knead ta wait a few mor months buddy ... therez onlee 126 shoppin days left til Christmas getz heer ☺
    ♥♥♥

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    1. I hadn't thought of that. One hundred and twenty-six? I'd better start looking to my shopping...

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  7. What shenanigans Noah gets up to! Nothing is safe from his curiosity. But he certainly is entertaining. I can see him as a character in a comic book. From Jessica and Eileen

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    1. A superhero who manages to save the the lady-in-distress only after leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

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  8. Oh my, Noah has no fear! Well, perhaps only of having his feet washed.

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  9. Oh My, Maybe you should have named him Achilles?

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