Saturday, April 30, 2022

The Lurker

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the concern over Renn. He has been fine since his episode, and is eating as well as Renn eats. I think we can expect such alarms from time to time, perhaps increasing as he ages. But we will see them through in each instance.

On the oblique subject of food, let me introduce the Lurker. You may know him better as Hector Fortescue. In his never ending quest for more food, the Lurker has discovered that Minuet, the very old lady who lives in the library, is not only fed separately from the other cats, but more often, though in smaller amounts. Of interest to the Lurker is Madame’s small amount of soft-food, received in her special dish and served in bed. This is not only for her comfort but for the food’s security, the Lurker being frightened of Minuet’s fearsome cries. Therefore, he waits patiently until Min leaves to explore, or to drink from one of the distant water-bowls she favours. Then down he swoops, and within seconds, any remnant of food Minuet may have left for later will be gone.

Precautions are being taken against such raids – picking up the bowl when Minuet is finished with it, chasing the Lurker from his hiding spots – but he has cunning, agility and perseverance on his side.

Fortunately, the amounts he manages to seize as prizes are never much. And besides, the accomplishment seems to make him feel good. Even Lurkers need encouragement now and then.

15 comments:

  1. Crafty little rascal Hector is. Just hope Minuet isn't greatly disappointed to return to no food and no food bowl.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hector, you and our Chili Bruce...

    ReplyDelete
  3. He's a pretty handsome lurker. Very clever and very determined, apparently!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my, what a character. Keeps you on your toes John! Speaking of health, I hope you've completely healed from your recent procedure.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Hector, you are such a hoot and a cute hoot at that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You got me laughing I have to say...despite my sciatica. It's just plain fun reading about the Lurker and about Minuet's fearsome scream...which sounds like a clarion call when the Lurker is detected.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It seems that Hector is keeping everyone on their toes, (or should I say paws)! But he's so cute he can get away with being a lurker.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a rascal he is...not only a lurker, but an opportunist! Maybe that should be: Op-Purr-Tuna-ist! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ah! You must let the Lurker..aka..Hector succeed now
    and again John..if he's putting so much effort into gaining
    a little extra....Bless him..!x

    ReplyDelete
  10. He is a crafty rascal, but so likeable with it, although whether Minuet agrees I am not so sure.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hahaha! I, too, have a lurker. It seems Hec and TomTom have a lot in common. Picking up food bowls is a daily occurrence here.
    Kudos to Hector for all his effort :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have an outdoor cat (one of the many) who is food obsessed. I understand because when Snowy came to me, he was starved. I've never seen a cat so hungry. I think Hector takes some pleasure is stealing just a taste of what he sees as forbidden fruit...err food.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Two of us are on special diets which we sometimes get tired if, but there is always someone nearby to move in for cleanup !

    ReplyDelete