Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Spy vs Spy and the Common Enemy

When Auric was living with me, I wrote, in a jocular vein, that he and Hector reminded me of Mad Magazine’s Spy vs Spy cartoon characters, because of their colours. Now, the comparison is much more apt, with white Horace taking the place of the golden Auric.



Furthermore, Hector likes chasing Horace. It’s not playful, nor is it fighting. He is trying to establish dominance, I think, though there doesn’t seem to be an evolution of the situation. It may be due to the fact that Horace isn’t a fighter, and doesn’t retaliate. Nor does he appear to acknowledge Hector’s superior place in the hierarchy; Little Ivory is too placid for that. We therefore seem to have reached an impasse.


Horace does follow Hector, but there is much more curiosity in his actions than hostility; there is, in fact none of the latter. On the other hand, the newcomer’s presence is often enough to make Hector want to smack him; he does not, however, chase or whap him continually. Neither cat is aggressive; if Horace started playing with the other, their pairing might turn into an agreeable association.


But sometimes they come to a concurrence. Now and then, they find common ground, and, indeed, a common enemy, though, again, the violence of what might be is dissipated by distance and personality. While watching birds, Hector stares silently; Horace gives voice to a continual series of squeaks and pips. It’s nice to see them acting together.



Little do they know I am paying the birds by scattering food for them in front of the window. For the cats, the birds, and me, the common enemy is a situation with no disadvantages.

16 comments:

  1. Looks like they are trying to establish boundaries and who's the boss!

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  2. John, sowing peace at The Cozy Apartment.

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  3. Now that is how the nations need to take an example of...peace above all...seems to be working at your place, though:)

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  4. You've said before that a newcomer to the apartment causes the other cats to come together, even if they were hostile to each other. Perhaps the birds can have the same effect for H&H?

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    1. There would have to be more of such activity for it to have an effect. However, Hector is bothering Renn much less than he used to. I’d rather he bother no one, but Horace doesn’t seem stressed by the attention, as Renn was.

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  5. Somehow I am picturing Horace pacing behind Hector and sticking his tongue out and crossing his eyes. And just as Hector feels this may be happening and turns on a dime, Horace acts innocent.

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  6. Horace seems to be the perfect cat for a multi pet household, calm and agreeable. I'm sorry Hector doesn't like him, but sometimes the best one can hope for is peaceful coexistence. Who knows? The dynamics might change if you bring someone new into the fold.

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  7. Birds can be great peacemakers, especially in front of windows!

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  8. BIRDS! Maybe having a common goal will be the thing that brings the boys together. :)

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  9. Hard to establish dominance when the other cat does not care. Dominance by default or a happy alliance to watch birds ;)
    Purrs, Julie

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  10. THAT was a great idea! Pay the birds and ensure a modicum of peace!

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  11. I loved MAD Magazine back when it was funny! Remember Spy VS Spy very well.

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  12. As long as they aren't scrapping, I'd say that's a win. As for the birds, I suspect the pair would work together given the opportunity. :)
    Not sure how I've managed to miss these last posts.

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