MY CAT SMOKEY
You may remember that Smokey was one of the two
cats who came across to join us from France. He has settled in well really –
after a rather nervous and tentative start with his little sister Sooty leading
and showing him the way.
But now he’s on his own he has made discoveries – for instance, all the sunny
spots to take a nap, including lying on the surrounding rooftops from where he
can keep an eye on the whole area. The garden of course is his, the chairs and
benches are his, the top of the boundary fences and the branches of the apple
tree too – they all belong to Smokey! He is on nodding acquaintance with the
two cats from next door – no French hissing or squabbling, and most birds he
leaves alone – just observing and noting their presence from a safe distance.
He loves giving and getting affection and is the greatest ‘cuddler’ that I
know… but he is not keen on surprises, especially human ones, children in
particular, and runs off and disappears until they are well and truly gone. Evenings
are his special time – this is when any cheesy titbits or ‘Dreamies’ appear,
and he is everyone’s friend for a while. All day, between breakfast and tea, he
keeps a low profile, blending into the background and often only noticeable by
his personal ‘squeak’ – meaning ‘Hello, I’m here’. Being grey helps him to
merge into the surroundings and when he comes inside in rainy weather and the
winter months, it’s quite possible and usual to enter a room without seeing him
at all.
I’ve thought and sometimes sought to find him a little companion to replace
Sooty, but perhaps Smokey is now quite happy and adjusted to being on
his own, receiving all my love and attention, and neither of us would
wish to dilute that in any way. Although not particularly striking as cats go,
our French neighbour used to refer to Smokey as a ‘beautiful cat’ and that’s
good enough for me!
I’ll attach some photos –
the first with his little sister Sooty on our doorstep in France,
‘Here’s looking at you’…
and asleep on a cool felt roof above the garden.
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