This is another 100 word story for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
A matter of principle
They’ve only got themselves to blame.
If I curl up everywhere except in the poxy kitty bed I’m supposed to love, that’s their fault.
If I yowl under their bedroom window every night; if I deposit half-chewed carcasses of their favourite backyard birds on the doorstep; if I scratch their woodwork, dig up their petunias, poo on the carpet—it’s their fault.
I could have given them so much—snuggled, purred, gazed devotedly.
I’d have put up with almost any indignity.
But not what they did.
They called me Mouse. They thought it was cute—thought I wouldn’t understand.
*****
Let me admit straight up that I know very little about cats. I’ve been friends with quite a few dogs during my life, and I’m of the opinion that one knows where one stands with a dog. My cat owning friends might extol their puss’s affection, devotion and loyalty, but I’m not convinced. Just look into the watchful, yellow-green eyes of any cat and tell me it’s not plotting something devious.
Onto the page 
I really liked this story.
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Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
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The indignity! No wonder this cat is giving them a lifetime of revenge!
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I know. I think cats are very sensitive to perceived indignities.
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Oh dear. They could still rename her if only she could tell… 🙂
They do indeed plot, but with my cat and my dog I don’t see much of a difference. They know exactly how to get what they want from me.
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I agree with you there about dogs, having had several. They just have to look at me the right way and I melt. I’m glad to learn that my pussycat prejudice is misguided–deep down I knew it was. I’ll try to reform.
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Poor cat, my dog however understands your point of view,🙂
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Yes, poor cat. I’m glad your dog and I are in synch.
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Well done! They get offended so easily, those cats do!
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This one does, anyhow. Thanks for reading, Dale.
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I have shared my life with a number of cats, and dogs alike, and I think you’re right, but I’ll deny saying that if a cat is present!
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Very wise, Violet. They understand every word.
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Never make the mistake of underestimating a cat. And never get on its bad side 🙂
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I think that’s a good policy.
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I’m a cat person (3) and I agree with your comments. They are always thinking of something. And sometimes that turns out to be awful.
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So, Danny – you just have to put up with that kind of subversive behaviour? Surely there’s a support group, or a resistance movement somewhere?
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Dear Margaret,
A cat named mouse? No wonder he’s upset. cute story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes. He’s very much put out by it. Thanks, Rochelle.
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I am a dog person too, but having looked after a cat while it’s slaves were away, made me change my opinion a bit. Still not a fan of getting possums and birds as gifts.
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I don’t think anyone I know would trust me to look after a cat. I’ve never lived with one, but I do make a point of speaking kindly to them when it can’t be avoided. Possums and birds! Oh dear.
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If the slaves put the time in, my experience is cats are as loving and needy as a dog.
Great voice
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So I’m led to believe. And putting the time in is part of the deal when you have an animal of any kind, so I’m sure cats are no different. Thanks for commenting, Tannille.
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My cat was a rescue cat called Princess. She’s never forgiven me for changing that to Sophie, and yes, everything is my fault. Nicely captured, Margaret.
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Thank you, Sandra. I wish you and Sophie well in working through your relationship.
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Haha…a cat named mouse. That is funny.
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Funny for everyone except the cat. Thanks for commenting, Dawn.
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Live that idea – calling a cat Mouse. Very funny. And I totally agree with you about those feline fiends – they’re not to be trusted!
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Glad you like it, Lynn. Thanks for commenting.
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Great story, and you’re wrong about cats – they don’t do the doggy devotion act unless they mean it. So you do actually know where you are with them. They’re your friend if they choose to be – the right sort of friend in my book!
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Aha. That’s good to know. I really do have an open mind about the matter, and I think animals in general are just lovely. So thank you for enlightening me, and for your kind comment about my story.
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Excellent story; it was extremely unwise to name the cat ‘Mouse’. However, the cat is – as all cats are – an out-and-out liar. He would have behaved badly whatever they’d called him!
I love my cats, but I’m under no illusions about their probity! And, yes, they do know their names and a good deal more words besides!
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Liars, eh? I’ll add that to my store of knowledge about cats, which has been growing as a result of all the lovely responses to this story. Thank you for yours.
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I think they deserve what they get…. a cat called mouse… that is terrible
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Yes, poor cat. What do they expect?
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i still think calling him a mouse is endearing. he should be offended if they call him a rat. 🙂
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True. He’s extremely over-sensitive. Just looking for an excuse for his bad behaviour I suspect.
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Humans have little appreciation.
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True. They underestimate what animals understand I believe.
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Cats are highly sensitive. And they understand everything. Although they love their adopted slave humans ;), they don’t always take kindly to strangers.
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I think highly sensitive is an apt description. Thanks for reading.
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What a fun story 🙂 I’m with you, cats are not my favorites. Dogs adore you, Cats tolerate you, if they feel like it 🙂
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Glad you were amused. And I think I’d much prefer to be adored than tolerated. Thanks for your comment.
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