5/6/2012
No-one could accuse me of being obstinate or refusing to accept a truth. With that in mind I have been able to come to terms with the fact that the rodents are here to stay, and while they will not, indeed cannot replace me in my ‘The Her’s’ affections, they are to be a fixture and she obviously for some reason unfathomable to me, likes them.
While I accept the realities of this situation I’m not sure the rodents were able to so I felt it my duty to place the facts before them and reach a compromise suitable for both parties. I waited until after they’d had their breakfast from my ‘The Him’ and been out for a bit of exercise with my ‘The Her’. Only one thing might have marred the discussions and that’s when I approached the seating place and the large one called Penny looked down at me as I walked past. I couldn’t help but look back and go closer. Instead of backing away she put her nose to mine and sniffed. I brought my paw up and smacked her. My ‘The Her’ was most displeased but with me? and not with Penny. I didn’t understand this and was going to argue but being a most placid fellow I walked away.
Back in their cage and the Longlegs having left the room I sauntered slowly up to the cage. There were hisses of derision but I didn’t let it bother me as I settled two feet away.
“What do you want cat” ? said Amy, the biggest of them and their obvious leader.
” I’ve decided to let you stay” I replied, “But, there are some things we’d better get straight.”
” Oh yes, and what would those be Pussykins” chipped in the one they call Bernie.
Reminding myself I had a debt to pay sometime I looked at Amy and told her, ” Firstly, I don’t want to see you move if you’re outside the cage and I come into the room.
Secondly, there’s to be no more name calling if we both live in the same place and lastly I’ll make sure the Longlegs tolerate you if you remember my word is law here.”
“Well Mr. Cat” she replied, “I think we can probably manage to do without the name calling if it works both ways but I’m not sure we can adjust to not moving once we’re out of the cage since it’s what the humans expect of us. As far as your word being law, I’m afraid we can’t agree to that since you might just expect us to do things that will go against our nature. Tell you what. let’s agree to no more name calling and see how it goes. If you don’t annoy us I won’t ask Penny to tweak your tail, how’s that?”
As you can see I’m a very reasonable cat but even I couldn’t agree to that and lose face so I had to leave the room and here we are with a dilemma. How can I learn to live with these rodents if they won’t accept the most reasonable of terms?
barsetshirediaries 
LOL. It had to be a thrill a minute, living in a household with a cat and rats. I’m happy it inspired your wonderful stories about Oscar. Thanks for this cool video, David. What a marvelous voice he has! Mega hugs.
Ha,, I’m none too sure Oscar would have agreed with you Teagan.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the music video, He has a remarkable voice and I wouldn’t be surprised to find this track a hit worldwide.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
It appears that Oscar is making some headway with the rats, setting boundaries and negotiating with them. I think that Oscar has been king of the castle for so long it may take a while to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both parties but I cannot see him abdicating his position as the king anytime soon, but it’s a start. I had to chuckle yesterday, when I was taking the subway home I watched a NYC subway rat dragging a large piece of newspaper to the hole under the track where his/her home must be, the rat was persistent and determined but just couldn’t get that newspaper to fit. I thought he/she might benefit from some advise from Amy and Penny and the gang as they are very intelligent. They might have some tips for the little guy or gal. Have an amazing week, I loved this weeks installment and mega hugs my friend.
I don’t think Oscar was a cat of his word Suzanne. I’m pretty sure the girls didn’t trust him as far as they could throw him ( for Penny that might have been quite far) and knew there was safety in numbers. You’re probably right that he wouldn’t abdicate easily but the girls were never going to bow down to him.
Your subway rat story is very good but I’m sure it would have thought t out and done it in the end, just maybe a bit faster with Amy’s help.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the episode and came to let me know. I love seeing you.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Love the Funny Tom & Jerry Home encounters! Talking cats and rats! Gotta Love them. Also the song as a great beat and a timely message especially for all the hell breaking out in the USA. Music with a Message much needed. Thanks.
Really glad you enjoyed it DeBorah and thanks for dropping in to let me know.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I just love the photos! Ice cream and cake… what more could we want. Rats and cats? Let’s live in harmony.
I’m all for harmonious living Judith but it can’t work when the terms are set by just one side. Unfortunately, Oscar only had his side.The grandies were at an ice cream farm so I promise the wait wasn’t too long.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Nice post.
Thank you that’s very kind.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
You are welcome! 🙂
I’m not holding out a lot of hope for Oscar being ‘Top Cat’ – rats are pretty sneaky individuals! Lovely photos of the little ones waiting for their treats 🙂
I saw that singer on Graham Norton’s show recently. He is different!
I don’t think Oscar was cut out for the democratic life but the girls were always fair. Oscar is part politician saying one thing but doing another.
The little ones did get their treat eventually but when it’s ice cream it always feels a long time.
I only became aware of Rag n’ Bone Man after seeing an advert for a new serial on TV called S.S.GB. I wouldn’t want to meet him on a dark night but I thought the voice was exceptional.
xxx Ginormous Hugs xxx
Lol!😙
Thanks so much. It’s nice the pets entertain you.
xxx Mammoth Hugs xxx
Another delightful post, David. Hugs
You’re very kind John, thanks a lot.
Hugs
Stand your ground, Oscar. There may be more of them, but you are bigger (and were there first).
Woof! TINK
Don’t encourage him Tink. The girls are the non-aggressors here and Oscar’s word is not all it could be.He is very much ‘bow down to me’ while the girls are live and let live.
xxx Sending Hugs and some strokes xxx
But you can’t really blame him for feeling encroached upon. What if The Her moved in a new Him and you were expected to accept whatever HE wanted. I bet you wouldn’t like it either.
But Mom says I’m not there to see what’s really happening, so I’d better not cause trouble.
Woof! TINK
Oscar’s two priorities in life were food and affection.He’s not missed out on either of those things so his petty jealousy was unnecessary. A little bit more ‘play nice’ wouldn’t have gone amiss.
xxx Hugs Unlimited xxx
You do recall that he is a CAT, right? lol 🙂
I’m sure you’ve heard this old chestnut, “Dogs have masters, cats have slaves.”
xx,
mgh
Oh yes, he reminded me often enough I’ve had so many barcodes scratched on my legs for being slow, or just being there, that I was afraid to go into a supermarket.
I think a new line should be added to the old chestnut…..rats love people that love them.
Hugs Madelyn xxx
My friend Cindy says they’re the best pets EVER (and she also has dogs – but don’t tell them). 🙂
xx, mgh
Seems the cat and rats tolerated each other. Cute pictures of the children. 🙂 — Suzanne
The rats didn’t mind anyone Suzanne but Oscar could be funny with some people.(including me) he was definitely Mummy’s boy. Thank you I thought the pictures were good.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Poor Oscar. He has my sympathy, anyway!
I had to side with the girls Mick as they never started anything. Oscar just hated them on principle.
Hugs
We all need principles. Hugs back!
Great pics of the kids, David. Thank you! And thank you for that song. I LOVE it. 🙂
Many thanks Andrea, I must get some more pics for next week.
I love the song too,Glad I was able to please you.
xxx Immense Hugs xxx
Passed the link to the Offspring as well. 🙂
I daresay she’s probably already head it. It does seem to be one of those songs of the moment.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
😀
Hahahaha – gotta love Oscar. Oscar rules! Hugs all around ❤
He certainly ruled most of the time.
xxx Gigantic Hugs Ina xxx
Poor Oscar…never a happy position when the court favourite feels his position threatened…
He was still always spoiled and treated like the Ruler rather than court favourite Helen.No excuse for bad behaviour through jealousy.
Hope you’re well.
xxx Sending Hugs Galore xxx
As always, Love your stories of Oscar and his companions. Rats can make strange bedfellows, particularly to a cat! Got to give him credit for that. Ice cream never comes fast enough! Love love the pictures 💚💙hugsgalore💚💙
Thanks so much Pamela. I think we knew Oscar would never be friends with the girls but we hoped he might adopt a live and let live attitude as he didn’t lose by their presence.
I’m not a fan of ice cream as I get brain freeze but the kids make up for my share with no problems.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
You get brain freeze because you eat the ice cream too fast! Just try it a bit slower next time. 😲😏
xxx ❤ xxx
These posts keep reminding me of The Irish Rovers song:
There was green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you’re born,
The loveliest of all was the unicorn.
Are you expecting a unicorn any time soon? lol 😉
I hope the ice cream (finally) was yummy and thanks for the song and the hugs and the lovely photos. 🙂
Hope this week treats you kindly, dear David.
Mega compromise, adjustment, accommodation and modification hugs xoxxo
No unicorns due love, sorry they were out of stock. No elephants either as it seems my landlord has it written into the lease. Maybe I should chance my arm with the long-necked geese?
I’m sure the kiddies lapped up the ice cream, the farm do lots of flavours. I’m not a fan of ice cream, Gasp.
xxx Stupendous Hugs beautiful friend xxx
Cute story. Oscar is something else, isn’t he? The children are too cute!!!
Thank you very much or your kindness on all counts Belanger.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
I feel for Oscar. He is royal, the rats are what? He was there first, wasn’t he? Hard being an ignored cat. Don’t believe his nature can take it for long. Something big is coming, a showdown, but I hate to think of it. 😀
You’re right that something big is coming Tess but Oscar was never an ignored cat neither his nature nor his temper would ever allow that. He still got the same amount of attention and love but perhaps it wasn’t just when he wanted it all the time.
If you’re making cats Royalty then rats would have to be the scientists of the animal world. Clever and inquisitive.
xxx Ginormous Hugs Tess xxx
Your posts are a slice of sheer joy, David.
Thank you.
As are your comments Robert thank you.You also need thanking for your blog which carries such great humour and No1 Fandom for a great series..
Hugs
Always an adventure with the Oscar and the Rats. 🙂
The grandkids are adorable.
Hugs, David!
The Boy and The Girls seem to make their own adventures and do well as long as I’m around to act as secretary.
Thank you. I agree they’re adorable but I’m biased.
xxx Massive Hugs Merril xxx
Cats rule. Rats are food. Love your grands — so cute. Love the link to Human. I bought it on iTunes right away. We’ve been listening to Hamilton a lot. Glad for a break.
Oh Brenda, you can’t refer to my beautiful, bright, intelligent girls as food. They run rings round cats all the time, especially solving mazes. Not so inclined to scratch for no reason either.
I do love my grands, they are cuties.
So glad you liked Human, it’s quite distinctive isn’t it.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
LOL I do not understand rat lovers. That is where I draw the line. Hugs for you, nonetheless.
xxxx ❤ xxx
Love these little people. So patiently waiting for an ice cream, such sweethearts.
Of course the word of a cat is the law 🙂
Great song, aren’t we all humans. Don’t throw a stone, as they say.
Many hugs! xxxx
You just have to hope the ice cream gets there before the patience runs out……….
The cat’s word is backed up by the cat’s claw so I won’t argue.
I agree Inese, we are all human and we should behave so. I really liked this song from the first time I heard it.
xxx Sending Hugs Galore xxx
I bet that cats and rats have interesting conversations when we’re not around 😉 Great read!
I bet that one half is automatically thinking it’s food shouldn’t talk though Christy.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Well, it seems that Oscar and the rats are at least trying to work things out. Perhaps there will be peace and cooperation in the future. Adorable grandchildren, David. I love watching them grow. ((Massive Hugs))
One side is conciliatory and one side scheming so I suppose not a lot different from us then Diana. Trouble is the wrong people are always in charge. If they let me be the beneficial dictator of the World things would be fine.
Thank you, the children are growing all the time, there’s no keeping up with them.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
Rats eh? Can’t live with ’em and, um…
Well, can’t live with ’em.
A very narrow World view there Bun. I think you can live with rats provided you forget about taking them for walks or letting them sleep on your bed.
Other than that they’re a doddle.
Hugs
I have heard they’re very smart, David. Perhaps I could be persuaded to live with one if it could show me how to operate our TV remote control. 🙂
Oh very smart. Th biggest problem is getting someone to show them how to operate the remote first. Since, like you, I never mastered mine there was no-one to teach mine the operation.If you could teach them, then they’d be able to use it for you all the time but if you had the skill to teach them it would negate your need for them to learn.
Hugs
Oh dear, it seems the rats and I would be caught forever in an unbroken circle of ignorance. Guess I’ll have to keep relying on the kids after all.
Ha, much as I did and do to this day. T’is not unknown for me to drag a stranger off the streets who can set to record something that I don’t want to watch at that moment.
Hugs
Yep, that’s a good way to handle the problem.
Hi David,
Another charming post. On a different note, I have a question. I’ve been looking for your book reviews, do you have any? If yes, where can I find them?
Martie
(who was also born in 1955;-)
Hello Martie, thank you, that’s very kind. Do you mean reviews for my books or reviews I’ve written for books I’ve read ? The answer is the same in both cases really, they’re on Amazon, though sometimes I put mine on other sites if requested. I hope that answers your question.
You were also born in 1955 ? As well as whom? You’re just a youngster as I was born in 1951.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Thank you, yes that answered my question. I guess I messed up with your birth year, thanks for making me feel young.
If I went out with you I’d be accused of cradle snatching or told I have a toy girl. Really I should be pleased that anyone thought I was bon in 1955 and taken a few years off me.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
You always have great wit in your writing. 🙂
Thank you again. My head won’t fit through the door soon. You’re kind.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
I like your style of humor David, there must be a lot of give and take in your household, you sound as if you are the final arbiter between all Waring factions.
Cheers and keep up the good work as Peacemaker or Peace breaker.
Thanks Ian. Being the final arbiter here is a simple task as there’s only myself and the budgie now and I tend to ignore his directions.
Keep well
Hugs
Now that our newest family member Ben, Benjamin Franklin Fiddler, our BFF is growing, five months old the seventeenth past, you’ve given me inspiration to tell the tales of he and our feline Simon as they coexist. No rats in the house but some bats in the belfry as herself and the Rooster age.
I couldn’t be more pleased. How I’ll brag when it’s a best seller. Bats in the belfry will be a good draw. Best of luck with the writing.
Hugs