Cleo is just not your ordinary cat. Independent, she runs the place, as I have said. Loving. (on her terms) Tolerant. (to a degree)

Bright Bella is an enemy. A threat to the throne. Currently not taken too seriously, but as Cleo becomes older, Bella will become more of a threat.

Damn Bella longhair. So bright. Yesterday, she saw Velvet go into an open kitchen cupboard, and she blatantly shut the door. Yup, face and shoulder into it, shut it.

Velvet is left in the dark until I rescue her.

In the kitchen just now, and Bella has her long black flag wrapped around her, eyes narrow, on the counter.

What is she thinking? World domination, knowing her.

She is number three around here. Velvet is No. 2, a very assertive No. 2. The henchman, the Judge, Jury, and Executioner. Cleo is the firm No. 1.

No one questions Cleo's place. I don't. Hell, I'm No. 0. Tippy is No. 4, and we are quite glad to be at the back of the pack; but we are still on the lead lap.

Sure I feed everyone, do the litter etc, but that is expected. After all, I have the privilege of having fur shed all over me. Warm cats at night. A warm raspy tongue licking my hand from time to time.

However, Bella is a force to be reckoned with.

Bella IS a force.

Bella may be number three, but is number one in her mind. It is certainly true in brains.

Hold that thought. Is she brighter than Cleo? With everything she has done? The bloodshed? I think not. Cleo does not flaunt her brains, Bella does.

Watch out. Tippy and I will stay where we are, at the back of the pack.

Copyright © Bill Mason
January 14, 2003