This evening I set out some Nutro Natural Choice 'Salmon and Shrimp Chowder' flavor for Smudge and Peepers.

First time I've put out Nutro since March when I was worried it might be causing a reaction in Peepers.

Normally Peepers heads for the bedroom and bed for me to follow and brush him and deliver him to his evening meal. This time it was different. Instead of hurrying to the bedroom after taking a brief sniff of the waiting meal, he stopped and ate. Even more impressive he was actually eating eagerly (for him - 1/2 speed to Smudge).

As kittens these two would eat about half their food then switch bowls to make sure that I hadn't pulled a trick (?) and given them something different.

Well, Peepers did as he did as a kitten and occasionally will still do, he stopped at about half a bowl and went over to where Smudge was busily eating away.

Peepers, hereinafter referred to as the gentletom, waited for her to get out of her bowl and go to his bowl. Well he sat there for a couple of minutes, staring at Smudge, who wasn't considering moving yet. Just as Peepers was looking as if he would be going back to his own bowl Smudge left and went to Peepers bowl. Well Peepers moved in and tried to find something to eat in the bowl but Smudge had not just finished she had cleaned it up.

Well gentletom Peepers tried briefly but soon realized that there was nothing left. Smudge had suckered him.

Peepers decided he would at least go back to his own bowl. Smudge, however, had moved in and even when larger Peepers tried to push her out, Smudge wasn't going to let him in. She finished his bowl and then let him in. His bowl was as clean as her own bowl was when she left however.

After trying to find some small morsel, Peepers went over to the dry food bowl always out for freefeeding and finished his supper. His body language said he was not happy.

For a smart cat, Peepers, can certainly end up outwitted by his sister.

I had a hard time not laughing out loud as I saw what was developing.

Copyright © Larry Osborne
August 29, 2000