The Thug

The Thug

By Rebecca Solomon

Neighborhood cats have lives that no one suspects, especially humans who "own" them. The truth is, no one owns a cat. They allow humans to take care of them and pet them. It seems to make the humans happy, and after all, it's easier than chasing mice.

This story is about some cats who have it made. But even with the cushy lives they lead, they can still have some problems. Personalities can clash with cats, just like with humans. Let's take a peek into the daily lives of some of our friends.

“Here he comes again,” complained Two Spots, the black and white cat, to her buddy, Grey. Grey rolled his eyes.

They had just been served breakfast by Mom when Gizmo, the striped cat from across the street, came sauntering from behind the trash cans. His baseball cap was turned sideways, and he had a toothpick between his teeth. “S’up, Kitties?” he said in a sneering meow.

Two Spots knew he would take their food and run them off. She hissed at him but was a little afraid to swat at him. She used to just smack the orange cat, Tom, and he would leave her alone. Poor Tom was gone, and she missed him. He was the Alpha cat and kept others away. She and Tom may have had their disagreements, but she still knew he would have her back if she needed him.

Gizmo had digs across the street, with plenty of food, fresh water and petting. But since Tom was gone to the rainbow bridge Gizmo had decided to expand his territory. He put on a big front, but Two Spots knew he was actually fixed and not much danger to anyone. He never fought any other cats, but liked to intimidate the weaker ones. Two Spots absolutely hated him and would just give up and leave.

Grey was twice Gizmo’s size, but was still a little wary of Gizmo. It was easier to give in than to fight. Besides, Gizmo’s mom had several other cats for Grey to hang out with who were much nicer. And he could eat at both places. So he wasn’t worried. Since he came back from being carried off in a trap, he wasn’t interested in fighting, or roaming for that matter. Grey didn't remember a lot of what went on after the trap closed on him. It was very strange. When he woke up he was back at home and everything looked the same as always. But he couldn't help feeling like something was missing. He soon felt as well as ever, and kind of forgot about it.

Two Spots didn’t ever cross the street. She put up with enough without competing with seven or eight others for food. She knew eventually Giz would go around to the front porch and Mom would feed her.

Mom was actually the alpha cat, and the only one who could scare Giz away. When she swooped out of the back door with the water spray bottle or the fly swatter, he took off. But the minute she turned her back, he’d come slinking back like the snake he was and try to get behind Mom. So she had to sit and guard the food so Two Spots and Grey could eat.

Grey hadn’t been a member of the family long, and he was still a little afraid of Mom. And when she got the fly swatter or water bottle, he would leave his food bowl and look at her like she was a banshee. Then he would usually take off. She had always talked softly to him, but he was still a little wary. She might decide to spray him, too.

Two Spots raised her back and hissed, “Why don’t you stay at home?”

Gizmo said, with a sweeping paw gesture, “This neighborhood IS my home. Besides, I need to sample all the food to make sure it’s okay to eat. If I didn’t take care of y’all, you would be dependent on these fickle humans.”

One day Two Spots had enough. With a loud screech, she ran at Gizmo and sunk her teeth into his ear. She thought, ‘Uh oh, I’ve done it now.’

Gizmo yowled and jumped back. “Hey! That was uncalled for.” He didn’t seem inclined to fight back. He couldn't believe it. Mild mannered Two Spots had actually attacked him!

Grey’s big greenish gray eyes got even bigger. He eased off the deck. ‘I don’t want any part of that,’ he thought. He didn’t like Gizmo any more than Two Spots did, but he had always just been an observer more than anything, when he wasn’t off chasing the ladies. He didn’t really miss that. It was too much work. He certainly didn’t miss fighting, either.

Grey and Two Spots got along just fine. They hung out together and let each other be. He didn’t know why that striped gray and black devil had upset their little routine. But he just wasn’t up to fighting anymore. Besides, it looked like Two Spots was able to hold her own when she decided to. He remembered how she used to smack at Tom, and Tom would turn his back and look haughty to cover up being embarrassed. Then he would start washing his paws nonchalantly as if nothing had happened. Grey chuckled at the memory.

“You are trespassing, and I’m tired of it! You get plenty of food and petting at home!” Two Spots hissed.

Gizmo adjusted his baseball cap and tried to look dignified. “I don’t NEED anything over here. The food is inferior, anyway, especially since she changed it…AGAIN!” With that, he sauntered off home, his tail in the air.

Two Spots smiled with satisfaction. She and Grey ate a little more and lay down on the deck and watched the robins digging for worms the rest of the day. She knew Gizmo would come back eventually, but for now, all was peaceful. And she was glad.