Very sexist title I know.
So, stupid me. Yesterday I changed all the bedlinen. I was also very busy marking mid -term exams and didn't pay enough attention to other things. So it was not until bedtime that I noticed Wellington was not around. And when I went to look I discovered that (stupid me again) I had left the inside glass door on the latch, so the cats had access to the catflap, normally impossible after supper. Both boys have learnt how to open it by hooking their paws into it and lifting it, even when it is set to 'come in' only.
I went out and called him but of course, nothing. So I shut the others into a spare bedroom so they wouldn't also take advantage of this bonus, and sat around for an hour to see if he would come, calling him occasionally. Eventually I went to bed, leaving the hall lights on and the doors open. At 2 AM I heard his meow on the stairs and he bounded onto my clean sheets. When I put the light on I beheld a wet grey cat, covered in leaves, webs and dust. He looked just like a little boy who has spent the afternoon playing in the coal shed and the woodpile, and then finished his fun by climbing a few trees and splashing in some muddy puddles. Which, of course, is exactly what he was! He then proceeded to get into bed with me, laying his head on my shoulder and purring and chirruping away as he told me all about his marvellous adventures and how glad he was to be home again. I couldn't be cross with him, but this morning he has had to endure a bath and I have had to change the sheets again!
So, stupid me. Yesterday I changed all the bedlinen. I was also very busy marking mid -term exams and didn't pay enough attention to other things. So it was not until bedtime that I noticed Wellington was not around. And when I went to look I discovered that (stupid me again) I had left the inside glass door on the latch, so the cats had access to the catflap, normally impossible after supper. Both boys have learnt how to open it by hooking their paws into it and lifting it, even when it is set to 'come in' only.
I went out and called him but of course, nothing. So I shut the others into a spare bedroom so they wouldn't also take advantage of this bonus, and sat around for an hour to see if he would come, calling him occasionally. Eventually I went to bed, leaving the hall lights on and the doors open. At 2 AM I heard his meow on the stairs and he bounded onto my clean sheets. When I put the light on I beheld a wet grey cat, covered in leaves, webs and dust. He looked just like a little boy who has spent the afternoon playing in the coal shed and the woodpile, and then finished his fun by climbing a few trees and splashing in some muddy puddles. Which, of course, is exactly what he was! He then proceeded to get into bed with me, laying his head on my shoulder and purring and chirruping away as he told me all about his marvellous adventures and how glad he was to be home again. I couldn't be cross with him, but this morning he has had to endure a bath and I have had to change the sheets again!
