Hello!

My name is Pee Wee and this is my place to tell you just what I think. If you choose to be offended by what I might say, you have the power not to listen. However, for those who choose, you might be rewarded with a lesson or two. On initial observation, you might just think that I am just a cat. For those who know cats, there is no such thing as just a cat.

On page two today, I have reprinted a story from a friend. I have not edited this story. Again, if you choose to be offended by what I have printed, you have the power not to listen. This story would be rated R for language.

I will be introducing you to those many things around me. I have a brother, in stripe only, who will give you another point of view. He and I have many conversations, mostly friendly, some, more heated. He and I had a sister, in stripe only, visiting us up until a few days ago. She has gone back to where ever she came. This is the subject of  today's story.

My brother, Zipper, and I have been living here in the orchard for many years. He and I had developed a peaceful coexistence when another cat came for a visit. Cats are territorial animals. We do not mind if other cats or other animals are in the area. We just do not care to meet with them unless they are food. Cats in the wild are the same way. They will mark their territory when they enter a new territory. Marking, for a house cat requires leaving a scent. Cats have very perceptive noses. If the scent of the most recent cat is...I just remembered that my brother Zipper is outside.  Excuse me while I go to let him in... Okay! Zipper is in. He is all wet! I helped him out by giving him a bath while he ate. It is a snowy day, so I do not suppose the hunt went very well. I do not hunt any longer. I leave it up to the younger crowd.

Where was I. Yes. Marking territory. Both Zipper and I have been fixed. I did not think that either one of us was broken, but we are fixed. Some cats spray. Neither Zipper nor I do that. We do certainly leave our scent by rubbing. I remember when Zipper arrived. What a punk! It really took us both some time to become accustomed to each other. It did not seem that either one of us was leaving any time real soon. I remember that. Then came Emma! Now, here is this other cat! Lots of hissing and growling! Even Zipper was growling! When I first met Zipper he did not growl. Growling and hissing was for me. But Emma was growling and hissing as well!

Okay, so here is the lesson: Cats are territorial. Dogs are social. Dogs will scrap with one another to determine the alpha dog. Cats only scrap for territory. It is all about whomever left the last scent. If the territory is mine, all others must leave.  Dogs are more like "You may stay in my territory if you kiss my butt!" Cats will negotiate a settlement with mutual respect.

If you have a pet story to tell, send the story to PeeWee@applecitye.com. I will print it here in my corner.

Pee Wee