WHAT'S NEW(S) PUSSY CAT(S).

We have had both kinds of animal companions - feline and canine. Husband dearest being more of the doggy persuasion whilst I'm more of a cat person. I just love their independent spirit and nature, after all it is true what they say:-

Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later. *

Anyway, today I thought I'd share these three cat related articles with you.

Firstly proving cats really do have nine lives, the rather sad story (but with a happy ending) of Alfie, the re-cycled cat.

"A cat who was accidentally 'recycled' has been reunited with his owners.
Alfie was discovered by workers at a recycling centre in Scotland when a lorry that had been collecting in Kirknewton tipped out its load.
The terrified tom cat tumbled out among the mattresses and fridges covered in dust and dirt, but luckily wasn't hurt.
Alfie's owners said he didn't normally leave the house so they were surprised when he disappeared, but they're very relieved to have him home again." (READ MORE)

I know from experience that cats can be rather intimidating characters. Before becoming indoor cats, 3 of our 4 cats would roam our neighbourhood - Phog terrorising our neighbours large dog until his owners had to knock at our door asking us to take said cat in and she had their dog terrified to go out.

This story put me in mind of Phog, meet the rather mischievous, appropriately named Tiger.

"Royal Mail has stopped deliveries to a house in Leeds after postal workers came under attack from an elderly cat.
Tiger is said to have scratched postal workers and chased them down the garden path at his home in High Bank Street, Farsley, over the past few weeks.
Owner Tracy Brayshaw, who must now pick up mail from the nearest sorting office, said the ban was "a bit silly".
She added: "We're talking about a 19-year-old geriatric cat here who likes lazing out in the sun." (READ MORE)

And lastly, you know you hear stories of the children's pet goldfish/hamster dying and well-meaning parents replacing it with another in the hope that the little darlings won't notice. Well, this story put me in mind of that though I'm sure in this instance the owner may well have spotted the swap.

"A cat was on the run last night after fleeing from a vet's surgery moments before it was due for 'the snip'.
Lexi leapt through an open window as the vet prepared to carry out the castration.
The animal's owner** only discovered that her cat had gone missing when she went to collect it from the surgery and was given a ......... pet rabbit instead.
The two-year-old cat made a dash for freedom through an open window while his sister, Angel, went through with the neutering as planned." (READ FULL STORY)

(Readers will be pleased to know that subsequent reports stated that Lexi had been found safe and well with his 'bits' still in tact - though for how long the article did not say,)

* For more cat quotes, click HERE

** If indeed anyone can claim to own a cat - In my experience it is YOU who are owned by your cat and not the other way around.