The little invader

Ah, spring break, balmy breezes, sunny skies, and fun-filled nights except those of us left behind. This week while my daughter and her family headed off to Florida, Zoe and Shredder were left behind.

They got to spend the week with Nana and Grampy and cousin Sunny. Zoe who is ten-years-old has visited many times but little Shredder is new to the family. He is only two-months old. Cousin Sunny is twelve and very set in his ways.

Sunny is also master of the house. To have this little upstart in our midst was not only disturbing but downright disagreeable. To make matters worse Shredder is a "mini me" of Sunny. Right down to the white ring around his neck.

Over time Sunny has learned to tolerate Zoe. In their early years together they would romp and play with one another as they were both about the same size. Sunny being older was expected to share his toys, food and water. He did so grudgingly.

But, this new character was just too much. Not only did this little fellow not know his place but everyone gushed over him. To make matters worse, Shredder was staying in his beloved boy's room at night. Even Sunny was not always allowed in the teenager's sanctuary at night.

Now, not only was he being ignored for this miniature-sized look alike but the little monster appeared to be taking over his spot in his companion's heart.

And, every time Sunny reacted with a hiss or swat at the little dickens, he got in trouble. Sunny began to prefer sitting on the front porch to being inside the house. When heavy rain forced him inside, it also caused him to have to tolerate Shredder.

Three days into spring break and he found himself being stalked. Every where he went, Shredder followed. He snuck into the teenager's room one night to sleep on the futon and awoke to find Shredder curled up beside him.

Suddenly Nana and Grampy were paying extra attention to him, petting and talking to him about being such a good cat. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

Still, from time to time, he had to have some alone time and would insist on taking his guard perch on the front porch--alone.

Yesterday, Zoe and Shredder went back home to Mom, Dad, Matt and Riley. Suddenly, the house was Sunny's again. The gate to the kitchen was gone (Zoe can't stay out of the trash so she wasn't allowed in that room). Shredder could jump the gate while Sunny who tried jumping it the first day hurt his paw and refused to hurdle it again, would wait patiently for one of his servants to open and close it for him.

Now, his boy was paying attention to only him. He got an extra brushing and a new catnip toy. Still things are too quiet, a little lonely, but then again the couch is all his, he's getting extra attention and knowing his luck--Zoe and Shredder will back to bug him this summer when their family goes on summer vacation.

Might as well start resting up now, maybe his boy won't notice if he sneaks in to get a catnap on the futon.