Curiosity May Kill You Quickly, but Sentiment Lingers Like a Plague.

Unlike cats, humans are highly susceptible to making mistakes. On occasion they may think they're doing the right thing only to realise that their actions are, in fact, excusable only when carried out by a drunken baboon on heroine. I hand the credit to their species' woeful lack of understanding in the field of human nature. Often they are so rapt in their own personal dramas that they fail to appreciate the penalty of consequence. The real problem, however, is when they become entangled in the drama of another.

There is an adage which reads: "A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend." I suppose that's true, but who's really the fool in that friendship? My self-proclaimed owner has one friend who can't seem to get things straight. Like a twit, she keeps trying to reason with her. She wasn't ignorant of this person's instability and abysmal judgment, yet she allowed herself to be drawn in and is now feeling the ravaging effects of associative negativity.

It reminds me of that which happened to Mildred, a large, football-shaped tomcat who used to prowl the neighbourhood every Thursday. He was in the habit of fraternising with Freckles, a lippy feral who eventually met with an SUV on the street below my flat window. I can't say if Freckles had a brain, but were I pressed to guess, the answer would be no. Then, Mildred was none-too-bright for hanging around with him.

One evening (I believe it was in spring) Freckles and Mildred met with a skunk. Mildred tried talking Freckles into running, but Freckles stubbornly refused. I don't need to tell you all the details, but the skunk found fault with something Freckles said and sprayed them both. After that Mildred wasn't allowed out at night. As for Freckles,well, when Sylvia got a whiff of him, she took off across the road, and, imbecile that he was, he followed. Ultimately he paid with his life.

Now, as I watch my self-proclaimed owner worrying late into the night, crying intermittently, and questioning what more could've been done to prevent her friend's foolhardy actions, I can't help recognising the lessons in these scenarios. Firstly, never challenge a skunk to a pissing duel, and secondly, if you're stupid enough to mix in with someone who does, you're both going to suffer.

READERS! You may now ask Mr. Fleez for his jaded opinion* on your personal situations. Please send your enquiries to: housecatwisdom@yahoo.co.uk.

*DISCLAIMER: By contacting Housecat Wisdom you're asking a housecat for his personal opinion. If you require serious advice, please, write Ann Landers, Dear Abby, or consult a professional psychiatrist.

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