This picture portrays a calm, harmonious relationship between Louis and Smudge. Most of the time it is but they have their moments. I remember the night Louis was brought home and we were in the dining room with him whilst he was asleep in his dog basket. Smudge came in through the kitchen and I swear she did a double take as she caught sight of him. “What the @#$& is that?” she mawked.
Since then they have learnt to tolerate each other providing Smudge does not try to get food before Louis. She has even been mad enough to settle down under Louis’ food & water bowls.
Louis also hates it if he can see her outside the house as his instinct must be telling him that a lower pack member is out on the loose and needs herding back in or defending.
Smudge on the other hand has learnt that size does not matter and regularly stands her ground; not bad for a 16 year old cat. She knows the worst thing she can do is run as that invites a chase by the hound. If any other cat gets near Smudge and Louis is around he makes short work of chasing it off.
This picture was taken a short while after Louis fell asleep on the sofa and Smudge decided that she wanted her half. Needless to say Louis woke up.