Meet My New Friend Fluff

Summary

The author, a self-described dog person who initially viewed cats as a threat to wildlife, has formed an unexpected bond with Fluff, a French cat adopted by his octogenarian neighbors, and now enjoys a companionship with the feline, including cat-sitting duties.

Abstract

The author of the article, previously more inclined towards dogs, has developed a friendship with a cat named Fluff. This cat belongs to his neighbors, Maureen and Jim, who are British ex-pats returned from France. Initially, the cat seemed indifferent to the author, possibly due to a language barrier, as the author only knows basic French. However, the cat has now warmed up to the author, enjoying lying at his feet and being in his company. The author is tasked with cat-sitting when Maureen and Jim visit their daughter, which involves providing food, water, and companionship to Fluff. The article also acknowledges the challenge of another cat in the street that does not tolerate rivals and mentions the Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People,” which inspired the story.

Opinions

The author initially had a negative view of cats due to their impact on wildlife, specifically recalling an incident where a cat attacked a blackbird's nest.
Despite this, the author recognizes that dogs can also be a nuisance to birds, indicating a balanced perspective on pets and wildlife.
The author's view of cats has softened after being 'adopted' by the neighbors' cat, Fluff, suggesting a change in personal bias.
Fluff is described as a spoiled house cat that prefers to stay in the garden and does not venture into the street often, which is beneficial given the territorial nature of another cat in the area.
The author appreciates the companionship of Fluff, particularly during cat-sitting periods, and enjoys moments when they both relax and listen to music together.
The author expresses gratitude towards Mary Chang Story Writer for creating the Six Word Photo Story Challenge that prompted the article.
The author invites readers to join Medium through their referral link, indicating a desire to share content and possibly receive compensation for new memberships.

Adopted by my neighbours’ French cat

I was always was a dog person, never a cat person. As a bird watcher, I viewed cats as a menace to wildlife. I once saw a cat attack a blackbird’s nest in my garden, driving off the bird.

Having said that, I’ve seen my dogs be a nuisance chasing off and disturbing birds, too.

So, I have a new pet, having finally been ‘adopted’ and accepted by our neighbours’ cat, Fluff. Maureen and Jim, are youthful octogenarian ex-pats who two years ago relocated to the UK from France.

Initially, Maureen’s cat appeared aloof and barely tolerated my presence. Maybe it was a language problem. I only studied basic French at school.

Unlike dogs, this cat doesn’t seem to appreciate me giving it a cuddle or rubbing its ears. Fluff is content to lie at my feet, whilst Maureen tells me of her time in the Loire valley, and how she can’t get used to the cold and dampness of an English winter.

A couple of times a year, Maureen and Jim visit their daughter on the other side of the country and stay over for a couple of nights. That’s when I cat-sit. All I have to do is put out food and water, and switch on the radio to keep Fluff company during the day.

A spoiled house cat, Fluff spends time in the garden, but rarely ventures into the street. That is a good thing as the cat in our street doesn’t tolerate any rivals anywhere near its domain.

Fluff, having eaten, likes to sprawl out on the rug, and sometimes we both doze off listening to the music.

With thanks to Mary Chang Story Writer for creating the Six Word Photo Story Challenges and the Prompt for the March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People”, is shown below:

I invite you to join Medium via my referral link to receive unlimited access to my and other writers’ stories. I will receive a small commission in return. Thanks for your support.

Meet My New Friend Fluff

March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People”

Adopted by my neighbours’ French cat

Pet People: March Prompt

March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People”