We thought we'd share this story that was in our local paper last week because we couldn't get it out of our minds. Aptly titled "Neighbors in Cat Spat", it details the plight of Rufus, a six year old Siamese cat, who's under attack from neighbors for doing what comes naturally...killing the occasional bird, chipmunk and even a bunny. It seems that his owners, the Miller family, allow Rufus to be both an indoor and outdoor cat, as many cat owners do. And Rufus is quite friendly with humans-purring non-stop and following his family on their nightly walks with their dog.
Photo courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch
But when Rufus recently attacked a bird, he received threats from an anonymous neighbor "to take matters into their own hands", and shortly thereafter Rufus fell ill, and is slowly recovering from a $3000 abdominal surgery.
The family is now engaged in an all out war of words with their neighbors that includes laminated essays, yard signs and a Facebook page, all pleading for folks to let Rufus be, well...a cat. But what we really love is the Miller family's proposed solution-buying squirt guns for the neighbors to shoo Rufus out of their yards...rather than, say, using poison.
What do you think? Should Rufus be allowed outdoors to pursue his natural instincts if his owners so choose, or in deference to the neighborhood wildlife, should Rufus become an indoor-only cat-or perhaps something in between? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this feud.
And don't forget to check in tomorrow for my Monday Musings-we need your help again!
