Mouser

Waiting, patiently like an old grandfather clock but still as the statue of Nelson, the cat now twelve years old, looks at the corner of the little shed hoping for movement. Her ear twitches as an almost silent rustle is picked up and her long whiskers twitch in anticipation. She is so quiet her breathing appears to be still … then in a flash faster than a lightening bolt she springs from her hunting position, three full yards and when she lifts her head she is holding a mouse in her mouth. She only has two eye teeth left and so the mouse is being held lightly and when she is told to let go she drops the mouse and backs away. The mouse scurries off and hides in the undergrowth. She looks sideways as she chews and cleans her paws – her eyes are never averted to where the quivering mouse is waiting. Eventually she saunters off and the mouse bolts out of the undergrowth and heads back under the shed.

 

Watching for the mouse

Patiently waiting and listening for rustles

 

Still waiting …