The Alpha Male

"Some people say man is the most dangerous animal on the planet. Obviously those people have never met an angry cat." Lillian Johnson

Coalie rules the roost in the yard at the Back Forty. Coalie is a neutered black cat that has resided at the ranch since Sam and I started seeing each other. I have no idea how hold he is but I'm guessing at least ten cat years. A couple of years ago I accidentally kicked Coalie while trying to get to the front door. It took him six months to forgive me for that incident. Coalie is a drooler. He expects a chin rub any time I am outside. And then here comes the drool. He may not be as spry as he once was but he has an air about him that says, "Don't f#&% with me."

Coalie and I have a mutual understanding at feeding time in the mornings. I feed the common cats in a pan that is located by the front yard gate. Then I put Coalie's food in a designated spot on the porch. I guess its more out of respect for Coalie since he is an old cat and is still the best hunter on the place. I then stand guard for a few minutes to ensure he gets enough to eat before the other cats realize what is going on.

This morning Simba decided to introduce himself to Coalie. Both cats are very sweet and good natured......so long as they know their boundaries. I explained to Simba that the yard is ruled by Coalie and that includes the porch. Hhmmm. In one ear and out the other. Coalie insisted on a chin scratching which raised Simba's hackles. Then came the hissing and the threatening growls from both cats. DO.NOT.ATTEMPT.TO.BREAK.UP.A.CAT.FIGHT. EVER! I ducked under the porch to coax Simba to come back inside the house. Coalie must've thought I was the bad guy because he swatted at me from the porch rail. To hell with both of them. I expect they will work out their differences by the time I get home this afternoon.

As if that wasn't enough, Gray Cat decided he needed to check out what was going on. He insisted he be let outside before I left for work. So be it. Let the fur fly and may the best cat be declared the alpha male of the feline species. I've got my vet's number on speed dial....just in case.