"Say, Toby, Wendy says that patch of sparse fur up on your left hip looks like you maybe got into a catfight. This morning she saw this cat out on the edge of one of the pastures. She got this picture..."
"That's him!!!! That's Vladputin!!!! That cat thinks he's so cool. He just came strolling over here to take over my pastures and woods. Somebody should get rid of him!" Toby's hair on his back stood up. "First, it's the roosters, especially the big white one. Now it's this guy bullying his way onto my territory. Next thing you know, he'll try to take over my barn. You better believe my hellcat came out and he'll have to think twice about barging his way over here again." He looked so agitated that I sat down with him and he climbed up on my shoulder. I could feel his heart beating rapidly.
"Is this what the pandemic, and politics, and climate crisis feel like to you humans?" he asked.
"Mmm-hmm. Sort of. You remember the long list of catastrophes we made a little while back? So, yes, I think I understand what it must feel like to have Vladputin threaten your territory."
His warm furry side against my ear made it easy to hear Toby's rapid heartbeat. Soon the rate simmered down and he began to purr. We sat together like that for a long time and he dozed off. I hope he dreamt of warm sunspots to nap in.
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