Copycat

Usually when my flatmate's cat, Zeus, is ready to come back in and the windows are shut, he sits outside and waits for one of us to let him in.  (We don't have a cat flap).

One day Zeus had a cat brainwave: "I can make myself look bigger and more conspicious by sitting on the fence. That would grab my humans' attention." The first time I saw Zeus sitting on the fence, I was so startled I thought it was a black panther. Then I realised it was our little black panther, Zeus.

Before going out, I went into the kitchen to get some drink. I noticed the local stray cat I have named Loudmouth sitting on the fence. He'd obviously been studying Zeus and thought he would mimic Zeus's behaviour to get our attention. While Loudmouth did get my attention and I took his photo, I had no intention of letting him in as he is a stray cat.

When Loudmouth started coming round (after he had obviously been abandoned), I was going to call the local animal shelter to find him a new home, but my flatmate advised me not to. She said because of the lack of resources, the cat shelters will have the stray cat vaccinated and microchipped and then return the cat to the person who reported the stray.  (That happened to my flatmate and she had to look after several stray cats). The last thing either of us want is another cat to care for. Whoever adopts Loudmouth will also be responsible for his vet bills. So Loudmouth will have to remain a stray until someone chooses to adopt him.  

When we started feeding Loudmouth, he was no longer satisfied in remaining outside, he would come through the open windows and eat Zeus' food. He's now bullying Zeus, which I find unacceptable. I no longer feed him, but my flatmate still does.

To me, Loudmouth represents scammers who pretend to be someone else so they can steal your money and stuff.  The greatest scammer of all time is the devil, who thinks he is above God. (Isaiah 14: 13)  Jesus refers to the devil as the thief (John 10: 10) and the father of lies (John 8: 44). The devil has even inspired teachings that distract people from following Christ.  The devil can even quote the Bible, though he distorts it, to make his followers believe that they are following Christ.  Jesus has said to experience the Kingdom of God, you must be born again. (John 3: 3) Jesus also said that He is the only way to God. (John 14: 6)

While God does show mercy on those who have not accepted Christ, His benefits (Psalm 103: 2) are for those who have received His Son, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour.

Sorry, Loudmouth. Trying to be a Zeus copycat is not going to let you into our kingdom. That spot is already reserved for our king Zeus. Your place is ouside with the other hoodlums. 😀

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Relevant Bible verses:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

4 Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103: 1-5

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! [13] For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ [15] Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit." Isaiah 14:12-15

"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [2] This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” [3] Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3: 1-3

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3: 16

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10: 10

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" John 14:6

Photos of Loudmouth sitting on the fence and Zeus sitting outside and lying on his/my bed.