Yesterday, I found myself once again crossing the border from Bournville into Cotteridge on Labour Party business.
Where some people choose to spend their Saturday mornings with family or getting on with jobs around the house, I had volunteered to post some letters from Bournville Labour Party through people’s doorsteps. The talent is in the choices, as Robert De Niro once remarked.
Fortunately, my wife had kindly agreed to help me out and so we were able to drop off all the letters in just under an hour and a half’s time. My wife also kind enough to indulge my cat-blogging ways and drew my attention to lovely part-Bengal cat that was hanging out on Dell Road.
Bengal cat strolling on Dell Road
The cat approached us in a confident fashion, strolling up to meet us on the pavement before winding its way around both our legs. It didn’t seem to mind us stopping to say hello and enjoyed getting a stroke from us. The cat stuck around as I went to drop off a letter, sitting on the wall at the perimeter of the house, coolly observing the situation.
Bengal cat on Dell Road being stroked by my wife
Afterwards, as we headed up the street to complete our deliveries, I heard two older women greeting the cat as they walked up to the door of their house. I didn’t get the impression the cat belonged to them but they were clearly fond of it.
Bengal cat leaping from wall on Dell Road
I suspect the cat we met has a well-practised routine for endearing itself to its neighbours on Dell Road with the aim of securing extra food and we were just the latest in a long line of dupes. Whether or not that’s the case, bumping into this beautiful and confident cat brightened my day considerably and I for one hope that it continues to perfect its hustle.
Cats of the campaign trail 