Let me introduce this little anecdote, by saying that since Mocha and Kahlua joined our family, there is never a dull moment. At six-months-old, Mocha is an intelligent kitten, who seems to watch and learn from everything I do, and this can be infuriating. Before they came along, I never used to close the pantry-door properly. However, with Mocha running at the slightest sound of a cupboard-door opening, and figuring out how to open many of them, I’ve been trying to make sure it’s secure at all times. When properly closed, the tight latch is quite kitty-proof.

A couple of weeks ago, I took my boys, Fudge and Merlot, to a local dog event. It was here that I purchased a packet of five pork snouts for them. Without thinking - or realising that Mocha was watching, I threw the SEALED packet in a cardboard box at the bottom of the pantry. This is where I keep all the UNOPENED treats. That night, Mocha paid more attention to the pantry than usual. However, I had closed it properly so despite her pawing at it from both the bottom and the side, there was no way to get in. But she kept on trying, even when I attempted to divert her attention. She eventually gave up but certainly didn’t forget about the delicacies that lay inside.

My big mistake happened the following night, when I fell asleep on the lounge. I had previously made myself a cup of hot chocolate and much to Mocha’s delight, had forgotten to make sure the pantry was closed properly. It was a golden opportunity for her. I had woken in the middle of the night, but stumbling through the kitchen on the way to bed, thought nothing of the strange, but familiar smell tugging at my nostrils. It wasn’t until I made my coffee in the morning, that I discovered the evidence.

As readers have probably guessed, Mocha decided to help herself to a late-night snack. Not only were the snouts opened, but so was a perfectly sealed packet of Schmacko Marrowbones. That was the familiar smell. Now, I’m certain that Mocha started it, as the bag was definitely sliced open by sharp cats claws, but she must’ve had help because I have trouble believing that one kitten could’ve devoured almost half a large bag of dog-treats all by herself. Kahlua may have joined in the fun, but the more likely culprit is mischievous Merlot, a 3-year-old Jack Russel. The thing is, the box wasn’t moved or damaged in any way, which Merlot would’ve had to do in order to fit in under the shelf. Was Mocha passing the tasty morsels out to him?

Still pondering what had really happened during the night, I got my three little terrors out of the way, so I could clean up the mess. Fudge, an angelic kelpie-cross, was supervising and I could almost hear him tut-tutting his younger ‘siblings’ (I trust that he wouldn’t have joined in their shenanigans). Once the remaining Marrowbones and crumbs were cleaned up, I put four of the snouts in a container. But where was the fifth one? After a quick look around the room, I pulled things out and hunted everywhere in the cupboard, but soon concluded that it too, had been consumed. One look at Merlot was all it took to realise where the missing snout had gone. (No wonder his tummy looked so plump – as if he’d recently had a feast).

I’ve since learned to ALWAYS close the pantry door properly, but I’ll be purchasing a plastic crate with a Mocha-proof lid – just in case!

Author: Rae McInnes
Country: Australia
True story: Yes
Rating: 14 paws up
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