Cats are known for their intelligence, but sometimes they put their cleverness to mischievous use.
This is exactly what happened when a cunning cat named Minnie realized she could get more treats from well-meaning strangers than at her own home.
Disguising herself as a stray, Minnie spends her days at a nearby co-op, charming shoppers into feeding her from their grocery baskets.
Minnie, a four-year-old tabby, has been pulling off this ruse for over a year, much to the chagrin of her family. Her owner, Andrea Blower, shared with BBC News how Minnie transforms from a sweet cat at the co-op to a mischievous one at home.
“When we see her at the Co-op she’s the nicest cat ever, but as soon as we get her home she’s just vile. She tricks everyone into feeling sorry for her,” Andrea explained.
Despite Andrea’s efforts to keep Minnie indoors, the feisty feline is determined to escape for a free meal.
The co-op is just a minute’s walk from the Blower residence, and Andrea once spent a significant portion of her day retrieving Minnie—sometimes up to eight times daily.
Following an injury Minnie incurred during her bid for freedom, Andrea finally stopped trying to confine her.
Andrea confessed, “I go and check her two or three times a day but there’s no point bringing her home because she scratches someone or bites someone and goes out the door again.”
To deter Minnie’s escapades, the co-op devised a plan. They placed a basket outside specifically for her and posted a sign that humorously notes Minnie’s domestic life:
“I have a home. I only keep coming back because I get so much love, attention, and food here. Even if I meow please do not feed me.”
Yet, Minnie’s antics have made her a local celebrity, attracting fans who visit the co-op just to see her.
Jenny Winfield, the store supervisor, shares that despite their warnings, customers continue to offer treats to Minnie. Some even try to hand over goodies to the staff for Minnie.
Although the sign aims to discourage feeding her, Minnie’s allure proves challenging to resist, and her outdoor accommodations have recently been upgraded.
Hopefully, with enough community cooperation, Minnie will eventually abandon her adventurous ways and settle back into the comforts of home.
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