What happened to me this morning was simply amazing, and I have to tell you my story which will help confirm that cats have really strong personalities.

Four months ago we rented an old cottage in the Alps while our house was being restored. We had no idea at the time that it already had four tenants—who had no intention of relinquishing their fiefdom to anyone. They are here all the time, either in front of my door, or on the balconies and keep close track of our daily life. They are extremely frustrated at not being able to stay inside and use the most amazing tricks to enter the house.

This morning, Max, the big, fat tiger cat appeared in the kitchen. (Note to self: However small the opening angle of the window is, a cat will find a way to squeeze through it!) I opened the front door and tried to force him out, without any success. He was running everywhere in the kitchen, and I could not catch him. And then, I saw the cat go behind the front door, stand on his hind legs, and start walking forward, pushing the door closed with his front legs. Then he went back on four legs, turned around, and gave the door a last push with his behind. An animated movie in real life!

The farmer’s wife did confirm this morning that Max not only knows how to close doors, but he even could open them by hanging on the door handles.

I will now stop accusing my husband of leaving the doors open (and perhaps learn to share the property with the cats too!).

Chantale Holzmann