My 4 legged room mate Bob hasta deal w/lots of predators out here in the sticks. There was a huge owl (2' or 2/3 meter tall) hangin out in a big tree behind the house for a while, always hawks, snakes, possums, skunks and coyotes around and my neighbor has seen a bobcat, then recently shot a mountain lion that was creepin along a tree line less than 100 yards (300m) from my place. I figure Bob must be pretty crafty to keep outta the way of all these animals that would problee enjoy a nice big kitty for dinner.

But, cuppla months back somethin obviously got too close for comfort to ol Bob. Let him in one mornin and after hittin the food and water he came over to my recliner and just kept meowin, which is kinda unusual. When I looked down at him to see what was up there was a patch of fur about 2" (50mm) gone all the way down to bare and bleeding flesh just below and to the left of his throat, meanin what ever it was that got hold of him pretty obviously was goin for the kill.

Not sure exactly how old Bob is but my best estimate is he's at least 11 now. He's quite the predator himself for his size as he's bagged birds, lizards, mice, field rats and even a rabbit. One day he'll finally be old and slow enough the tables will turn and he'll finally succumb to natures way. Every time I open the door in the mornin and he dudn come bouncin in I always wonder ... is that day today or is he just off takin care of some other kitty business