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Hümdinger’s Cats
An Appetizer for Kugel
Kugel is Mrs. Hümdinger’s cat. Kugel was also Mrs. Hümdinger’s cat. The cats were identical so she called them by the same name.
It all began when Kugel snuck out of the apartment. Mrs. H had tossed the cat a catnip mouse to play with while she showered. When she came out the living room window was open as she’d left it, but the screen had been pushed aside. And there was no sign of Kugel.
She called her good friend Mrs. S, who calmed her down, suggesting she set some food out on the fire escape.
And sure enough—she was awakened at 2 a.m. by a noise—and there was Kugel at the window.
The next day Mrs. Hümdinger was typing at her desk. A retired teacher, she kept her creativity energized by writing lovely short fiction pieces — which she calls “Appetizers” — for various literary magazines.
Suddenly she heard scratching at the window screen — but from outside! — and there was Kugel.
How ever did you get out there? she asked, expecting nothing more in response than the meow she got.
Kugel came in—delighted in the usual round of petting—then sauntered over to the mirror by the front door. Kugel liked looking at herself in the mirror.
A little while later Mrs. H looked over and Kugel was playing rather frantically with her own reflection.
But wait, no—she was actually playing with. . . another cat. Another identical cat!
Mrs. H rushed over and the two cats stopped their tumblitude and began rubbing themselves against her—exactly as Kugel had always done. She looked them over with great care but could not tell one Kugel from the other.
Mrs. S. came over the next day but was of no help. She’d spent plenty of time around Kugel but was unable to identify either as the One True Kugel.
Guess your cat food and litter bill just went up, she said. You’ve got two Kugels.
Mrs. H adjusted to having twin cats whose meandering, litterbox schedules, naps, even vomiting after eating too fast, were indistinguishable.
But then one day she called Mrs. S in distress.
I don’t expect you to believe me.
I was just sitting at…
