When people hear the phrase “like cat and mouse,” they often think of endless chases or ongoing quarrels. However, a unique pair in Chile has given this saying a fresh twist, and intriguingly, they are an actual cat and mouse.
Benjamin Sagredo from Punta Arenas recounted this unbelievable story to The Dodo, an animal channel. The story began with Sagredo hearing some “strange noises” emanating from his kitchen. Though he didn’t specify the exact sounds, it’s easy to imagine a mix of shuffling, scampering, tapping, and squeaks. Such noises usually suggest the presence of a mouse, signaling it might be time to call a pest exterminator.
Fortunately, Sagredo has a cat named Simon. Given the typical cat-and-mouse dynamic portrayed in cartoons and children’s tales, one would expect this situation to end poorly for the mouse—unless, of course, the cat is anything like the famous Tom from “Tom and Jerry.”
Simon soon picked up on the sounds that Sagredo was hearing. “We didn’t know what it was,” Sagredo shared with The Dodo. “We had seen Simon playing with something under an armchair once, but we didn’t give it much thought.”
Cats are renowned for their hunting skills, often displaying these instincts even when not necessary. Urban cat owners often find their pets presenting “gifts” like mice, small birds, frogs, and other critters. Historically, cats were domesticated primarily for their ability to control pest populations, particularly mice that would raid grain stores.
Sagredo expected Simon to showcase his hunting abilities and resolve the mouse issue. However, he was taken aback when he opened the kitchen door and saw a surprising scene.
Simon was crouched over his water bowl, not to drink but to share it with another creature. A little mouse was perched on the bowl’s edge, sipping water and creating tiny ripples. Sagredo was stunned by what he saw.
“They looked closely acquainted. Simon was being affectionate,” Sagredo recounted. “I decided to record it. I thought no one would believe me.”
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Simon, showing a gentle nature, even extended his paw to pat the little mouse, who remained unfazed as if they had been friends for a long time. Though Sagredo could only guess at the duration of their friendship, one thing was certain: he was not about to harm Simon’s tiny friend.
Seeing Simon’s kindness towards the mouse, Sagredo felt similarly. “I felt for the little mouse. I couldn’t dream of hurting him,” he said. He even named the mouse Chefcito.
Initially, Sagredo moved Chefcito outside, thinking it was just trying to escape. However, the mouse returned several times, perhaps missing its new friend. Sagredo mentioned that if Chefcito continued to come back, they might have to adopt him.