Opportune moments for photography involving cats and devils...

It’s almost Halloween. The fireplace is tastefully decorated, we have a seasonal autumnal wreath, there’s a large stuffed spider hanging about and Count Dracula is sitting in the armchair.

The only thing left to do is to decide who is going to be this year’s Halloween Devil. To this end we decided to hold auditions for the part.

'Someone said they give you free chicken for turning up...'

Posky was the first to audition. Although he did try hard, his costume only just covered his head and to be honest, he’s far too fluffy and nice to be a devil. Even so, the judges applauded his effort and he was given a cat treat for turning up and looking beautiful.

'To be a devil or not to be a devil, that is the question...'

Next it was Pepper’s turn. We had high hopes for her as she is a little devil for most of the year. However, half way through a devilish show of back-arching and hissing, she got distracted by this year’s prize (a plastic pumpkin toy) and ran off to play with it instead.

'Did I win?  Did I win?...'

'Oooh look, orange shiney thing...'

There was a moment of excitement when one of the candidates was discovered to be human - they were quickly dealt with and evicted.

Not a cat

We have to say that we were very impressed with Mrs Pod, not only did her costume fit, she also posed in it as if born to say ‘I’m ready for my close-up Mr De Mille…’.

'And this is my Queen Victoria in devil-mode impression...'

As usual, Charlie was late. He came in, took one look at what was happening, stole the stuffed Halloween bat and ran for the stairs where he killed it. We thought that this improvisation was excellent although he did lose marks for not wearing a costume and for threatening violence to one of the judges (who then had to have a chocolate biscuit to calm his nerves).

'Hello... what's all this about then?'

'I see it... I don't believe it but I see it...'

'And I'll just be taking that with me thank you very much...'

'And this is my impression of a devil

about to rip your face off if you come any nearer with that...'

Even Ben the bunny got in on the act – or rather tried to. He really entered into the spirit of things although couldn’t actually be seen under the devil costume as it is ‘fat cat’ size and he’s ‘exceedingly small bunny’ size. Nevertheless he was given extra grated carrot as a reward.

Ben totally submerged himself in the role...

After long deliberations the judges awarded the title of Halloween Devil 2010 to Mrs Pod, a worthy winner who accepted her prize (after it was wrenched from the claws of Pepper) graciously and without any tears and boring acceptance speeches. Pepper was given a small ghost toy as runner-up along with Charlie, who won a fish and was obviously moved beyond words with it. (Posky didn’t turn up for his prize as he had fallen asleep in the study and was therefore disqualified).

 

'I'd like to thank the Academy...'

'I don't want any plastic ghost crap!  I wanted to win!!'

'Yeah, cheers, thanks a lot, you shouldn't have, I mean

you really shouldn't have...'

This was my entry for ABC Wednesday - to see more 'O' words go to http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

And for more gorgeous kitties go to Cats on Tuesday at http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com/