Henriette, the Hedgehog

Toby the Protector

                We’ve added a hedgehog to the Duffy Zoo.  Henriette has returned from college to live in our upstairs guest room.  Since my daughter couldn’t keep a cat in the dorm, she bought a hedgehog (really--it is an approved pet on campus).  Her dorm has a bad reputation for rowdiness and apparently the relentless talking, door slamming, and noise has ruined Henriette’s sleep cycle and given her ulcers.  When our daughter said she lived in a bad dorm, she wasn’t kidding.

                Hedgehogs are pretty cool little critters and they are not rodents, much to my surprise.  They use a litter box and eat cat food and gross things like meal worms.  They are nocturnal and can run for several miles a night on the wheels in their cages.  Sadly, the 5” long creature has me beat for exercise.  They can even be affectionate.  Today Henriette curled up and snuggled around my neck.

                  Good thing our hedgie is catproof.  If she detects danger, she instantly curls up in a tight ball.  When that happens, it’s best not to have a finger caught in there or you won’t be able to get it out.  With her soft underbelly protected, she spikes up on the outside like a cactus.  The cats won’t even try touching her out of curiosity (the only exception they’ve shown to their ”curiosity overrules good judgment” motto).   The single sound Henriette makes is a very irate huffing which tells the cats to back off.

Henriette, the center of attention

                The cats might not touch her, but they certainly enjoy watching her.  Toby has appointed himself her protector.  He lies beside her cage as she sleeps and sits with her while she plays.  A few times he’s reached out a paw to stroke her, but he’s always careful not to make contact.  If the door to her room is closed, he’ll lead me upstairs to open it.  I don’t know if she shares his affection, but she doesn’t seem to mind him and seldom balls up and spikes in his presence.

                Well, I said this about three cats ago and I‘ll say it again—the Duffy Zoo is full.