Ouzel Uses Cone for Terror

Ouzel's relationship with "her cone" has been interesting to watch.  At first she was baffled by it, and she found herself repeatedly whacking the cone into furniture, doors, the floor and in general the cone hampered her from being her typical drama, alpha-queen self.

The cats relaxed around her, since she was so awkward and between her head and their body was a big slab of plastic.

Being smart and always on top, Ouzel soon discovered to leave places by backing up instead of trying to turn around, and she has started to use the cone as a tool.

When I'm standing at the kitchen sink preparing food she rams the plastic cone into the back of my legs. She pushes and pushes the cone into me until I flinch with pain.

And she stalks the cat, wagging her tail, smiling, and then she places the entire cone over Rufous, trapping Rufous inside the cone.  Then she curls back her lips and bares her teeth!  I've yelled at her twice for this act of intimidation.

Last night after she did this, I put my face next to hers inside the cone, so that my voice was amplified and said, "Okay Ouzel, we are now in the cone of silence--listen to me- now go and lie down. My Max Smart technique worked, and she promptly went to her blankets and lay down.

In case you are too young, or not familiar with American television from the sixties, the cone of silence came from a comedy show depicting secret agents called Get  Smart. It was a huge clear plastic shield that would descend around Max Smart and his chief whenever they needed complete privacy.
  In the end -- I know how to use the cone too. :)

Ouzel prepares to descend the cone upon Rufous.