I learned LONG ago to never underestimate the intelligence of an “animal.” The four-legged kind seem, at times, to have One-Upsmanship. And they do it subtly, and with grace. And they always forgive us for our ignorance and stupidity.
Yeah, I had a cat like that once. A feral cat that I used to shoot at all the time to run it off. (I never aimed AT him, just close) I didn't like cats and he ate the birds. Well, I git married and she made me stop shooting at him. He followed me everywhere when I was working outside. He eventually graduated to being a well fed indoor cat and we got along great. For some odd reason, he liked me better than the wife. Or maybe he just wanted to keep a close eye on me. :)