Et cetera or Air-ketter-aa?

A comment about the Latin expression for “and other things” or “and all the rest”: Just as we cannot agree on how to pronounce the English “pergola” or “tomato”, we are at odds as to how Julius Caesar (Kai-Zer) would have said Etc: Did he say “et-setter-aa”, because they said “e” generally not pronouncing the “t” and the “c” was a hard “k”. My belief is that he would have said “air-ketter-aa”

Whether Julius Caesar said “etsetteraa” or “airketteraa” makes no real difference, because I am simply referring to “the others” at Chartwell. To give their existence due acknowledgement, and to place them on a footing equal with Sophie and Bennie (as if that could ever be imagined!), allow me to introduce the two cats, Jade and Cocoa.

I do not want to enter the debate as to whether either/or of these is female or male, or interchangeable as their mood permits, suffice to say that they are referred to as “he” or “she” during the course of such conversations.

(Above): This is Et Cetera Uno, known as Cocoa, according to his/her colouring. This is one feline with which the dogs will not argue. Cocoa will sleep comfortably in the sun, taking up more than his fair share of the dog mattress, leaving the dogs to share the remaining bit, or simply to use the floor. Cocoa also stands on hind legs to be able to drink water from the dog’s 30 litre water bucket.Cocoa stands his ground and gives way for no-one.

(Above): Cocoa “shares” the dogs’ bed with the dogs – fair and square (in cocoa’s mind) in the ratio 50/50.  Sort of.

 
(Above) This is Et Cetera Duo, known as Jade. Jade is fairly aloof, not associating with fellow feline Cocoa, nor with the dogs. He/she spends most of his/her time either in safety sleeping on Tyler’s bed, or else in the sunshine atop the tall drinking water reservoir (more than two metres above the ground) and out of sight of all and sundry (including Et Cetera Uno!)