Why Isn't This Cat Scratching Me?

When my daughtert and son-in-law vacationed in Vermont, Michael was intrigued by the stuffed cats used to stop drafts. Obviously, he first thought the cat was real and was baffled why she wasn't running away. Captain Haddock and Barnacle have figured out how fast they need to run to escape Michael. They no longer seem inclined to guard him and disappear when they see him coming. Barnacle scratched Michael a few weeks ago (just a little scratch, no doubt deserved), and he doesn't chase them as enthusiastically as he did a month ago. Their cat food is still irresistible, however.