We have been talking about petting your cat.  They determine the how, when, and why of it according to their needs and feelings at the time.  Every cat is different, so what works for my two, may not work for yours.  But, our pet does talk to us and lets us know just exactly how she/he feels or what they want.  I found another picture which me smile.  I know that a lot of people will relate to this and get a chuckle out of it.

All I have to do is get comfortable in my recliner and get thoroughly engrossed with a book and Sammy  jumps up in my lap and starts to clean his fangs on the edge of the book.  If he's not doing that, he's laying on my chest.  I'm doing what the woman is doing and trying to read.  Makes me wonder if he likes the smell of the glue on the binder.  Who knows with him!!

Our next topic is an age-old question.  Do cats feel love?  Some people feel that your cat shows affection because you feed them and take care of them, so it's their "instinct" to buddy up to you.  Anyone who has ever had a cat will disagree with that!  Cats do what pleases them and show affection on their own terms.  If  they don't come when called, they are known as unaffectionate and unlovable.  But, compare this relationship of owner/cat to mother/child.  Most generally, unless a child is in danger, a mother is not going to drop everything and run to the child the minute they call.  Most likely, she will call out "Just a minute".  This DOES NOT MEAN that she doesn't love the child.  So not coming when called is not a sign or test of affection.

We'll explore this more next week.  In the meantime, if you find the information helpful or useful, please share with someone else.  As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

I realized after I posted my blog last week that I didn't include a few other ways that Kirby and Sammy like to be petted.  And they were the most important!  Good grief, I must have been having a senior moment.  (Not that I get very many of them, you understand!)  Again, read your kitty's language, but you might find these pleasing to your cat as well.

Both of them like to have the sides of their neck rubbed and scratched.  I take the back of my hand and very gently start at the nose and go back to the neck.  They just lean into that and really purr.  When I'm brushing Kirby, he'll lean into the brush and do that himself.  I guess it's because they have a gland in those areas that secretes their "scent" when they brush up against something.  That's one of the ways that they mark their territory.  The other thing they like is being scratched under their chin.  Sammy likes this when he's laying on my lap.  Silly cat will stretch clear back so I can do that.  Kind of like this little guy.

The funny part is the fact that he's laying on his stomach when he stretches his head back like this!  I swear he's going to bend into a pretzel shape!

Have you ever had your cat just fall over in front of you and flop on their back or walk into the room and see them on their back with paws up?  Here's a clue as to what that means.

Have any questions or comments?  Would love the feedback!  Have a great week.