The "Gifts" of Christmas From Your Cat

One of the first things on your mind at this time of year is a gift. Whether it's for family, a friend, the office, the school, etc., you know you need to buy gifts. Let's take a look at the gifts that your cat can give you, not only at this time of year, but all 365 days of the year. The amazing part of this is that these are given freely and unconditionally. How special is that!

Gift #1 is Affection.

I read an article about 14 ways your cat shows love. Not going to do all of that here because you would be reading way too long! Will touch on 7 of these and go into more detail about them some other time.

Cats Love with Purrs. Their purrs can mean a variety of things, from delight to expressions of concern. And kitty purrs range from soft and subtle to Mack-truck loud. (Kirby) When your cat purrs in your presence, you can be sure they're expressing their love for you. Then there's Grumpy Cat!

Cats Love with Rolling. When kitty throws itself on the ground at your feet, and rolls around, consider this a loving greeting and a solicitation for attention. Presenting the tummy in this fashion places the cat in a vulnerable posture. So cats generally reserve the rolling around for people they truly love. (When mine do this, it's always out of reach so I have to go to them!)

Cats Love with Bunting. When a cat cheek-rubs you, head-bumps your face, or pushes against you, they leave their scented signature. These behaviors, termed bunting, are expressions of affection cats display to other cats, dogs-and their most favorite people.

 Cats Love with Scratching. ( OMG! Say it isn't so!) Just as with the spraying, cat scratching leaves both scented and visual marks of ownership. Pay attention to where your cat scratches the most. The areas most important to kitty often are related to those places associated with the owner, like a favorite chair where you sit.

Cats Love with Kneading. Kneading behaviors—front paw treading on soft surfaces—hearken back to kittenhood. Kitten paws knead against the mother cat’s breasts to induce milk to be released. Adult cats continue the behavior when they’re feeling most relaxed and content and loved, and that’s often when being petted on the owner’s lap. Kneading is an obvious expression of adoration.

Cats Love with Gifting. Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise. They wouldn’t bring these special gifts if they didn’t love you.

Cats Love with Playing. Kittens play out of pure enjoyment, and many never outgrow playtime. Some cats may actually control the interaction of petting by moving just out of reach—so YOU must go to THEM. Their most favorite playmate typically is a trusted, beloved companion.

Next time we'll look at the other seven ways your cats can show affection. One of them will really shock you! Tell us how your kitties show affection to you. We need some "Awwwww!" moments.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667