You know how when you’re married to someone or you work with someone for a long time, you learn that their first actions of the day . . even their “Good Morning” kinda sets the tone for the day, lets you know what kind of mood they’re in and basically, whether you should lay low and stay out of their way or whether it’s safe to interact with them? I’ve learned that is exactly the way it is with Cat.
Cat
Most mornings, just after daylight I walk outside, half asleep, and half ready to face the day, shake out my boots, which is no guarantee there are no critters hiding in them, and walk out the door . . still in my pajamas. From the minute I walk out the door, I’m looking for Cat. I know he’s somewhere . . waiting and watching for me. It’s a rare morning that I don’t see him right off the bat but if I don’t see him, it’s because he doesn’t want to be seen. This morning, he was on top of my car.
I’ve learned that as I walk towards him, when I’m still far enough away that I can’t even hear him but I can see his mouth moving, if he hisses at me, then he wants nothing to do with me. If he faintly meows, that means for me to stop .. he’s coming to me and then he will slowly make his way to where I am standing still . . half afraid of him and half longing to reach down and pet him. He will stop right before he gets to me, look down .. will not look me in the eyes . . it’s like he’s thinking “I KNOW I can do this!” He will rub up against my leg and walk away. This morning, he rubbed up against my boots, then turned and did it a second time. Progress.
Cat
I fed him. I went to let the chickens out, went to the garden to get the water going out there, picked a few squash, went to the shop to get lunch out of the freezer (cabbage rolls!), came out and Cat was back up on top of my car .. and he hissed at me as he thought I was coming his way.
He got what he wanted and he was done with me . . I could make an analogy to some husbands, some co-workers . . but I’ll let you do that on your own! 🙂
Cat and I have come so far in one year. I would love to be able to catch him and get him to the vet, get heartworm and flea meds on him but we aren’t quite there yet.
Diana in RR, TX says
We had friends who had a calico. She would sit and let you pet her and as soon as she had enough, the claws came out. Felt those claws more than once!
dezertsuz says
Interesting that you and cat have figured out a way to communicate so effectively. =)
vivoaks says
Cats are funny, aren’t they? My hubby just told me a couple of days ago that there are a whole litter of kittens under the shed of our next door neighbor. Maybe I should try to make nice with them before they get too old, huh? 🙂
Melissa says
Below is a helpful cat communication tip. It works very well. You can also slowly turn your head and look away from him after blinking. Cats prefer limited eye contact. It tells Cat that you are not threatening.
‘Because in the feline world, closing one’s eyes in the presence of another is the ultimate sign of trust. By blinking slowly at your cat, you are communicating that you are aware of its presence and pose no threat. So the next time your cat blinks at you, try returning the gesture.
Lisa E says
Great story about Cat. Love your comparison to husbands and co-workers!