TomTom
Cats and their human companions have been in the spotlight lately, recipients of some ill-advised scorn on the current political stage. Smart people know that criticism of cat ladies or cat gentlemen is a dangerous game that will quickly backfire. If anything, you want these people – and their furry charges – firmly in your corner.
You see, cat lovers are a unified block. Individually opinionated and outspoken, but also loyal and compassionate as a whole, and about 47,000,000 strong as of 2024.
And the felines they love are known to be smarter than other domestic animals. So naturally, they are attracted to people of higher intelligence and emotional maturity. People who don’t require the constant adulation of a puppy or the silent approval of a rabbit, say.
“Cats aren’t desperate to please you,” claims James Buzzel, editor of Your Cat magazine. “So when they do come and sit on your lap, it’s an absolute honor.” This may be only a minute or two of affection, but cat fanciers are fine with that. They are busy people after all and have other things to do generally.
Even so, the emotional benefits of living with cats are equal to those that other pets add to our lives, if not greater. “They give us attention, relieve our loneliness, provide comfort, fun and play…which we know releases oxytocin, which in turn suppresses the production of cortisol, a stress hormone,” according to Dr. Patricia Pendry, professor of human development at Washington State University.
And cats accomplish this in considerably more ingenious, if not sophisticated, ways than other furry pets. For instance:
Cats sleep on your head
Quora
Sleeping on your head can be a bonding signal for your cat. It's not uncommon for cats to sleep on each other, so they might be treating you like one of their own. Also, your head is nice and warm.
Cats dance for you
Cats nap a lot during the day when their humans are otherwise engaged in daily activities. The energy they build up often explodes in a magnificent burst of erratic leaps from great heights, followed by split-second jetes, arabesques, somersaults, and mad dash tackles with imaginary interlopers that would make Rudolf Nureyev green with envy. These are free, expressive performances known as zoomies and are given solely for your late-night pleasure.
Cats give you exotic gifts
Cats may bring you a toy to show you affection. Likewise, they may also bring you prey they've caught, such as small rodents, reptiles, or spiders, as a kind gesture. Really, it’s the thought that counts here.
Cats knead you
Kneading is an instinctive trait that cats inherit from kittenhood, when they would knead while nursing. As adults, kneading can make them feel comfortable and happy. If they happen to be sitting on your back while kneading you, think of it as a kind of mini-massage spa treatment. Enjoy!
Cats wink at you
Sarah Sphar/Flickr
It’s a sign of love and trust. A slow blink or wink can be a sign of trust, loyalty, and affection. It's sometimes called a "kitty kiss." You can return the gesture by slowly blinking back at your cat. Also, your cat may have an eye infection, so have it checked out.
Cats purr
When you lie down on the couch for a Sunday afternoon snooze and your 12 lb. Persian hops aboard your chest and falls into a purring trance, she feels safe and content to be there and purring is her way of sharing affection for you audibly. Seriously, there is nothing better than this in the whole world
To sum up, you always know where you stand with a cat. if a cat isn’t happy, he won’t sleep on your head or bring you dead animals or purr on your chest.
You always know where you stand with a cat person, too. Campaigners on the stump take note: Never dis a cat person or their fur babies. It’s a sorry mistake that could send you straight to the political litter box.
:-) Please like and share this story with friends and other cat lovers -- thanks!
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