Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Chin-rubs, Please

Each of my cats has its own idiosyncrasies. All cats do. Each has its preference when it comes to attention, and where they enjoy being petted or stroked. Josie used to trouble me because she wasn’t a lap-cat, nor did she lie beside me while I read or watched a movie. To give her the attention she deserved, I had to dedicate a specific time and place. As you may imagine, this was not always easy when opportunities are limited. I sometimes felt that she was being cheated.


But since moving into the apartment, the Great White has developed a new way of enjoying moments with me. It’s the chin-rub. She’s always been partial to them, but now they are her main source of physical pleasure. Frequently, all it takes is for me to walk into a room for Josie to fall over on her side, inviting me to give her scratches under her little head.


These usually comprise just the minimal movement of my index finger back and forth against her fur. I can feel her purr even before I start. She will periodically stand, turn in a circle or walk away, only to return to where she had been and drop down again. Thereupon, I resume my rubbing of her chin.


The advantage of this action is that I can work at my computer and attend to Josie, lying on the bed next to it, at the same time. I can type swiftly with one hand (actually with one finger and a thumb) so, though design work suffers, actual composition continues adequately. I am never at my computer for long, but if Josie is enjoying herself, I will find something to do on it.


Eventually, the rubs leave my finger and hand sore, but I don’t worry. After ten or fifteen minutes of chin-rubbing, my Chubs appreciates simply lying on my hand. Her purring continues, and she closes her eyes. At last, like most cats, she decides that she has had enough for the moment, and moves, usually to another spot on the bed. My duty is done, her quota is filled.


It never seems to take much to give pleasure to an animal. A kind word, preferably in a funny voice; a few minutes of petting; some play: these can make a cat or dog happier than a hoard of gold will a human. And, unless you’re the sort who wouldn’t bother to stroke a cat’s head in the first place, such gladness in an animal will create similar gladness in you.

12 comments:

  1. Josie's such a sweetie. Chin rubs definitely are the best. I find my two very demanding of attention and I do feel a bit guilty that I'm not home enough to give them the undivided focus I feel they want. But maybe it's just the "can opener" they really want. :-)

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  2. Very nice post. Small actions do have big reactions. And yes, they make us feel good too!

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  3. Awww she looks happy to have her rub. I find miss pops is always happy if you remember to sit beside her and give her a similar rub and pet. Sometimes when you live alone you can realize that you don't speak much during the day, and have to remember to talk to the cat.

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    1. I think I talk to my beasts more than I do to people.

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  4. I always find it amazing that each cat his its own personality traits. Like Josie, my Danni will sit next to me and enjoy being rubbed. Willow prefers to walk back and forth while I pet her. Alex and Joey are "velcro cats" that always have to be near me. And Jessica and Cassi like attention on their terms - only when they are in the mood for it.

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  5. josie....we agreez chin rubz N ear scratchinz iz way total lee better; leest ta uz, then belly rubs...any day ~~~~ ♥♥♥☺☺☺ N tell yur dad while himz on de computer he mite az well mull tee task & shop online for sum cat foodz ! ♥♥♥

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  6. The books I read when my children were small called those times where I sat with the baby and just stroked them "filling up the emotional tank". I tend to think it is the same thing with our fur babies.

    I'm sure you enjoy the time with Josie as much as she does!

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  7. I agree. It is very rewarding to see them enjoying being close and petted. Flynn likes chin rubs too, but he loves vigorous scratching on his chest even more and will try to groom my arm in return.

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  8. Such a simple thing can mean so much and bring so much joy.

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  9. OH you are right. I love pleasing my girl Katie and my girl who has gone to the Bridge, Admiral. They are and were so very loving to me...it is a duty and honor to be good to them and all pets.

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  10. She is gorgeous, I love her cow kitty markings.

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  11. it is a good reminder that every one is different.. and it is those differences that make us unique

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