Tuesday, November 29, 2016

A Tail of Affection

I have written about Josie’s tail before. In January of last year, I described how that appendage sometimes whapped repeatedly when its owner was enjoying herself, though it also whapped similarly - but not identically - when she was annoyed, a more common application of tail-motion. I have detailed its appearance, how it resembles a rat’s tail in shape, but has a rare colour-scheme.


Now, I will write about something that, I believe, is relatively new for the Great White. She uses her tail to show affection. Other cats have done this, I know, even some of mine; wrapping their tails around a person’s arm while lying next to them, for instance. Josie’s use of this manoeuvre is a bit different.


My Chubs will sometimes saunter up to me, always when I am standing; turn and, with her bum against my leg, gently whip her tail around my shin, hold it there for a second or two, then whip it away, only to repeat the action. She will do this numerous times, most often when I am standing at the counter in the bathroom, washing my hands or brushing my teeth, but also when I am in the kitchen. I always acknowledge her display, of course, and she wanders away, that rat-tail straight up and its bearer pleased.


I didn’t notice her doing this before we moved to the apartment. It is the latest addition to her list of demonstrations of regard, which, as I have written previously, has grown over the years. I see that purring and head-bumps, even drooling, are not the only signs of happiness and care a cat can show and, if I pay attention, I may find all sorts of evidence that my beasts have decided, after all these years, that I meet their standards.

12 comments:

  1. I'm always amazed at all the different ways cats show us affection. People who consider cats cold and aloof just aren't paying attention, (or they just haven't met the right cat!).

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    1. Quite right. Their displays of affection aren't always obvious, and people don't always look for them. Sometimes, I've found (with Cammie, for instance), a cat just letting you touch them is a sign.

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  2. josie...hay ewe gorgeouz....we think thiz izza awesum way ta let yur dad noe how much he meenz two ewe......

    bak in de day when boomer could still heer; if de food gurl said two him; eye looooove ewe buddy boom; his tail wood beat de ground reel lee quik for may bee 5 timez.......then stop

    her likes ta think thiz meant..... him understood her

    ~~~~~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥

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  3. No higher praise from a cat, to have met their exacting standards. Surely that must be the pinnacle of human achievement. :-)

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  4. I have no doubt you meet their standards John. It's pretty clear that you have a special relationship with each of the cats, and they reciprocate with their expressions of contentment.

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    1. Yes, each relationship is different, to go with each cat's personality, as you know. If I'm smart, I won't stop learning about them.

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  5. How very endearing, the tail wrapping. It's like she's trying to give you a hug. Lots of good things have happened in your new home.

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  6. That is a very sweet sign of affection. She is obviously very happy with your new home.

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