Thursday, November 18, 2021

A Striking Habit

What gives a cat his unique characteristics? I wonder that a great deal, especially when I meet new cats. Hector of course has his own personality, but something that he does stands out.


Sometimes, especially as I am passing near him, if he is sitting or standing, he will reach out with a paw and try to whap me with it. It’s never a strong blow, the claws are always in, and sometimes he doesn’t even connect. The significance of the action seems to be merely that it is made, not that it has an effect. It’s a gesture, more than anything else.


Where did it come from? Why does he do it? Is it the ephemeral remains of play, learned from his former humans when he was a tiny kitten? Is it the remnant of anger at some person? Is it a defence mechanism, to prevent being stepped on? (Goodness knows, he is underfoot much of the time, so if it is a protective measure, he’s defeating his own purpose.)


He doesn’t do it every time I walk past him. He sometimes acts as if he has forgotten, then tries to make up for it. And when I forget, I think I’ve accidentally kicked him in the head walking by, only to turn and see him sitting placidly on the floor, unhurt.


This is a case in which, I believe, even the cat himself couldn’t answer for his actions, if he could talk. It’s just a habit learned long, long ago; maybe even a year ago. But it’s part of him now, a part of Hector. I rather hope it always will be.


11 comments:

  1. What our rescued cats must have learned in their early days is so baffling. Since Hector doesn't bare his claws, it might be a habit to try and gain attention. With you, he knows that you'll give it when asked. I know Precious must be such a scarredy cat from some previous life. Hector is such a cutie with his white spot showing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think it's just Hector's way of saying, "Hey, I'm here! Stop whatever you're doing and worship me!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly what I was going to say. Just exactly. I think that is all it is and what it is.

      Delete
  3. I think Undine has it. He is just reaching out to give you a gentle pat, the way you might scritch his ears as you walk by.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with Undine - Hector just wants to be worshiped. After all, the ancient Egyptians worshiped cats, and cats have never let us humans forget it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Simon tags the Dad's foot quite often when he is going by.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yup, agree with the others! Its like 'Hey, I am here, you know...ya need to bow down before me??'

    Our Minko used to do that, sometimes from inside some hidey hole he was in, it always made me giggle. I think he wanted to startle whomever was walking past him no matter if it was one of us, another kitty or the dog. (He loved MJF.)

    ReplyDelete
  7. He is a funny boy. I think he is just amusing himself, a calmer way to play.

    ReplyDelete
  8. IT's solved! I will go to the mat saying that is what Hector is doing. Its an invitation.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree, either a way of saying, hey, I'm here, pay attention to me and/or the above with a "let's play!" thrown in. As long as the claws remain sheathed, it's endearing. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just letting you know he's there perhaps. I know my Shady used to do the same thing, and coincidentally she was the same coloring as Hector. Hmmm...

    ReplyDelete