Just a reminder to stop by the Trash & Treasure Sale on Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, at The Forum in Presque Isle. The Central Aroostook Humane Society will once again be set up just inside the entry doors with our bake sale, new T-shirt design, pet treats and, of course, our popular Lottery Board Raffle.
All of the proceeds will benefit our furry friends at the Central Aroostook Humane Society shelter.
For those of us who have had kitties in our lives, we probably know the answer to the question: Does your cat love you?
Although with our two previous cats, I had to wonder about one of them. Our male, Willie, was definitely a lover. He was always underfoot, always in a lap and was always the first to walk across an early morning pillow, wondering, “Where is my breakfast?”
Our female, Annie, would settle down on our sunporch or window bench and basically sleep all day. She could barely stand long enough to saunter over to the food bowl.
Who knew that cats could be so different?
Felines can deliver signs of affection in several different ways. Here are some.
Turning on the purr power: The steady sound when your cat inhales and exhales can often be a sign of contentment. Cats also purr when they are nursing a litter or need to self-calm themselves.
Head bunting: This feline act of affection is delivered only to the A-listers in a cat’s life. Your cat will face you, lower her head and lean forward so that the top of her head touches your forehead, face or other body part. This loving touch can often release feel-good hormones called endorphins in your cat and you.
Cheek rubbing: Think of your cat as a feline graffiti artist. To make her turf really feel like home, she will rub her cheeks against the corners of furniture and possibly your legs or hands when you pet her. It’s your kitty’s way of claiming you as her own.
Tail twitching: The feline tail acts like a mood barometer. The tail puffs out when your cat is frightened or agitated. This happened one time when our Willie encountered a family dog who was visiting our home. He was NOT happy and he almost looked like he was going to explode, his entire body doubled in size because he was so puffed out. The company did not stay long.
On the other hand, if your cat approaches you with their tail hoisted lazily up in the air and the very tip twitching, then your kitty is expressing her love for you.
Holding eye contact and sharing a soft blink: If you have a new houseguest, don’t expect your cat to maintain a steady eye-to-eye stare with them. Cats will save their eye contact for people they know and trust, like their human. The bond is accented when they blink softly at you. This is the equivalent of a kitty kiss. You should definitely respond by softly blinking back. (I have to admit I have done this with my kitties.)
Sitting on you or beside you: Cats crave warm places to nap and sleep, so when they stroll by their comfy cat bed to crawl into your lap, you should feel honored. Your cat has sized up her options and is conveying that she prefers being with you, rather than being by herself anywhere else in your home.
The sure sign that it is time for your kitty’s nails to be trimmed is when they perch on your lap, purring and kneading your thighs with their front paws. But remember that this is also a sign of affection. She is being affectionate and saying she loves you.
Stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 210 Cross St. in Presque Isle. You can also check us out on Facebook.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society Board of Directors.
