Lovey Boy

Mau likes to snooze on the cat tree and purrs most happily whenever he gets a visit.

May the Fourth Be With You!

Happy Star Wars Day! Are you celebrating the cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars with any delightfully geeky activities? Are you celebrating any with your pets? If so, please share in the comments!

As I write this, my house is a vortex of inaction. It’s gloppy outside and all three cats have declared mid-afternoon nap time, which they take quite seriously. However, I do have a few cute photos to share with you.

Here Charlie demonstrated how to be a stretchy cat. Check out all the spots on his belly! As he shimmied on the window seat, he trilled cheerfully and revved his purr motor loud when I rubbed his tummy. It wouldn’t rub itself, after all!

“The Force is one with this highly rubbable tummy…” Don’t you think? 😉

“Human, you will give me attention and lots of rubs.” ~Garrus, Gentleman Jedi Cat

Queen B sprawled and purred after I brushed her and gave her a kiss between her ears. “To keep the balance in the universe, you WILL give me my due adoration!”

Morning Snuggles

Apparently the cats missed us while we were gone over the Thanksgiving holiday. (Don’t worry; they were not left utterly alone. A dear friend and fellow cat lady checked in on them on Thursday and Friday and gave them an abundance of affection.) I was slightly worried that the boys would be skittish when we returned home but, thankfully, they were relaxed. All three cats sought us out for scritches and Boudicca was insistent to return to her regularly scheduled lap time as soon as possible.

This morning Boudicca woke Aaron up by walking across his face and pillow in order to curl up between us and our pillows. (For those who do not know, face- and pillow-walking is a common occurrence with cats. Some cats are more polite about it than others.) Commence snuggles, pets, and happy purring cat time! She was quite content to use my hand and arm as a chin rest and seemed quite pleased with herself when Aaron babbled at her, telling her that she was a sweet and pretty girl. (Boudicca seems to enjoy and expect compliments at regular intervals.)

Whenever the Downton Tabbies realize we’re awake, they usually come into the bedroom to investigate and receive rubs too. Garrus hung out on the floor, despite our repeated attempts to invite him up. (When we got out of bed, he received plenty of attention in the living room.) Charlie, however, did not need much coaxing to jump onto the bed. This morning he wanted all the affection he could get from Aaron and purred enthusiastically away, so loud that it drowned out Boudicca’s purrs.

Aaron: Good morning, little man.

Charlie: Hi Dad! Hi Mama! It’s lovey time, yes?

Aaron: Yes. Would you like to visit? *gives scritches and pets*

Charlie: Oh yes! This is my favorite thing! (NB: Charlie has many favorite things.)

Aaron: Now can I pick you up?

Charlie: Maybe. But you’ll have to convince me to get unstuck from the comforter.

Aaron: *disengages Charlie’s claw snags and places cat in his lap* Now what do you think about lap time? *gives back strokes, scritches, and rubs accordingly*

Charlie: This is lap time?! This is awesome! It’s so snuggly and comfy! This is my favorite thing! *BIG PURR*

Cat Parent Achievement Unlocked: We have successfully introduced Charlie to the practice of lap time. He stayed in Aaron’s lap for about 10 minutes and didn’t wiggle all over the place! Success!

Unfortunately, Charlie decided to move out of Aaron’s lap just before I was able to snap a photo.

All in all, this was an excellent way to start off a Saturday morning!

Slow Blinks

Cat Parent Achievement Unlocked: Receiving unsolicited slow blinks

Charlie is currently scampering around the house after a long cuddle and snooze session with Garrus. There’s lots of squeaking, investigating, and probably some toy relocation/stealth regifting. Several times I’ve seen Charlie trotting down the hallway and I’ve waved my hand at him to let him know he can come to me for rubs. (The hand wiggle gesture is our way of beckoning kitties for rubs and inviting them onto the bed or couch. Each cat owner, I assume, has their own gesture for a similar purpose.) He’s given me slow blinks each time I’ve done this. I win.

Me: Hi little man! Whatcha doin’?

Charlie: Hi Mama! *much squeaking*

Me: Would you like rubs?

Charlie: Oh yes, please! *slow blinks followed by squeaking; jumps onto the window seat* I have arrived! You may now pet me! Behold! I am so pettable! *more squeaking*
Garrus: *lingering in the doorway* Excuse me, Madam. May I also receive gestures of affection? I find them agreeable. *gives big vampy smile and slow blink followed by a head bunt*

Boudicca: *waving paw at me from her pink bed* Mama, pay attention to me now! Is it lap time yet?