Kato and Ava are very affectionate cats. This doesn't mean they are cuddly lap-cats. Ava has kitten cuddliness, and lots of it, but she is too much of an energetic cat to be plonked in a lap for a cuddle on demand. Both Kato and Ava are busy cats, and like to have quick moments of loves, very very very frequently! When they do seek out our laps for an extended stay, we are very privileged - because they trust us enough to provide a sleeping place. Kato however, is not keen on full body strokes, so when he comes for a cuddle, it's a 'no hands mum' affair.
But cuddling is just one measure of affection (and trust). The gift of presence, the interaction in our affairs, and the constant chaperone, are powerful signs of cat affection. Both Ava and Kato also adore being noticed and talked to, and involved - the same ways they show affection, bestowed back on them. If Ava asks to smell the herbs I've just cut from the garden (she looks intently at them while waiting at the door), then of course I offer them to her to sniff. Just being noticed and included builds trust and affection.
The picture above is Ava coming as close to me as she can, without being on me - I had no lap at the time as I was crouched with my camera. Why did she express her affection by coming over to me? I was noticing her in her box and went and talked to her, and blinked at her, and generally showed my love in my face...all done with 'no hands mum' even though Ava is more than receptive to petting (works well when you are holding a camera or have no hands). Ava bestowed love back - through looks and blinks, and then trumped it all by getting up from her lovely box, coming over to me, and settling to sleep close by my foot! Here's the series of how that went - it's easy to see the looks of love on Ava's little face!
But cuddling is just one measure of affection (and trust). The gift of presence, the interaction in our affairs, and the constant chaperone, are powerful signs of cat affection. Both Ava and Kato also adore being noticed and talked to, and involved - the same ways they show affection, bestowed back on them. If Ava asks to smell the herbs I've just cut from the garden (she looks intently at them while waiting at the door), then of course I offer them to her to sniff. Just being noticed and included builds trust and affection.
The picture above is Ava coming as close to me as she can, without being on me - I had no lap at the time as I was crouched with my camera. Why did she express her affection by coming over to me? I was noticing her in her box and went and talked to her, and blinked at her, and generally showed my love in my face...all done with 'no hands mum' even though Ava is more than receptive to petting (works well when you are holding a camera or have no hands). Ava bestowed love back - through looks and blinks, and then trumped it all by getting up from her lovely box, coming over to me, and settling to sleep close by my foot! Here's the series of how that went - it's easy to see the looks of love on Ava's little face!