Lubya is a very sociable cat. He’ll greet guests at the door, waiting for—no, expecting—them to pet and massage him. But he’s also very independent—at least when we’re at home in New York.
At the cottage, it’s a different story. Maybe it’s the new surroundings (we’re usually only there for weekends) or the trauma of a two-hour ride in his cat carrier (both my cats despise their carriers) but he’ll frequently come over to where I’m sitting and standing on his hind legs, put his paws on my leg or thigh. I know immediately that he’s asking to be rubbed. He likes it when I put my hands on either side of his face and massage his head. He’ll also bend his head asking for is a deep neck massage. (Boy, has he got me trained!)
Usually, after a couple of minutes of this, he’ll wander away to find a comfy spot for, what else, a cat nap!
I admire his directness. If only I could be so clear about what I need and so forthright about asking for it.
Our pets really do have lots to teach us.
—Anne Simpkinson
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