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The Essence of Compassion
“Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and strong…because sometime in your life you will have been all of these.”
The Feline Human Bond
Cats make excellent pets. Despite the feline reputation for aloofness and independence; many owners can attest to the strength of the human/companion-cat bond. To get your cat to bond with you even more; their body language is a beacon of information. Listed below are some of the key expressions that provide a guide to decode cat’s unique signals.
Rubbing Against You
This is an affiliative gesture and they are also depositing scent. Cats use scent to determine who is part of their social group. Their cheeks, foreheads, sides of their bodies and tails are some of the places that cats have scent glands. If your cat rubs against your legs when you come home, it is a greeting.
Head Bunting
The proper term for when your cat is headbutting is “bunting.” This is a very affectionate gesture and they are also depositing their scent.
Slow Blinking
Cats consider prolonged staring impolite and may even view it as an aggressive threat. Slow blinks, on the other hand, are comforting and a sign of affection. Slow blinks are often referred to as “cat kisses.”
Rolling on their backs and exposing their bellies
This is another behavior that shows your cat trusts you. It is a sign of total relaxation but may trigger a defensive reaction if you pet the cat’s stomach. Most cats dislike having their bellies rubbed and may let you know it. It is better to give cheek and forehead scratches and the avoid the stomach altogether.
Kneading
Kittens initially knead their mama’s belly while nursing. When a cat is relaxed; many will knead a blanket or even your skin as they drift off to sleep.
Sprat was a 4-5 weeks old stray kitten that our local Animal Control Officer was notified to pick up because he was severely injured. He had suffered a debilitating nerve injury to his front right leg rendering it useless. He had head trauma which resulted in retinal damage, a fractured mandible(jaw) and was severely under weight and dirty.
The ACO picked him and 2 healthy but terrified brothers up immediately. Sandy at PAL was notified about the kittens. She reached out to a friend and veterinarian, Annie Custer, for prognosis and treatment. After a long discussion of pros and cons; Sandy and Annie were “all in” regardless of the outcome. After everything this tiny young kitten had been through; he deserved a chance.
Once at the shelter; he and his brothers began to thrive. It is amazing what a warm safe environment, consistent food and water and a loving hand can do to restore the will to “try.” The brothers began to trust, sleep soundly and learned to play. Even Sprat with his broken jaw voraciously attacked his meals.
In the initial days at PAL; Sprat started moving his damaged leg. However, if was evident that unless he had more diagnostics and further treatment; he would be crippled permanently. PAL allowed Dr. Custer to adopt Sprat as a result.
Through the support of PAL; Sprat was taken to Sturbridge Speciality Center. Thanks to the evaluations and expertise of Doctors Paul McCarthy and Deb Lytle; Sprat was well on his way to his best recovery.
Fortunately Annie could provide his physical therapy as outlined by Dr. Lytle. Hydrotherapy, conditioning and muscle strengthening became a daily ritual. Many people contributed to getting Sprat to the point of living a more than quality life.
Few would ever know he endured unthinkable abuse. Most people now see a normal feline youngster. And above all; he is a friendly, trusting, adorable companion.
Acknowledgments and appreciation go out to the two wonderful techs, Amy and Jenn, that helped Dr. Custer repair Sprat’s broken mandible, Dr Paul McCarthy and Dr Deb Lytle at Sturbridge Speciality Center, Dr Daniel Dorbandt at Central Hospital for Veterinary Hospital in Connecticut, Dr Harriet Blanton who dedicated much personal time to Sprat’s recovery, the local ACO and PAL who said “I am all in, no matter what.”
If you interested in adopting one of our cats or kittens; you must complete an Adoption Application on our website. One of our volunteers will contact you only after we receive your application.
*Cats and kittens are shown by appointment only!*