The Way of Cats

Every cat has several Special Spots. Just as we have different places for different tasks, cats have Designated Areas for their different needs. Making sure the cat has good spots for their security, observation, and companionship routines creates a happy cat.

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The cat has no problem picking out their spots. Sometimes, though, the spots they pick will not suit us so well. If we have a cat who gets in trouble because of the places they choose, they need our help in finding a spot which gives them what they need, yet doesn’t cause difficulties for us.

One of RJ’s favorite spots is at the living room window. The view is one attraction; it looks out at the driveway, the house next door, and the lake with its abundant wildlife. But this is also where Dear Husband sits to work on various art projects. So while RJ is enjoying Fun Things to Watch, he’s also in a perfect position to get a stroke or a sweet word from one of his favorite people. Two buddies, doing things together. For a cat, it doesn’t get any better.

However, there was some negotiation involved before both got what they wanted. At one time, the desk where RJ sits had stuff in that spot. Dear Husband moved the stuff so it wouldn’t get knocked aside; this was his concession to RJ’s ardent desire to be there.

In return, RJ had to learn that he couldn’t play with any of the brushes, little pots of paint, tiny parts, and other tempting objects in the area. To reinforce this, Dear Husband puts small cat toys on the windowsill, so that each of them has something to play with. This makes RJ feel more a part of things, and keeps him from playing with Dear Husband’s tempting toys.

Cats want to be near us.

Here, Mr. Bond shares his Happy Chair with RJ (at a younger age than he is now,) so they can both participate in the movie watching in the living room.

They will cuddle with us on our chairs, but humans tend to get up often for snacks and bathroom breaks. If the cats want to settle in, yet still participate, they will seek out a spot no one else is using.

When we see a cat in one of their areas, we can “bless” the spot they have chosen by petting them and saying how nice a spot it is. This will reassure them that they have chosen a good spot that will not make us unhappy.

We should not take them out of their spot to pet them. Petting In Place is the way we show respect for the spot, and for their comfortable place in it. We like a kiss goodbye if we are still in bed; would we like it so much if we are hauled out of bed to get it?

If a cat chooses a spot which does not please us, we can’t just make the Spot off limits. The cat has chosen it for a reason, and we must provide a good alternative. Cats like places which are off the floor, not too open, and ideally, cushy enough for good stretching and relaxing. Any Spot which has things looming over them or too much traffic and disturbances nearby are not Good Spots.

Anywhere in the house we like to hang out should have a Spot for kitties who want to share this happy time. I’ve had cats who recognize that I spend a lot of time on the computer, and want a Spot nearby to be with me. A cardboard box, lined with a towel, was my way of appreciating their affection, and keeping their tail off my mousepad.

By listening to the cat, and observing their actions, we can find ways of making us both happy.

Together.

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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.