It’s not as sturdy or as clear as Mr. Spock’s efforts, but neither I nor my cats have had the benefit of Vulcan training. But we do Mind Meld. Face closeness is the ultimate cat compliment. Forehead to forehead contact expresses the cat’s desire for mind melding.

When I invite a mind meld, I put my hands behind my back and lead with my face. I am communicating trust. The cat will half close their eyes, let their ears relax, or even stretch out their neck to communicate their willingness to share this greatest of gestures.

Together, we press foreheads.

When I first brought our new kitten home, Mr WayofCats, who deals with a chronic illness, was still in bed. I peeked in to see that he was awake, and let the kitten get on the bed.

He marched up to Mr WayofCats and planted foreheads. He was communicating, as clearly as he could, that he wanted to be friends.

Cats will rub their faces on parts of our bodies, and let us pet their ears, chins, and faces. Follow their lead, express our own trust and relaxation, and we can achieve this kind of cat closeness.

This is not something that can be forced. Only invited.

Even cats who are hand shy, or dislike sitting on our laps, can express their true feelings with the Mind Meld. Approach them when they are lying on the bed, or sprawled on a favorite shelf. See if they are relaxed and communicating affection. Prime them with some “cat kisses,” the long, slow, blinks of friendship.

Then, with our hands behind our back to show we have no bad intentions, we bring our faces close to theirs. Even if they shy away, we will get closer and closer. Until we are as close as we can be.

When I mind meld with Mr. Bond, he makes special noises in his throat that I only get when we do this. That’s how special it is.

This is the prize winning Maine Coon, Wishin, from Blazers Cattery. Who obviously has a heart full of love.

Like my Maine Coon mix, RJ.

Got here from a Link or Search?
There’s more ways to get our cat to be affectionate in The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my CAT AFFECTION posts.