I have an obligation to share a story. I lived in the country once, owned three horses. Well, we had hunters in our neighbourhood so the deer and the coyotes liked to hang out on our acreage because lots of room and we wouldn’t hunt them. One day, a deer came out and started grazing in our field. My family saw it and went ‘oh cool’ and went into our backyard to watch. What we didn’t expect was my quarter horse x pony cross going up to the deer. When she did, the deer took off running towards our fence and we thought ‘well so much for that that’s the end of it.’ But just before the fence, the deer swerves like a quarter horse in a barrel race and runs back to my horse. We thought ‘oh hey that’s cool the deer’s showing off’.
What we didn’t fucking expect was for my horse to start bounding around the field like a FUCKING. DEER. My horse was BOUNCING. They were playing, and showing each other they could do what the other could do. It was hilarious. Meanwhile, our other two horses were standing on the big hill a ways back, overlooking what was happening. The horses were eyeing mine like she was certifiably nuts.
I’ve seen that happen with horses and deer before, too! My neighbor’s horse Bill is like… friends with the local deer and they hang out and race each other regularly. It’s very strange.
this is the purest video you will see all day, it includes not only practical advice on how to make cats feel comfortable but also:
the most patient and long suffering clawdia
bob ross, but a vet
squish the cat
squish the cat, but with a towel
absolute unit mr. pirate
a little chubby but quite beautiful
please watch this immediately
mind you, squish, not suffocate. always make sure they can still breathe both in terms of keeping their face/nose free from obstruction and also not nearly breaking their ribs.
I feel like the reason certain dog-lovers insist cats are evil is because they read their body language as if they were dogs. So here’s a very basic guide to common “mean” things cats do that actually aren’t mean at all if you know what they’re thinking.
Rolling and exposing belly- attacks you when touched Does not mean: Give belly rubs! – haha I tricked you! Actually means: I’m playful! If you reach for my belly I’ll grab your arm and bite it because I think we’re playfighting!
Lazily exposing belly – still attacks when touched Does not mean: tricked you again! Actually means: I’m showing you my belly because I trust you. Please don’t break that trust by invading my personal space. I might accept a belly rub if I’m not ticklish and I know you well.
Snapping at you while being pet Does not mean: I suddenly decided I dislike you! Actually means: You’re petting me in a way that gives me too much restless energy. Please focus on petting my head and shoulders instead of stroking the full length of my back next time.
Is in the same room but makes no attempt to interact Does not mean: I’m ignoring you Actually means: We’re hanging out! I’m being respectful by giving you space while still enjoying your company.
Slapping/scratching your hand when you try to pet them Does not mean: I hate you! Actually means: You’ve failed to establish that we’re not playing, or the way you’re approaching me scares me. Be calmer, speak more gently, make eye-contact and blink slowly at me before you try again.
I love this post omg, thank you so much. As a lifelong cat person, dogs perplex me because they’re so completely different behaviourally.
I love dogs too but, I’ve been trying to tell people, you canNOT treat cats like you treat dogs. They arent the same animals and have very different personalities
P.s.: people often pet cats way too hard. Dogs like a firm pet or a pat on the belly, cats dont have the same bone structure and are more flexible than dogs so what you’re doing probably hurts them
Sitting and staring Does not mean: I am challenging you/plotting your demise/just generally evil and creepy. Actually means: I am a desert-adapted species, so my natural tears are very thick and keep my eyes moist for a nice long time. I do find people interesting and enjoy watching them. I just don’t need to blink very often!
Staring and blinking slowly Does not mean: I’m smug and think I am smarter than you. Actually means: I like you! But I don’t need to get up in your face to show it. I can just sit over here and blow kisses at you to show you I am glad you are around!
It’s very frustrating for me when people expect cats to act like dogs, or act like they’re deceitful. They aren’t! They just AREN’T DOGS.
Pour les chats 🐈💞
wiggling the tail does not mean: i’m happy to see you, pls come and pet me / play with me! actually means: i feel irritated and stressed, pls don’t touch me at all right now!
rubbing their face on you does not mean: i am just quickly getting rid of this dirt in my face actually means: i really like you! you are my family and we are close enough that i want to mark you as “mine!”
wupacing 