Giving Affection

Hey all you cats and kittens!  This is Pearl with the Pearl Report.  Today's topic is giving affection.

All my fans will remember that I keep my Mommy on a strict schedule.  I allow a time for affection, but I am flexible.  I like to give a little bit of love frequently throughout the day.  Affection can be shown in many different ways and I would encourage you to show your Mommies and Daddies your love in as many different ways as you can. 

During play time, I like to leap on Mommy and give her a quick head butt and then go back to chasing my mouse.  When it is quiet time, I like to lay on Mommy or cuddle with her.  When it is affection time, I get in her lap or on her shoulder and purr loudly while I knead and pinch her belly or her neck.  I can tell how much she likes it because she makes little squeals and she wiggles.  Sometimes, she catches at my paws playfully.  Your Mommy or Daddy may do different things to show how much they appreciate your love.

There is one very important rule, however.  YOU are in charge, so affection is given and received when you decide, not when Mommy or Daddy decides.  As for visitors, they should keep their hands to themselves.

Affection does not always have to be close contact.  Yesterday, I brought Mommy the best present!  I found a terrible and evil lizard had invaded our home.  I attacked it!  It is good that I practice my hunting skills everyday and keep myself fit.  I was able to make short work of him.  Then I brought it to Mommy, because I knew she would love it and be proud of me too.  I dropped it right in her lap while she was working on the computer.  She loved it so much, she jumped up and did a dance while making her little squeals.  Then she said "Good heavens, Pearl," which means I did a good thing.  She put the lizard in a plastic bag for safekeeping.

Don't worry though if you have not had a chance to hunt for your Mommy or Daddy.  You can also show affection by following them around and giving them loving looks.  I like to do this one a lot.  Unfortunately, my Mommy is always doing things that are questionable, so I have to stop giving affection and inspect what she is doing to make sure it is safe.  Like this thing she calls laundry.  What is the reason for putting perfectly good items in water?

Another thing you can do that doesn't require close contact is being silly.  Some felines have an issue with this because they feel that cats should always be dignified.  I agree to a point.  Sometimes it is fun to be silly and Mommy makes the most incredible sound, which I love.  So, I think being silly is alright as long as it is not overdone.  I've posted pictures of me being silly.

Remember, affection can be shown in many ways!  Get creative and show your human some love.

Keep scratching cats and kittens.  Until next time,

Pearl