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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:	Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:	FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:	MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO

Created:	Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:	Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	5089
Total number of notes:	60366

4013.0. "KITTY MAGIC?" by TYGON::WILDE (illegal possession of a GNU) Fri Sep 21 1990 21:08

Well, just about the time you decide that your cats will never change their
attitude about something....they change completely.

I am the property of two cats, Hannah who hisses and bites strangers (in
PARTICULAR, men strangers) who try to pet her, and Nicholas who runs in
terror from any stranger.  I am used to the fact that my cats aren't 
going to be friendly to new people so I don't try.  In fact, I make a
point of reassuring guests that it isn't THEM....my cats are unfriendly
to everyone.

so my friend John dropped by last night...I told him I had unfriendly cats
and to not take it personally, at all cost do not try and pet Hannah, etc.
and in waltzes Hannah....she proceeds to drop onto her back at his feet
and began to play with his foot...looking totally adorable the whole time.
John reached down and scratched her chin, ears, belly, etc. and she just
purred.  no hissing.  no biting.  Mom looks real neurotic by this point...
making up stories about her hateful cat to cover her own problems....Okay, 
so maybe the brat cat was loosening up about the men thing a little....

As we sat talking later in the evening, NICHOLAS marched up to John and
wrapped his tail around John's calf, rubbing against his leg and just
generally being a pest until he was petted.  He raised up on his hind
legs to make it easier for John to scratch his chin and ears -- purring
all the time.  This is the cat that runs from everyone.  He runs from my
roommate Marge if she walks into a room behind him.  He loves John.

I guess some folks just have kitty magic....but I don't know that I've EVER
met anyone with this much kitty magic.  

Of course, John thinks I'm totally neurotic ----- making up such terrible
stories about my perfectly wonderful cats.  The woman needs therapy.

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
4013.1	cats can tell...	KOOZEE::PAULHUS	Chris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871	`Mon Sep 24 1990 15:38`	5
	I've had similar things happen... I've heard comments like "He/she never does that with anyone!" when a cat will hop in my lap for some petting. John sounds like he's special, though. I think cats can tell things about humans that other humans fail to easily see... - Chris, dad to Vanessa
4013.2	another idea	BTOVT::MUNROE_R	I'll give it a whirl!	`Mon Sep 24 1990 20:06`	4
	I think that smell (aftershave, cologne, a different smelling soap) may have something to do with it, as well. --becca
4013.3		CRUISE::NDC	Putiput Scottish Folds - DTN: 297-2313	`Tue Sep 25 1990 11:57`	7
	> I've had similar things happen... I've heard comments like "He/she > never does that with anyone!" when a cat will hop in my lap for some > petting. Me too :-)))) And John DOES sound special :-)
4013.4		WILLEE::MERRITT		`Tue Sep 25 1990 12:01`	8
	I don't know....I think it is Kitty Magic. There are just some people who all animals take to......I think the person just does not send off any agressive or fearful vibes. Then there are those people that all kitties fear.....makes you wonder what they ever did to your cat. Sandy
4013.5	They know	XLII::NSOHL		`Tue Sep 25 1990 14:27`	17
	I usually only read, but this reminded me of the first date I had with the man who is now my husband. He was not very fond of cats. I warned him I had two, but they usually disappear when strangers come into the house. He came to pick me up for our first date and Wizard disappeared as usual. But, as soon as he sat down, Miss Marple gave him the once-over and jumped into his lap to settled down for a nap. Of course, I was explaining that she had never done that before. I told this to some friends and they all said that this was the man I was going to marry...that the cats knew. It took me two years to realize it myself, but Miss Marple knew right away. He has become a true cat lover and Miss Marple is now his cat. We just celebrated our 4th anniversary. NancyS
4013.6	the ol' catnip trick	PARITY::DENISE	And may the traffic be with you	`Tue Sep 25 1990 17:35`	8
	I knew someone once who, in order to impress his lady friend, rubbed catnip on his slacks before he went to her house for their first date. She of course, was amazed that her "shy" cat would "take" to a stranger like that. They too, are married. I believe in "magic" myself. Some people just have it! Denise
4013.7	such trickery!	KOOZEE::PAULHUS	Chris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871	`Tue Sep 25 1990 18:26`	7
	I would consider the use of catnip on the slacks as base chicanery! I wish to assure all gentle readers of this file that I have never stooped to such depths. If I can't make it on my own attributes, I'll do without (guess that explains why I'm single :-( ) - Chris ps. Still, a guy who cares enough to use the catnip trick is a lot better than one who doesn't give a $#!t about cats...
4013.8		CRUISE::NDC	Putiput Scottish Folds - DTN: 297-2313	`Wed Sep 26 1990 11:40`	10
	Well, I'm a firm believer in my cats' judgement of other people. They get ratings based on the reaction of my cats to them. Extra credit is given if Bob or Dundee puts in an appearance and extra special credit if either of them lets the visitor touch them. Using Pizza to entice Bob doesn't count against them either as Bob is afraid of everyone and Pizza would make no difference - (pay attention Denise). Of course, if my "gut" reaction to someone is negative, the chances of them ending up in my house in the first place are pretty low. Nancy
4013.9	my cats don't accept many	TYGON::WILDE	illegal possession of a GNU	`Wed Sep 26 1990 20:38`	12
	if I trusted my cats' opinions of humans who may visit, I'd have one friend... Magic John. Although I don't turn away anyone my cats are not willing to come to - they really aren't into meeting new folks - if I know the people are nice...I have to admit, John has gained points by this. Being as he is smart, cute, VERY funny, and drives an alpha romeo spider which shows a thoroughly whimsical attitude towards life -- it's a lovely little thing and totally impractical - not what you expect an ADULT to drive -- it isn't hard to decide he's a "keeper" in the new friend department. Hannah and Nick have conferred with me and they agree that I should invite him over for dinner often..Sam harumphed and said that John LOOKED okay and maybe he'd give a sniff next time. Tabitha loves everyone without reservation so we didn't consult her on this issue.....I think it's unanimous. 8^}