For over 10,000 years, humans have cohabitated with cats, so you’d think we’d know how to communicate by now. In honor of International Cat Day (Friday, August 8th), we’re going to look at some unique ways that kitties say “I love you.”
Sometimes what you think makes them a homicidal furball is really a sign of their deep devotion.
Unique Cat Behaviors
For example, some indoor-outdoor cats will bring home presents in the form of dead mice, lizards, and other small animals. While most humans find this disgusting, it’s the cat’s way of sharing their hunting success with you.
My late indoor cat, Jamie Tiberius Kirk, exhibited similar behaviors. However, with no access to live prey, she would bring special people very specific toys that she loved. Sometimes Jamie would also run around the house with the “kill” in her mouth, screaming until she could “share” it. In this instance, what could read as an annoying behavior to a human was just her making sure they are eating
Which brings us to the next big sign your cat loves you: they try to trip you. Many cat owners complain that their feline companions dart between their legs when they are trying to walk. But for your cat, they are marking you as part of the family. So while it’s a hazard, it’s being done out of love.
Another indicator that your cat is fond of you is when they “make biscuits” on you. This one tends to be seen as a little less obnoxious because it’s just the cat kneading on a human body part like a leg or an arm. This behavior is left over from when they were kittens and kneaded on their mothers to tell them they were hungry. It means they view you as a parental figure and feel safe around you. So that claw slip while they are doing it is probably accidental.
A Unique Cat
What is International Cat Day without discussing a special feline? 9Lives mascot Morris the Cat is a perfect example of an exceptional kitty. In a true rags-to-riches story, Morris was found at a Humane Society in Hinsdale, IL, in 1968 by animal talent scout Bob Martwick. After acing his audition, the art director said, “He’s the Clark Gable of Cats.” (Gable is also known as the “King of Hollywood,” so this is no small compliment).
Not only was he whisked away from the shelter, but he also got a good home and all the 9Lives food and treats any kitty could ask for.
From 1969 to 1978, he starred in 58 commercials, creating one of the most successful advertising campaigns in TV History. In 1973, the big screen came to call, and Morris starred in “The Long Goodnight” with Burt Reynolds. All this sudden fame led to him running for president in 1988 and again in 2012, but both were unfortunately unsuccessful.
Morris’ Million Cat Rescue
In 2006, he took on what is by far his most important mission, leading the Morris’ Cat Rescue adoption campaign. It was kicked off by Morris adopting a kitten, Li’l Mo, from a Los Angeles animal shelter. This was the first adoption in Morris’ Million Cat Rescue campaign. Since then, Morris has been a huge advocate for pet adoptions.
Now we all know that a cat living to 57 is not currently possible. Given that the oldest living cat on record was Creme Puff of Austin, Texas, and she only made it to 38. Obviously, there have been several Morris’ over the decades, and all of them have been adopted from shelters like the original. The first few even lived with Martwick and his family, making Morris’s living with his handlers a tradition.
You can read more about Morris and 9Live here. And you can see this fabulous orange feline in action below:
