by Sami Segale

Created on: September 25, 2009

In general, most people can be classified as a "cat person" or "not a cat person." And when faced with the little things that cats do, each side would provide a completely different interpretation for cats' motivation. In fact, what a non-cat person finds an annoying habit, a cat person finds an expression of deep affection. It all depends upon your perspective in reading the animal. Consider the following examples and see to which side you belong.

Is it an annoying habit - Cats lick their fur clean after they rub against you because they don't want your scent all over them or a sign of extreme affection - Cats lick their fur clean after they rub against you because they want to explore and enjoy the taste and scent of their treasured human? Is it an annoying habit - Cats fling kitty litter all over when they bury their feces because they are filthy or a sign of extreme affection - Cats know their feces stink, so they over-enthusiastically try to thoroughly cover it for the benefit of the household? Is it an annoying habit - Cats bring you dead and dying creatures that they don't even eat or a sign of extreme affection - Cats know you are an incompetent hunter, and they are bringing you a present you certainly couldn't have gotten yourself? Is it an annoying habit - Cats will suddenly bite you even when it seems they are enjoying being pet or a sign of extreme affection - Cats become so overwhelmed with their enjoyment of being pet by you that they nip lightly to show their delight and appreciation? Is it an annoying habit - Cats will ambush you with their claws on the ready when you're minding your own business or a sign of extreme affection - Cats think you would make and excellent playmate, so they become spastically excited and try to initiate a game? Is it an annoying habit - Cats lay down on whatever it is you are trying to work on or a sign of extreme affection - Cats love you so much they just want to luxuriate before you, no matter what's in the way? Is it an annoying habit - Cats sometimes follow you around and meow constantly or a sign of extreme affection - Cats are very interested in what their person is doing and are optimistically trying to communicate; they longingly want us to listen and respond?

If you answered "extreme affection" to more than half of these questions, then you need to visit an animal shelter near you if you don't already have too many cats. Kitten season is just about over, but there are still a few left over and looking for their forever homes, not to mention the staple of adult cats in need that are continually passed over for the irresistible adorableness of a kitten.

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