Hi everyone, it’s Allegra! It’s been a while since you heard from me, and I finally got Mom to agree that I can share something I’ve been wanting to tell you about for a long time: how I get Mom to do what I want her to do. Now I’m pretty sure most kitties already know how to do it, but I thought that by revealing my secrets, it might make humans comply a little faster when we employ some of these techniques, because, let’s face it, humans can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes.
So, without further meow, here are five things I do to charm Mom into doing my bidding:
- Rub my face against her legs. I do this when I want her to really pay attention to me. I may only want her to pet me, or I may want a treat, or maybe it’s time to feed me. Sometimes, I do it just because it feels nice to be that close to Mom. And I know she likes it because she always smiles when I do it. Bonus tip: if this doesn’t get her attention, I’ll give her toes a little nip!
- Blink at her. Humans love the “slow blink,” because they think it means that a cat is telling them “I love you.” Well, okay, so it does mean that. But it’s also the feline version of what humans call “batting your eyelashes at someone,” and it’s guaranteed to at the very least make your human go “awww, you’re so cute” and with any luck, that will lead to pets and treats.
- Yoga stretches. Mom adores it when I do a nice, long “downward dog” stretch (I don’t know why it’s called that, it really should be called “downward cat!”) and will usually come right over and pet me. If the stretch alone doesn’t do the trick, I roll over on my side. Mom knows better than to pet my belly, because I don’t like that, but I love having her rub all along my back over and over.
- Chirp. Yes, you read that right, and no, I’m not a bird, silly. But I can make a sound that sounds just like a chirp, and for some reason, Mom thinks it’s utterly adorable. She always comes looking for me when I chirp, and when she finds me, that inevitably leads to pets, and sometimes even treats.
- Do something I’m not supposed to do. When all else fails, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Knocking something off a shelf or table, preferably something that makes a lot of noise, will get her attention for sure. Of course, then I just sit there being my adorable self, and there’s no way she can be mad at me. In fact, she usually laughs.
Mom says what I’m doing is called “manipulation,” which sounds rather sinister to me. Or else, she’s just an easy mark – but then, how could she not be, when I’m so cute and charming?
So tell me, kitties: what do you do to charm your human?
The 12 year old little lady who moved in with me 2 months ago chirps, chirrups, trills — somehow she is able to make several sounds which remind me of birds, I am always tickled.
She sound adorable, Cheri!
Allegra, those are all excellent choices, and my 12 adopted/rescued kitties have used them all! But for me, they don’t need to do anything special. I spoil them just because I love them so much and they are such a comfort for me! If I’m not giving them enough attention, they do still try to get my attention by interrupting whatever I may be doing ATM — such as typing this message!! I even have one (Mario) who will gladly join in the typing!! ♥♥♥
How does the saying go, Diane: resistance is futile? And as you said, why would we even want to resist their charms!
When she sits with me, my black cat Mimi pats me softly on my face with her paw to remind me to give her attention.
My newest little tortie Fea follows me around with the toy she wants to play with in her mouth.
Works every time.
What a sweet way to get your attention, Andrea!
Allerga,
You are one smart cat! As for your 5 ways to charm… They do work! All of our cats have done the charm routine. Our four-legged children do know how to get what they want, when they want it!
Ellie Mae is a pro at #2 and #5. She also like to roll over on her back and stick all her paws in the air. That gets me every time.
My Mom also taught Ellie Mae to stand on her hind paws and meow when she wants something. That is pretty darn charming too. Allegra should give that one a try. 🙂
Allegra is busy taking notes.
First of all,I am easily charmed. That said, my cat will roll on her side and rub her head on the carpet then roll to the other side and do the same thing. She flips back and forth several times and purrs the whole time. Too cute !
I love when cats do that!
Miss Kiki likes to start sticking her head through the blinds early in the morning or washing my face to get attention when she is trying to tell me she wants breakfast. The problem is she often wants breakfast at 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning.
Washing your face is such a sweet way to get your attention, Janine – even if it’s early!
You’re very talented, Allegra! Our Rufus the Red isn’t at all subtle. He just jumps up and sits on whatever human body part available.
Allegra..I appreciate your guide to charming your human…I do these things and a few more…when I am sharing my couch with my human I tend to turn my back to her, and just to let her know I am thinking about her I will wag my tail slowly back and forth giving her a petting on her arm or foot, what ever is closest. She seems to really enjoy this. I also use my chirp when I want her to get me down from the refrigerator. She will always answer and then I get a ride to my condo…she is a great hugger. I love to hug back with my front arms over her shoulder, I hug her really tight sometimes then I get so relaxed, I will fall asleep right on her shoulder. I know, I’m pretty cute!
I love kitties who hug, Daisy! It’s the best feeling in the world, isn’t it?
We are ALL big fans of #5! That seems to get the most attention!
Arent you just about the cleverest and charming little pussycat ever, Allegra…. it all rings so very true. Our Bertie goes better than that – being male he would of course – he[‘ll go for the full teeth and claws bit if he thinks he will…. doesn’t bring him much though – usually gets three smart tapes on the nose followed by “no, no, no” very firmly…. but all he does is shut his eyes and wait for it… he knows he won’t get a wallop Love and purrs to Ruby and your Mom (yeah in that order) xxxx
All so very true! Thanks for the chuckle 🙂