If you would know a man, observe how he treats a cat.
Cats, like women, tell you how they're feeling, just as long as you understand their language.
Let's remember that we have the advantage of a sophisticated spoken language to communicate. That is not the complete blessing you'd imagine. As accurate as English can be, it can also be used for misdirection and confusion. Argument and hurt are powerful reminders of the power of words.
A much simpler and easier to understand language is the cat purr. Purring is not completely understood, because cats use it when at both ends of the emotional spectrum: when they're happy and content, and when they're scared. However, for we amateur cat fanciers, there are only three kinds of purr we need to understand.
* the Perfunctory Purr is the greeting purr your feline will give as an offering of welcome. When you arrive home from work, she'll rub your legs (to confirm ownership) and purr for our benefit. It's the equivalent of...
Hi honey! It's nice to smell you. How was your day?
* the Head Purr is practically the same as the Perfunctory Purr, but is used for a different reason. It shows that your cat is happy, but with a measure of wariness. This is the kind of purr you'll hear when you are working with your computer, and Paws decides she wants to prove she's more interesting that the screen. She'll sit between you and your work, or walk across the keyboard, or chase the mouse (!) She's saying...
Hey, pal, I'm in the mood for some play! Let's get with the program and pay attention.
* the Total Body Purr is when your furry friend has completely given herself to being with you. Oftentimes she'll be sitting on your lap, or lying next to you/on you. The purr, as the name implies, encompasses her whole body, telling you that she's completely at ease in your company, fully trusting that everything's okay. My cat will let me - no! make me! - scruff her belly, which increases the intensity of her purr. When a cat is comfortable enough to bare their belly, they are showing you they have no fear - they're giving YOU their most valuable gift.
Vulnerability, or even the appearance of vulnerability, is the common thread between women and cats. Both have to be self-protective, even if they find people deserving of their trust. On a solemn note, men can be cats' best friends, but some men will be their worst enemy. It's the same for women. Men who want to be with and protect women are their greatest ally. Other types of men are their most dangerous enemy.
That's why women should carefully consider Heinlein's quote, above.
Bottoms Up, Purring Beauties.
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