Cats and Affection

There are a number of ways in which cats show affection and trust, and not all of them are as immediately obvious as curling up into your lap and purring.

Blinking:  If they feel threatened or uncomfortable, a cat will do its level best to keep its eyes open.  Blinking, or half-closed eyes are a sign of trust.

Grooming:  If a cat allows you to groom it, and even more if it grooms you, this is a sign of acceptance and trust.  Cats use mutual grooming for stress relief and relationship building.

Head Rubbing:  This is a combination affection and mark of ownership.  Cats have scent glands on their faces, and when they rub their head against you, they are marking you as their own.

Stomach Display:  This is one of the deepest signs of trust a cat can give.  However, presenting the stomach does not necessarily mean asking for belly skritches.  Depending on the cat, trying to do anything to the belly, even if presented, will provoke a defensive response, no matter how much they like you.

Catnip

Name:  Catnip

Latin:  Nepeta Cataria

Other Common Names:

Family:  Mint

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium

Used for:  Can be used for easing menstruation, relieving colic, and to relax you into sleep.    Also falls into the category of herbal pain relief, working by soothing and strengthening the nerves and muscles, rather than by deadening nerves.  Also acts as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, and can assist with cramps and spasms.  Good choice for herbal vinegars, due to the amount of calcium it contains.  More commonly used for cats, to make them act somewhere between happy and a bit crazy.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings: