One of my favorite moments that we share is when she is in the right mood, sleeping on my pillow, and I go to rub her belly, and she thinks about it for a second and then basically launches her entire body into a massive stretch, involving every muscle in her body. Her “fingers” splay out, her “toes” stretch – it is an awesome privilege that she trusts me so much to allow it.
Then of course sometimes, mid-stretch, she gets a little nervous like, “Oh no. Am I allowing her to see too much? I am too vulnerable right now, emotionally … Is it okay? Or …”
It’s like her mind splits. Her body is still stretching but her face suddenly becomes conscious and alarmed.
I have been in exactly the same situation before in my life. I relate, Hope, honey, it’s okay.
I happened to catch such a moment with my camera the other day.
1. Glorious uninhibited stretch
2. Sudden realization, while stretching, of her own precarious emotional vulnerability
Oh some things really are universal. Hope is lucky to have you.
Hope’s got multicolored toes! They’re so cool.
She also might be stopping because she worries the Cat Council might find out she’s violating one of the many “Cat Rules” (no one touches your belly, wash after meals, chase invisible friends, etc.). Nearly twelve years with my cat, and just _seeing_ her belly is a privilege. . . but only I get that privilege, so I appreciate it.