There are some cats who leave an impression on your heart. Other cats leave an impression on you physically!
In my work at the cats only boarding facility, I’ve met both types. For right now, I want to talk about the latter. One thing I’ve noticed is how very unpredictable cats are — especially when compared to dogs. I’ve lived with dogs for years. I’ve learned their little vocal cues and body language.
Cats? Not so much. There are some who give warning with a hiss or a growl, and some who act out with very little (if any) warning at all. I’ve never lived with cats. I’ve only known them in passing until now. But I’m learning to divide my injuries into “intentional” and “accidental”.
I had a play incident where a cat named Mango snagged me with one claw while I was waggling my fingers at him. That one (on the tip of my index finger) took a while to heal, as it was in a weird place for a bandage. Both of us only meant to play, but long nails and a finger in the wrong place at the wrong time added up to an accident.
And I’ve got a good, long scar on the inside of my wrist where a cat used me for a launching pad. Misty wanted to be in her condo, and I had the audacity to take her out (again for a weigh-in… I’m having bad luck with those). As soon as we got close to the condo, she pushed off against my wrist, leaving me with a gash from her hind claws.
Then there’s Jake — the recipient of my feeble attempts at grooming. He didn’t mean to claw my shoulder; he saw the water and got scared. And as soon as I put him down, he was back at my side, purring and rubbing against me.
Those not-so-accidental injuries? They deserve a spotlight of their very own.