Today is...

[IceWizard]

Saturday 04 June 2016

National Hug Your Cat Day





If recent reports that warn against cuddling your canine have you aching for a pet- squoosh, perk up and grab the Kevlar:

Saturday is Hug Your Cat Day.

The unofficial holiday, clearly not invented by cats or cowards, was established to celebrate the special human-feline bond, a relationship that can be sparse on demonstrative displays of affection.

Some cats are born huggers; most are not.

"We get them in occasionally, and you can tell when you open the cage door because they'll reach right up for you," said Felicia Hess, development specialist at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. "Typically, though, cats don't enjoy hugs."

To a nonhugging feline, a human bearing down with arms outstretched is more likely to cue a fight-or-flight response, said Jennifer Nosler, founder and director of the nonprofit Look What the Cat Brought In.

Force-hugging can be stressful and scary and is "never a good idea with any animal," she said. "We've had a few kittens over the years who will do it, and it's just adorable. Some cats will sit and snuggle with you on the couch and they're perfectly happy, but if you pick them up, they can't stand it," said Nosler, whose limited-admission shelter was the first of its kind in Colorado Springs.

"You have to read the cat's body language and always let a cat approach you, and then you can see what they like and what they'll tolerate."

For pet parents whose felines prefer love at arms-length, here are alternate ways to show you care:

- Enrichment toys such as scratching and climbing posts are "a great way to keep them active and stimulated without the overstimulation of hugging them and being in their personal space," said Hess, who also recommends "food puzzles" that require a cat to play its way to a snack. "You can even make stuff like that at home, by cutting a hole in a plastic water bottle and putting treats inside. The cat will have to bat the bottle around to get the treats."

- Catnip: "Some cats are very catnip- motivated. Put a little down right in front of them and pet them as they're rolling in it," Nosler said. Local option: Sales of Colorado Kitty Pot, available at select area pet stores and online at coloradokittypot.com, benefit Harley's Hope Foundation, a charity that assists low- and fixed-income pet parents with major veterinary care, behavioral training and emergency foster care.

- Donate: Make a gift of money, pet food or supplies - in Kitty's name - to a local rescue organization or shelter.

Don't have a feline to squeeze?

June also is Adopt a Cat Month, so a perfect time to remedy the situation.