Clawde - The Social Cat-terfly

Most people wouldn't describe cats as being social butterflies or creatures that seem to care about others - either cats, dogs, humans or anything in between.  Previous cats in my life certainly haven't been terribly social with people or animals that they don't know, and sometimes not even with those that they do know.

Nip was a one-person cat, and she chose to make herself scarce when other people were around. She did love her brother, Tuck, although they had a typical brother-sister relationship, and would go from grooming to fighting in the blink of an eye.  She learned to tolerate guinea pigs, cockatiels, dogs, and especially Shawn. Sometimes she would bestow her attentions upon him, but more often than not he was greeted with an icy f-you stare as he dared enter her general space.  She was an anomaly though, and most other family cats have been affectionate, but still cautious.

Nip - letting you know exactly what she thinks of you.

And then we got Clawde.  Clawde LOVES his family, and yes, that needs to be in capitals because he really does love everyone in his social sphere.  The dogs are always greeted with head boops and a groom and ear clean with a rough tongue.  He doesn't just walk over to them if he decides he's missed them, he trots over to give his affections, often much to the confusion of the dog, who has just walked into the house.

Clawde knows he's pretty special

Clawde loves Purrkins too.  When we first brought Purrkins home, Clawde could not wait to groom his soft grey fur.  Purrkins was younger and much preferred to have a wrestle, but he submitted to Clawde's affection and seemed to enjoy it.  Clawde would then expect reciprocal grooming and quietly bow his head in front of Purrkins, waiting for his turn.  Purrkins is more a taker than a giver, and usually decides after about two token licks that a body tackle is more appropriate.  Clawde tends to go flying across the room with Purrkins' paws wrapped around him and his teeth sunk into his neck.  Not one to give up, Clawde rights himself and attempts to groom Purrkins once again.  And so it has gone on for years.  Purrkins has increased his groom time from those early days, but he still loves a good wrestle.  You can just see the frustration on Clawde's face as he waits for his fair share.

Best buddies - what Clawde wants to do.

What Purrkins would prefer to be doing.

Clawde's love extends to the humans too.  He is a very affectionate cat, not necessarily always on your lap (except in winter when he soaks up the warmth), but usually in the same room as you, and he always has a soft chirp and a slow blink when you walk by him.  He likes to maintain an aura of aloofness, but in fact, he's a big sook.

He loves his people.

If we have company over, or anyone visits the house, he either goes to check them out outside, or comes into the room to see what's going on.  He has to be in the centre of it.  A seat at or under the table during a dinner party is a requirement (not to mention everyone thinks he is 'so cute' that he often gets little nibbles gifted to him - his favourite being salt and vinegar chips).  That cat knows how to play the game and exploit our weak spots.

We also have to be careful if we have tradies around to do work on the house.  Clawde is famous for jumping into their ute or van, thoroughly inspecting their tools and supplies.  We always ask them to check their vehicle before they leave because one day he will probably end up locked in the vehicle and departing on an adventure.

Even in his humiliation, he has to hang out.

The various dogs that we pet sit aren't immune from the attentions either.  It's probably a bit unsettling for those that aren't raised around cats, but if you need to socialise your dog to a cat, Clawde is the best option.  He likes to let them know he's boss with a steely stare and a puffed stance, and then once they submit, he rubs his scent onto them with a gentle head boop and sweep of the tail.  needless to say, this can be very confusing to a dog, but they soon are fascinated.  Our current boarder, Benson the Labrador, is enamoured of him, and spends most of his time staring at him while wagging his tail, crying when he gets ignored and checking out Clawde's bottom with his nose.  I'm not sure what confuses him more -  when Clawde ignores him or Clawde goes for the rub and the groom.  Whatever, it keeps them both entertained.

Clawde having a whisper to Chamois

I've never had a cat quite as social as Clawde, and maybe never will again.  I'm sure his mission on earth is to love everyone and welcome them into his home.  And that is definitely his home and family, not ours.  I like to think that, as a rescue cat, he is forever grateful for his good fortune, and wishes to pass the good karma along.

Manu not quite convinced of Clawde's love.