Off the Mark by Mark Parisi for March 27, 2023

Often without warning.

True story!

cat-nipped?

Look out!

Hero Cat strikes again.

We call that the bear trap

When it’s sprung, all for sets of claws and the teeth snap shut on the hand all at once

One of our cats loves belly rubs and will only go off if we’re too vigorous , the other three have hair triggers

I was going to ask where the “bonus” claws in your hand during the bonus bite.

One of my cats actually grabs my arm so I won’t stop her belly rub.

NEVER, NEVER give a cat a belly rub. Head rubs are great. A belly rub could mean a trip to the ER.

Awwww!

Most cats hate to have their belly scratched.

If you likes rubbing bellies, get a doggie. You can rub all day and we never bites.

Yep, you have the right of it. This is how a great many feline minds work.

Cats vary. I have one who gets offended and another who goes into ecstatic resonantly purring ecstasy.

Our cats all DEMAND belly rubs!

It’s widely thought that cats expose their bellies as a trap.

Most often, if you rub them there, they’re apt to scratch or snap.

But showing you their weakest spot is hardly good for bait.

If fighting’s what they wanted, then they wouldn’t have to wait.

Instead, the experts tell us it’s a feline sign of trust

You won’t attack. If you would rub there anyway, you must

First stroke the side and watch to see if Kitty will relax.

Then inch toward the belly, but beware of swift attacks,

As cats may change their minds. I’d rather stick to other sections

For petting and engage in other methods of affection.

—me