More Cuddles

by Mousie, lover of kisses and cuddle trainee

Good morning, friends.  

You may remember our blog about Grammy's cuddling written this past December.  If not, you may read it here.  Well, the cuddling saga continues.   Grammy has had her training and is ready to go but before I get into that let me tell you something even more monumental than that.  

I am becoming a cuddle kitten.  Yes, you read this correctly. I, the wee timid Mousie, am learning to cuddle with Grammy.  It has only taken me eight years to reach such a comfort level... and I still prefer to make the decision to do so but Grammy is thrilled - like over the moon thrilled.  For the past six months I've demanded kisses from Grammy before I allow her into her bed and then demand a multi-kiss tax in the morning as she's making the bed and serving our breakfast.  Works every time and I get a head pat or two as well. BONUS!

During the afternoon the back of Grammy's chair is my preferred seat while she is working on the computer or knitting.   You may ask why the back of the chair... and I'll tell you.  Grammy's heating pad for her back stretches up and over the back and I love, Love, LOVE to be warm.  But, also I like sitting there because I can hop onto the arm of the chair to demand extra kisses if a window should open up.   And guess what I discovered!  Grammy has a soft, cushy lap.   The only problem with it is... there is only one and there are five of us. 

Do you know how hard it is to get lap time? At one time I didn't care but now that I do it has been challenging.  Routines have been set and those siblings dislike change. A girl has to be ready to slip in on a moment's notice!  
 
One Grammy, 5 of us, two of whom are lap hogs.  Yes, Etude and Mummy Whiskers demand more lap time that the rest of us.  Mummy says she should have more because she's the eldest and has priority; Etude's reasoning is that he's the largest and so can keep Grammy warm the best... an unselfish gesture on his part.  Well, let me tell you... Nothing altruistic about it... he knows Grammy will stop knitting and give him ear twizzles interspersed with chin and head rubs as he gazes adoringly at her.

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Etude gazes adoringly at Grammy as she knits.

Now, Sweetie and Rondo are more fair about it.  Rondo only sits on the arm of the chair when he wants food.  He's no lap cat.  He thinks that is unmanly and beneath a cat of his stature.  Oh, he'll bounce on the lap while passing from one chair arm to the other as he howls for his meals but sit in it... not a chance.

Sweetie demands cuddles with Grammy as she's drinking her morning coffee because if a girl can sneak in a lick or two of 'the joe' all the better.  If she misses that window she may come back later in the day and whisper in Grammy's ear as she naps, 'Coffee, Grammy' hoping the subliminal message gets through.  If or when it works she's in there quick as a bunny for her requisite cuddles, snuggles and nuzzle time.  

Now, I only seek cuddles on my terms.  I do not demand. No, I'm a gentle cat. Grammy must be knitting something that requires a super amount of concentration so she won't be tempted to confine me tightly in her arms. That's when I slink down off the back of the chair, weasel my way onto her lap and under her knitting and pop my head up between her and the knitting and start kissing her cheek.  If I'm lucky she'll absentmindedly stop knitting and scratch my head between the ears, and down my back to the base of my tail.  Ooooh, I do love to have a good scratch there.  On occasion I'll settle on the lap... as long as she doesn't try to fold me in her arms.

Don't get me wrong.  I do allow Grammy to wrap her arms around me for a cuddle but only if she's leaning over me on the bed.  Then I still feel I'm in control and I can usually get in a couple more kisses and the occasional lick of her cheek.  But ooooh, I do love those tail scratches and have occasionally settled in until Grammy's back has said 'enough!'  Ignore your back, Grammy. Keep scratching!

Oh, and back to Grammy and her cuddle training... she's graduated, on call and ready to go but in addition to cuddles it looks like she's going to be teaching knitting at the hospital too...   Isn't that the grandest?

On the other hand... how will we get our requisite cuddle time?  Hmmmm! Not so sure about this!  I'll have to give it more thought.

Comments are welcome.... light and fun!

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