Are cats all really intuitive?

[annavc]

My cat did something last night which has really amazed me. I was really upset last night for reasons I won't bore you with and I was in bed crying. Anyway, my cat Sam, who usually sleeps down by my feet walked up the bed, touched my cheek with his paw, then lay down with his front paws over my arm and his nose just a few inches from my face. He then started to purr and snuggled his head against my hand. He stayed there until after I'd fallen asleep.

I know you shouldn't anthropomorphise (sp?) animals but it was so lovely and it was just like he knew I was upset and needed a cuddle! Has anyone else experienced this with a pet or am I just imagining things?

[andy-hughes]

I think it's accepted that cats and dogs, as pack animals, understand distress in another pack 'member' which is you, and they do offer their comfort in ways which we as humans understand. They place themselves close to us, so we can feel their prescence and body warmth, and put their faces next to ours so we can smell each other, and be reassured that they are there. Nice isn't it.

[alijangra]

Hi annavc. I asked a similar question a while back and got a mixed response but it seems it is generally accepted that they try and comfort you. Its great, eh? Alison x
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals_and_Nat ure/Question219226.html

[CiderMonkey]

My cat used to know when I was upset and would come and cuddle up to me. I think they definitely know.

[Birt]

One of my cats will sit by the front door at the time Mrs Birt is coming home. This is not always the same time so i dont think the cat is using a watch. Happens fairly regularly.

[spanner7853]

my cat does the same thing and he does it when im ill also.

[saffstar]

I suffer occasionally with IBS type symptoms - including quite severe stomach cramps. Whenever this happens, my cat Steve-O sits on my lap and massages my belly (he does that thing that kittens do when they're trying to get milk out of their Mum). It really helps and is very sweet!

[SCHUMI]

your not imagining it.my pup is like that with me.if i am in a bad mood he has his tail down and does the belly shuffle and grovelling to cheer me up.if i'm at peace wi myself and the world he is totally relaxed and will lie on his belly.if i am upset he lies with his head on my shoulder and cuddles me.my husband says that i can be in another room not saying anything and by looking at the pup he can tell what mood i'm in. i aso had a siamese cat that did exactly the same.

[annavc]

Thanks everyone - its lovely to hear all these stories of caring animals. They are lovely aren't they!

[auzzie]

I was very angry and walking around whilst on a phone call and my cat jumped up and bit my bum!

[auzzie]

I meant to add that it happened again the following day. (talking to the same people!)

[annavc]

That's so funny auzzie. My Sam did something a bit similar once - I was standing at the kitchen sink and he was sitting behind me miaowing. I was ignoring him so he took a flying leap upwards landing on my back with his paws over my shoulders where he hung on for dear life! Gave me such a fright!

[bubbly girly]

Yes I have experienced it. My parents got in a fight once and I was outside sitting next to my dog so she didn't get run over because my dad was backing out of the driveway. I was kinda scared that my parents got in a fight and my dog Lili must of noticed it because she lifted up her paw and put it on my shoulder. (She is a labrador) She made me feel a lot better.

[missyjones]

auzzie - I'm actually crying with laughter after reading what you wrote!!!!!!!!!!!!