To hug a Cat.

Hug.

That word on it’s own is such a comforting one. Imagine yourself nestled in the arms of a loved one’s embrace, take a deep breath and say it out loud for me..

Hug.

Doesn’t that makes you smile? Maybe you feel just a teensy bit warmer than you did a few moments ago? Hopefully so.

I’m a hugger. I really can’t say it loudly enough that I crave touch. One communicates an enormous amount of information through their touch alone. There are times in our lives where we aren’t touched by another human being and we begin to suffer without it.

Check out this New York Times article. It’s older but still has great information on the topic.

The pandemic forced such a change in my daily routine of working with my bodywork clients. I’m a Massage and Trigger Point therapist and it is part of my profession to put healing hands on those in need. I still miss my clients when I can’t work with them. I need that touch just as much as they do.

“Can I have a hug?” I feel so blessed to have a partner that will oblige me when I pop outta the woodwork asking this. I can see at times that it’s really inconvenient, but I’m patient and so grateful for the times it is not.

On the the flip side of this coin; I used to be friends with someone who made fun of me to her fiancé for hugging hello and goodbye. I found out when they made fun of me together the next time we went out. I had actually stopped hugging hello because of her, and I find that a little depressing sometimes.. Suffice it to say that our 14 year friendship didn’t last too much longer after that revelation. Those who are still in my life are huggers too, so I’m not out of place anymore.

You may be wondering what this has to do with hugging cats. Bear[hug] with me!

I have two big, fat cats. My senior citizen, Cassette, has never enjoyed hugging. She does gently pat my face as a wake-up call though. TOUCH. I love it. My other cat though, Peter, looooves hugs. She will hug me while I’m cooking, reading or even going to the bathroom. Invasive, but adorable nonetheless.

When I can, I hug her back.

So, why hug a cat? Because maybe that’s all you can get in that moment. Ask a friend if you can hug their cat. Maybe it’s weird but who cares?! A real friend never judges, and a nice cat will probably allow it. Just be sure not to hug a cat that you don’t know or who doesn’t like touch, because common sense.

If you can’t hug a cat or another human but you’re desperately needing that contact; hug another soft animal, a thick blanket or even just wrap your arms around yourself. Take a deep breath and say it out loud for me..

Hug.