Near-freezing temperatures coming to Bay Area

DEAR JOAN: Whenever I pet our loving tabby true cat, she immediately cleans herself in the expanse where I petted her.

Should I be offended because she doesn't like my odor and is trying to remove it, or flattered considering she likes my scent and is enjoying it?

Rebecca, Walnut Creek

Love REBECCA: As with a lot of things involving those wonderfully mysterious and perplexing felines, there'south more than one respond.

The first, frankly, is the well-nigh positive for our egos. Your cat is not trying to rub away your strokes in the same mode a young child wipes away your kisses. Far from it.

Cats regard united states of america equally other cats. Large, strange looking cats, but catlike beings that are neither to a higher place nor below themselves. When you pet your cat and she and so licks the aforementioned spot, it could be her style of performing mutual training, an human activity that occurs between close and loving cats.

In this scenario, you are some other cat grooming your cat. Only exist thankful you don't accept to use your tongue.

Another possibility is that yous are petting her in a place that isn't as easy for her to get at, and she'southward trying to assist you reach the sweetness spot. This happens nigh ofttimes nearly the base of a cat'south tail, where she can't quite reach. Information technology's akin to scratching a dog and having it start gyrating its rear leg. The cat often will lick at the air, as if she is licking the hard-to-reach spot.

A third reason could be that your cat has a sore or itchy spot caused by a skin irritation, either from a food or insect allergy. Your touching that area makes it crawling or tingle and your cat tries to sooth or tranquility the itch. If it happens in the same place every fourth dimension, so yous should have your cat checked by a veterinarian.

The last reason experts take identified is chosen feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a condition where your cat's skin becomes hypersensitive. Your stroke could exist causing discomfort and pain.

This is another instance when a trip to the vet is phone call for, simply as y'all didn't mention any negative reaction from your cat, I suspect there'south aught wrong and nothing for y'all to exist offended by. Keep on petting.

Giving to two good causes

Thousands donate blood every year, which saves countless lives, especially in emergencies. Taking part in a blood bulldoze is e'er a skilful idea, but this January, giving a pint will too hateful donating to assistance care for homeless pets.

Stanford Claret Heart will launch its annual Give Good campaign on Jan. 1, and for every donation throughout the month, the center volition donate to Humane Society Silicon Valley. Coin raised during the drive will be used to pay for vaccinations and other medical care for animals at the shelter.

Make an appointment or plan to visit the center'southward mobile unit when it sets up shop at the shelter from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 19, Humane Society Silicon Valley Customs Room, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas.

In past Requite Expert campaigns, the center has donated to Proficient Karma Bikes, Bay Surface area Cancer Connections, Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley and BayKids Studio. In 2022, a three-calendar week entrada to support Humane Gild Silicon Valley drew three,294 donations.