1.The eye-roll – This is the look you’ll get if they ever hear themselves being referred to as ‘domesticated’. Your kitten might be just three months old but he thinks of himself as the resident crouching tiger (or wise old lion) anyway. And if you see him lying fast asleep with his head on your pillow, he’ll have you know that even the king of the jungle needs a nap from time to time.
2.The ecstatic gleam – He’s just woken up and is playing a clumsy game of ‘ribbon-chase’ with you. Look closely at his face and you’ll see the world’s most delighted pet – shining, dilated pupils and the unmistakable purr of gratitude.
3.The sun worshipper – Watch him move from room to room, hopping on (and off) sofas, chairs and window-sills with single-minded determination: to follow and soak up that final ray of sunlight at the end of a cloudy day.
4.The smile – Ever looked through a series of candid pictures of cats taken by adoring owners? You’re sure to come across at least a dozen of them grinning broadly as they lounge on velvet cushions or curl up next to their food bowls. And if he’s finally conquered that dried-up leaf he’s been stalking for several hours, he’ll flash you that proud smile as he drops his trophy triumphantly at your feet. Congratulate your little hunter for he’s had the patience of a saint.
5.The jealous guy – You’re his favourite human and he wants your love all to himself. Hence the pouty look when you commune with the neighbours’ cats and dogs. And be prepared for a certain amount of sulking if you’ve been away on a business trip for a week. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed though – put away the suitcase and dangle that old ribbon in front of his chubby paws, and all will be forgiven.
