Katz Tales: What are cat kisses and how to recognise them

As your pet purrs and is happy, it will probably headbutt you and give you cat kisses. Photo: 123rf.com

I was writing to my mum when Swooner jumped up, headbutted my tablet out of the way, threw his paws around my neck and licked me on the nose. He was purring up a storm and his eyes were half-closed.

Cat communication is typically shrouded in mystery, riddled with subtle signs and shibboleths, but Swooner is an open communicator. He shouts a cheery meow when he’s happy, and screams abuse when he’s upset. Forget kitty dignity and aloofness; Swooner semaphores his feelings in easy-to-understand signals.