So we visited Rainer tonight. This visit was somewhat unusual because two people joined me, a couple. The girl was enchanted by the way Rainer kneaded my leg. Then the guy came closer and Rainer's whole body stiffened. He made a huffing sound and I thought: uh-oh. But then I massaged Rainer's side and face and he purred and I thought everything would be okay.

Then the guy stuck his hand into Rainer's face and Rainer took a quick swipe with his claws in the guy's direction. He didn't make contact, but the clear message was: back off. I gently suggested that the guy shouldn't approach Rainer from the front, but rather from the side. Looking back, though, I'm not sure it would have made a difference, because all the relaxation had drained from Rainer's body. He was definitely on guard.

So then the guy stuck his hand in Rainer's face again and Rainer jumped off my lap and hid behind a chair. I couldn't get him to come out again. His green eyes had this vague faraway look that they get when he retreats into himself.

I did pat the other bookstore cat, however. His name is Hayes (after the former president, Rutherford B. Hayes. Both cats have high-falutin names ;) Hayes was amenable to patting. I noticed that Rainer likes to stay on the floor, while Hayes sprawls out over the books on the display table.

So the evening was a bit suboptimal. But I have faith that Rainer and I can have quiet one-on-one time during my next visit, without intruders :)

Comments

verniciousknids said…
Rainer obviously prefers you!
4:13 AM
Bearette said…
Thanks :) I was a little worried because he went away, but I figured it had nothing to do with me.
9:00 AM
This suzy said…
I wonder if the guy had a certain scent to him that really set Rainer off. Maybe he has a dog at home. lol
9:20 PM
Iamthebookworm said…
Cats are funny sometimes. They just seem to dislike some people. Rainer seems to like you though!
10:00 PM
Bearette said…
Suzy - strangely enough, I'm pretty sure he lives with the girl (his wife or girlfriend) and she was telling me they have 2 kittens! maybe they avoid him though ;) she was telling me that one of them tries to stuff its head in her mouth when she's sleeping. i couldn't stop laughing ;)

Bookworm - d thinks maybe rainer disliked the guy because he sat too close to him. also, rainer seems to prefer girls, but we do have a male friend who patted him without incident.
10:36 AM
This suzy said…
I've never heard of a cat (or kitten) trying to stuff its head in someone's mouth! LOL
11:59 AM
Bearette said…
Me neither (until now). The girl said, "I think he wants to be part of my human form." ;)
12:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Does Rainer have his claws? Muffin used to love to knead me, but I always had to use a blanket barrier because his claws hurt. :)
2:34 PM
Bearette said…
Liz - he's actually very adept with them and retracts them when he kneads ;) It tickles a little, though.
4:19 PM
Bearette said…
I'm pretty sure he does have them because he extended them at that guy. Wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving end of that ;)

BTW, i think you would like the book sideways...all the "oenophiles" :D
4:20 PM
Anonymous said…
If only my kitty would retract hers when she kneads...jeez. Perhaps his owners clip his claws--that pretty much makes them harmless, but they still look scary.
4:59 PM
Anonymous said…
I didn't read the book but I've seen the movie three times. :D
4:07 PM
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