Albert is not a cuddly cat
He has never sat on my knee.
He has never slept curled up next to me in bed.
He is aloof and remains very much a supporting actor in the everyday life of the cottage but just occasionally he will have a sudden rush of the affections and will rub heads energetically, like he did this afternoon as I was reading a book.
He’s fourteen years old
A good age for a cat
I didn’t realise that he was quite so old.
He purred as we head butted each other and for the very first time in fourteen years he let me kiss him gently on the cheek.
I love this. Albert is one of my favorite "characters" that you post about. I have a special affinity for black cats.
ReplyDeleteWould he like that he’s a favourite ?
DeletePerhaps?
So he's finally given in to your advances.
ReplyDeleteJust Russell Crowe to go
DeleteI changed the title of today’s post in your honour
Thank you.
DeleteXx
DeleteAlbert! He loves being part of the pack (on his terms, of course) and it looks like he loves the pack leader as well.
ReplyDeleteHis affection is so sporadic , that when it happens your remember it greatly
DeleteMy neighbour has always had black cats, none of which have been affectionate, or rather, sometimes affectionate, but could turn into attack mode in the blink of an eye! I wonder if it's a black cat thing? Still, now Albert is getting older, he seems to be mellowing. Before you know it, you'll wake up with him snuggled up to you, along with Mary and Dorothy! xx
ReplyDeleteAlbert is a great hunter even now .
DeleteBut I’m very aware that his old fracture gives him a great deal of trouble
He was a terrible scratcher when young and would “ attack” your hand with gusto , even when playing
I feel very emotional about Albert's affection towards you John-it's very touching-You have been through a lot together xx
ReplyDeleteFunny, he moved me today too
DeleteSweet Albert.
ReplyDeleteSweet William
DeleteYou've given him the kiss of death x
ReplyDeleteOh don’t say that
DeleteYou can give him the kiss of life John-on his little furry lips xx
DeleteI will let him go peacefully when it’s his time x
DeleteHe's lovely, and like all cats, does what he want to do.
ReplyDeleteMy previous cat, Rupert, black, would not come further into the house than the kitchen, but loved sitting on my lap at the table. He and I moved house three times together. He loved gardening, jumping into piles of leaves or baking in the greenhouse, and lived to 18. After a 2 year gap, a tiny tabby kitten appeared, became Polly, and is the most affectionate house cat I have ever known. Hobbies include watching TV and sunbathing. She's not interested in food, and will only eat once we start eating.
I love the name Rupert for a cat
DeleteLove cats. Albert obviously let's you know he's there when he needs to. We had to have our Hobie put to sleep a couple of years ago. He was 25, very old, a bag of stones in appearance. A lovely old fella that always wanted a cuddle, but ended up with dementia and mostly blind. Grab those cuddles.
ReplyDeleteHe’s the background to my little life here Gary,
DeleteI guess he finally feels he is home. :)
ReplyDeleteHe’s always been here…as a kitten he slept in a box on the kitchen table
DeleteA lovely special moment.
ReplyDeleteBlack cats are a favorite of my family. After son moves we he will adopt another pair.
cheers
Albert is my third cat
DeleteBetty and Joan found me in Sheffield
My cat is affectionate-- on her terms. More so since her and I are the only occupants of the condo.
ReplyDeleteAlbert has always been “ second choice” given the number of canines in the cottage, up to four above him in the pecking order
DeleteIt's like "Steptoe and Son"... Albert and Harold.
ReplyDeleteWith Hercules the horse…..
DeleteThat is so lovely. I too love Albert.
ReplyDeleteHe has another fan
DeleteIt’s heartwarming how cats change over the years. Moose is very affectionate but will NOT be picked up or sit in a lap. He expects me to get down on the floor with him -- often -- to pet him (and of course I do). But lately he’s been letting me rub my cheek against his and kiss him on the head — repeatedly. And I purr.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds very much like Albert
DeleteI always especially love when you post about Albert. As a cat person, I can usually relate to his personality and actions. I also love his big, shocked eyes! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteHe was born looking surprised
DeleteIf he is head butting you, that's it, you are his and that is it. You have been marked for life. Think that is absolutely gorgeous. I have had many cats over the years, and Molly my older cat is a Tabby. She is not an affectionate cat apart from with me although will go days without. Will under no circumstances go to OH. If she wants fuss she demands it. They are all unique. I am glad you got to give him a cheeky kiss. Special moments x
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you say so
DeleteAlbert sounds much like the one and only cat I ever had, Starbooty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great name for a cat
DeleteHow sweet. Hope dear Albert learned that he's safe, secure, and can show his love for his family at last. I'm glad you were home to enjoy this surprise from Albert.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
He knows what side his bread is buttered
DeleteMy mom's cat is not a cuddler. I wish he was
ReplyDeleteIn some ways , with cuddly welsh terriers and needy bulldogs , Albert could never have been a cuddler
DeleteYes, you are his.
ReplyDeleteI love it when I get a cat headbut. It's good to feel accepted
It’s like a hug from an icy mother
DeleteI have a cat whom my grandchildren call "Scratchy" for very good reasons. But when she does seek and accept affection, it is as you say- memorable. And we love her all the more for that.
ReplyDeleteNicely put x
DeleteAwwwwwww! Slip Alberta a special treat at supper tonight!
ReplyDeleteHe loves chicken
DeleteHeadbutts are how cats show their people they actually care about them! All of my cats have been cuddlers and giving the head butts! Loved that!
ReplyDeleteAlbert's a sweetie and every cat dictates when you are allowed to pet them! Cat's Rule!! 🐱😻
Thank u
DeleteLovely story John - agree with Marcia.
ReplyDeleteThankyou mom
DeleteHe is a very handsome feline.
ReplyDeleteAs I am lol
DeleteYou are officially family :)
ReplyDeleteThe loving headbutt of a cat is a sweet joy.
XO
You'll have to mark your calendar as today is a special day for you and Albert. Like all cats, Albert has his terms and conditions. Sweet Albert.
ReplyDeleteHe used to frequently head-butt Winnie though did he not? Perhaps he has decided you are the closest he can now find to a floppy-faced old bulldog?
ReplyDeleteWinnie and I look similar , it’s the Jowls
DeleteBeautiful Albert; he's always been my favorite. He and Winnie were such a pair ...
ReplyDeleteFourteen is an age that's enough if that's all you want -- or just the beginning if you'd like more.
My dear old Freddie became more affectionate when he was older. I thought of it as saying 'thank you' before he finally left us.
ReplyDeleteHe's looking good for 14!
ReplyDeleteThis tugs at my heartstrings like few other subjects manage.
ReplyDeleteUnderstood raymondo
DeleteAlbert is mostly such an independent soul. So it's extra special when he comes to you for affection.
ReplyDeleteThe older the sweeter they become at last. My cat is 12 and never been very affactive or sitting on my lap. But now she comes every evening lying on the couch between me and my husband and is purring when petting her.
ReplyDeleteOh, Albert! What a good one. I love him.
ReplyDeleteA mellowing old man
ReplyDeleteA head butt from a cat is basically a hug.
ReplyDeleteBlack cats are a fickle bunch... but mine was loveable for 16 years...
ReplyDeleteLovely Albert. How lucky you were to get such a show of affection from him. I adore black cats and miss mine dreadfully
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet. We have to take what cats have to offer when they feel like it.
ReplyDeleteWhere did Albert come from, tell us his earliest history before he lived on the kitchen table. Did you find him, like a feral kitten or you were given him etc?
ReplyDeleteHe was the only survivor of a feral litter of 6.
DeleteHe was taken in as a tiny kitten by a woman with 2 staffie, then was taken to an animal rescue with the name of Guinness.
I adopted him 2 days after he was taken to the shelter
Albert may be aloof but I'm sure he's a lot more than a supporting actor. I'm sure he's a very dear friend.
ReplyDeleteNo he’s a supporting actor
DeleteI like my cats more than I like some people, hate to feel that way, but that's the way it is. Albert has a great face and a great home and life.
ReplyDelete