Willow and "The Leg"

(Please note: Be sure to click on "read more" to see all pictures)


Willow and "the leg" (Click pictures for larger view)

The thing about cats,
As you may find,
Is that no one knows
What they have in mind.
~ John Ciardi

Cat lovers understand that cats are as individual as people; each having their own quirky behaviors. Willows brother Nicky has already demonstrated his strange sleeping behaviors. Recently, while going through my cat picture gallery, I noticed an unusual and repetitive behavior in Willow that had not come to my attention before.

While most cats tend to tuck everything under, (even Nicky unless he is sleeping on his back) Willow throws one of her back legs out; sometimes the right and sometimes the left. Why?



Does she always clean that back leg before taking a nap, leaving it conveniently stretched out to dry?



Does it act as her major cooling apparatus while she cozies up in a sheepskin throw?



Does she need her leg to be prepared for a quick get away or does the leg elongate her body so that her width is less noticeable?



Perhaps it's second nature now, from years of trying to fit into the "too small" sleep bowl. "No Willow, no matter how small you try to make yourself, you just don't fit!"

Hopefully Willow and her leg will fit in Friday's Ark this week. She will also try to "squeeze in" over at the Carnival of the Cats, hosted this Sunday by Scribblings. See you there! (end of post)