Angel's Quirks, Communication, and Affection
Angel is honestly one of the smartest cats I have ever met. She comes to me when I call her name and she has learned what she's not allowed to do without me constantly repeating myself. When she's about to do something she knows she shouldn't, I make a soft hissing sound with my tongue, like emphasizing the “S” in “snake.” The second she hears it, she stops and looks up at me like she knows exactly what I mean. It's not loud or harsh, but it catches her attention every time. It feels like our own little language, and it makes me smile because I know she's acknowledging my request and thinking it through before deciding what to do next.
Angel also has a routine that matches my own and makes her feel even more connected to me. She greets me at the door with a few meows and a big stretch, as if she's getting ready to run around in excitement. She always wants to sniff my hands first, like she's saying hello and checking where I've been. Then she waits patiently while I change and gets excited because she knows snack time is coming. After that, she checks in for cuddles before sitting nearby to watch whatever I'm doing, like a tiny supervisor. At night, she waits for me to head to bed so she can curl up beside me and sleep until morning. It's a simple routine, but it makes every day feel peaceful, and it makes me feel wanted and needed.
Below is the sound I make when Angel is about to do something she knows she should not. It is a sharp "S" sound that immediately gets her attention.