Featured Editorial

9 #MorrisApproved Ways to Pet a Cat from Morris The 9Lives Cat

Where is the cat paw seal of approval? Thank you to 9Lives for sponsoring this #MorrisApproved article. It was truly a both an honor and a privilege to share a moment with none other than the iconic face and paws of the brand, the 9Lives spokescat, Morris the Cat. 

Pet owners frequently find themselves working diligently to establish a mutual bond with their pets, which stands true in practically every relationship. Our family adopted two rescue cats almost a year ago and being that the cats are mother and daughter, they naturally had a bond that we had to respect and gradually become a part of too. Now we are officially a #KarmaApproved and #KismetApproved family!

9 Ways to Pet a Cat (or a Dog if You Must):

By Guest Contributor Morris the Cat, 9Lives Spokescat

Although every cat is different and has a unique set of purr-worthy zones, us felines usually have some common petting preferences. So put down your smart phone. Fasten your seat belt. Make sure your seatbacks and tray tables are in their fully upright and locked positions. It's time to learn some life skills, people!

To bond with your cat — and receive a happy purr or friendly head butt, if you do it right -- follow my specific steps for these 9 must-learn and must-do cat petting techniques:

1. The Chin Chillin'

Purpose: Activate scent glands, assist with grooming
Popularized By: Jay Leno, Marlon Brando

Step 1: Locate the underside of the chin where the jawbone connects to the skull.
Step 2: Take one hand and scratch rapidly like your fingers are doing "The Riverdance."
Step 3: Listen for a Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. (Congratulations, you're doing it right!)

2. The Swedish Earmuffs

Purpose: Stimulate glands, release tension
Popularized By: Abba, Vince Vaughn

Step 1: Place your thumb and forefinger behind our ears.
Step 2: Rub them back and forth like Johnny Manziel after scoring a touchdown.
Step 3: Watch us melt into a purring ball of cuddles. (Hint: Drool is good!)

3. The Butt-O-Vator

Purpose: Therapeutic relaxation, triggering kitten memories
Popularized By: Jennifer Lopez, Sir Mix-a-Lot

Step 1: Locate your cat’s rear muscles, right above the tail.
Step 2: Squeeze your hands in and out like you’re kneading dough.
Step 3: Go slow and steady… this isn’t the latest Vin Diesel movie.
Note: When we position our rear towards you, it is an offer of camaraderie—much like a posterior Facebook “friend request.”

4. The Neckasaurus Rex

Benefits: Stress relief, cat-human bonding
Popularized By: Keira Knightley, Gweneth Paltrow

Step 1: Feel the spot at the base of your cat’s skull where the head meets the neck.
Step 2: Use your finger and thumb to create a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 3: Watch your cat rub his face against you like a little furry windshield wiper.

5. The Brain Hurricane

Benefits: Stimulates creativity, tends to end in napping
Popularized By: Natalie Portman, Danica McKellar

Step 1: Put your thumb and index finger on the top of your cat's head.
Step 2: Pretend you are a large lobster and gently pinch your thumb and index finger back and forth.
Step 3: Your cat will likely blink and nod in approval (and lucky you for having opposable thumbs!).

6. The Smooth Operator

Benefits: Muscle relaxation, back alignment
Popularized By: Marvin Gaye, Boyz II Men

Step 1: Place one hand in a flat position on the upper portion of your cat's back.
Step 2: Swoop your hand down the entire length of your cat's back saying “smooooth” as you do it.
Step 3: You may feel us stretch out our limbs and paws in kitty delight.

7. The Lumbardi Party

Benefits: Helps release toxins and chemicals, relieves the stress of chasing red laser dots
Popularized By: Rihanna, Vince Lombardi

Step 1: Put down your smartphone and place two hands on our lower back and sides.
Step 2: Position your fingers to form a cat-ready fine-tooth comb.
Step 3: Move your hands to and fro, pausing every so often to let us ask for more. 
Note: I highly recommend pairing this petting experience with a follow-up nap in a nice sunny spot.

8. The Get Cheeky

Benefits: Social bonding, marks you with our scent glands
Popularized By: Angelina Jolie, Gisele Bundchen

Step 1: Locate your cat's temporal gland on the upper cheek between the eye and ear.
Step 2: Keep your fingers relaxed but firm and give your cat a nice scratch.
Step 3: Much like an NFL football player, you may become the recipient of a friendly head butt.

9. The Shoulderific

Benefits: Therapeutic massage
Popularized By: Michelle Obama, Ashley Greene

Step 1: Place two hands on your cat's back, one on each shoulder blade.
Step 2: Press inward with your palms and use soft circular movements (but don't press on the spine).
Step 3: Feel great about your rapid accumulation of positive kitty points and good cat karma.


Wanna know exactly what a cat sees? Check out my first 'catventure' where I am outfitted with cutting-edge wearable technology straight from Silicon Valley: The 'Cat's Eye View' Experience- catseyeview. Take two minutes to try "Cat's Eye View" ... you'll be laughing like crazy!

And guess what? I'm now a social media advo-cat. That's right, I can tweet and hashtag like the best of them (#YOL9 !!). So what are you waiting for, follow me today!

>> https://twitter.com/morrisapproved
>> http://instagram.com/morrisapproved
>> http://morrisapproved.com

I have received a 9Lives gift box for the purpose of facilitating this review. As the owner of this blog, niecyisms and nestlings, I am compensated to provide my opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. This blog may contain affiliate links. Even though, as the writer/owner of this blog receiving compensation for posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs or experiences on those topics or products. This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in the honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. - See more at: http://www.niecyisms.com/p/disclosure-policy-for-niecyisms.html#sthash.ebGx8Nco.dpuf

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