We humans, appear on the whole, to be far more fascinated with them, than they with us. Cats exude a certain aloof knowingness that we humans would benefit from, if they deigned to share this knowledge with us.
Although I have often caught my felines studying me, Ken and Paul have discovered some fascinating things whilst studying them:
Pawmistry assists us in seeing what is really there before us, did we take the time to observe. The paws are like our own palms, the map of our souls, and have certain readable characteristics.
Different shapes, contours, lines, markings and size can denote hereditary peculiarities, temperament and disposition.
These paws are mostly found on old cats who are feral, or who have lived rough. The paw is short, large and wide. There tend to be very few lines on the small upper pads, and seldom more than the two main lines on the large pad.
Do not corner a Hunter, as they may become disorientated and confused. This cat is courageous - timidity is just judicious caution. They are spontaneous, and appear to suddenly change from one personality to another.
Do not confuse the Hunter with a cat who is experiencing a bout of "evening Crazies" - this phenomenon is apparent as active healthy cats race through the house at night(and sometimes mornings) as though crazy, which reflects the cat's ancient rhythm of actively hunting around dawn and dusk.
The large pad is squarish or rectangular, as wide at the bottom as it is at the top. Said to be Useful, it is found on many industrious, hard working and matter-of-fact cats; they do not whine for tidbits, but go out and hunt, reteurning at night to take or leave what is in the food bowl. Cats wish such paws are orderly, practical and love habit and custom, being guided by reason rather than imagination.
They respect house rules, know basic road rules and are noticeably methodical in their hunting and eating.
They are not overtly demonstrative, unless a reward is offered, ut are sincere, loyal and staunch in their friendship.
They neither sit and wait, nor sleep to excess. They can easily prowl all night and wander by day in their endless search for small material rewards.
Also called Spataular, this paw appears crooked and irregular, being narrower at the base and wider at the top. It indicates a creative nature, restlesss and excitable, but full of energy, of purpose and enthusiasm.
These are magnificent pets, they love action (be it hunting or play), are intensely energetic, independent of spirit and love discovery. They have a strong desire to communicate and are stimulated by the new and unaccustomed, readily learning new routines. Curious to a fault, these charming cats often land themselves in hot water. If human, they would make great navigators, explorers or discoverers.
Also referred to as the philosphical type. The paw is usually angular and bony, rather than fat and leathery. The upper pads incline inwards.
These cats have a marked personality, seem indifferent to other cats and animals, including humans, and are friendly only at a distance till they get to know you. Not great hunters, they enjoy solitude and quiet, and will sit for hours watching prey rather than make the effort to actually catch it.
They bring to a household, a notable sense of peace and harmony. Ancients often believed these cats incarnated noble ancestors - they have a hint of mystery, as if they know and see far more than they would tell, if they could speak.
A conical paw grows narrower towards the top and the claws are particularly pointed.
These cats are impulsive, quick and clever, and sometimes amaze you with their abilities. They are mentally flexible and artistically receptive. When kittens, they stand out for their alertness and the speed with which they learn.
Sometimes, they tire easily, and are prone to overindulgence. Although this cat is forever curled up on the rug infront of the fire, or heater, and appears to be asleep, notice the ears swivelling. As soon as the fridge door is touched, they will spring to their feet.<.p>
If they were human, these cats would become actors, dancers or cabaret artists.
Long, slender and fragile-looking, this is the most beautiful of the paw shapes.
Cats with this paw are gentle in manner and quiet in temper, and they instinctively trust everyone who is kind to them.
Their intuitive faculties are highly developed, so if your cat comes and sits next to you when you are stressed, they are probably of this type.If they were human, they would be mediums or counsellors because they are so alive to feelings, instincts and impressions.
Strangely, they are often the offspring of matter-of-fact, practical cats - perhaps this is the way Nature achieves balance. These cats are appreciative of everything that comes their way, and their beauty and sweet nature ensures they get on well with everyone.
This is the most difficult type to describe, because not only the upper pads but the paw itself does not easily fit into the other categories.
It is as if all the types have taken a part in the building up of this seventh type. One pad, for example, may be completely different from its adjacent one on the same paw.
Versatile, these cats seem very changeable, but possess multiple skills. Inside the house they are gentle and quiet, only to adopt a completely different temperament outside. They are very interesting to own and often behave like perpetual kittens (indeed, many are undersized as adults).
Pick up the paw and feel the texture of the pads. They should not be too thin, hard or dry. A fleshy, soft and somewhat clammy pad is best, indicating vitality and confidence. Neither should the pad be too soft and fleshy, but of medium resistance to your fingers. this indicate a healthy constituion, not phlegmatic or indolent. A soft, elastic paw is a sign of energy, of enthursiasm and of active will. A soft, flabby paw is the reverse: it denotes indolence, want of firmness of purpose, and a tendency to be more prone to the elements.
Generally, cats with large paws love fine movements and detail and will watch their owner for hours, fascinated by whatever activity the owner is engaged in. Whereas, those pets with very small paws go in for big ideas, and seem less interested in detail. These may hunt in impossible situations or stare for hours at a mousehole. Even the scratchings made by small paws are often large and bold.
There is often a marked difference in the shape and position of the pads in the left and right paws of the same cat, so consider both paws. Cats have laterality, as do humans: the left paw indicates natural character; the right paw shows the training, experience and surroundings brought to bear of the life of the subject. The majority of cats, like humans, are ambidextrous in most tasks.
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