feline slipstreaming

This is a lot more subtle than human slipstreaming. It also begs the question - Is the cat conscious of his actions, therefore knowing the name of said deed? Or does it go by another name in his world? 'A rose by any other name is yet a rose', comes to mind.

Feline slipstreaming can be vocal, which is not so subtle really, but may be viewed as simple interference of thought or conversation. It does not appear that the cat is actually concerned with the subject matter at hand, only that attention is now paid to him/her, thus breaking train of thought of his/her person and succeeding in getting fed, let out, let in, picked up or stroked. I have opinions on this matter. If only wanting feeding, letting in or letting out, then its a simple interruption and does not qualify as a bona fide slipstream. However, if said feline wants to join the group for stroking or lap sitting, then he/she will ensure that the conversation now centres on him/her. This is a slipstream. And cats are very very good at it.

Some cats prefer a non verbal approach to slipstreaming. This is so subtle, but highly effective and result is achieved every time. Suddenly appearing on a lap is common, or rubbing affectionately against a leg or two, or even just sitting at one person's feet and staring. Within in seconds, usually, conversation is centred on the cat. Less common, but just as successful, is the art of 'cute'. Bringing a ball into the visual sphere of those talking, or turning a somersault, chasing a tail, even raising a leg up to like private parts, all serve to ensure that conversation will be controlled by a 4 legged furry thing.

I give you Tjak, Prince of Feline Slipstreaming. He is not old enough to be King yet, give him a year. However, in his 10 months of living, he has fine tuned his skills in verbal slipstreaming and no human that enters his sphere is safe.

Non-verbal slipstreaming has not quite been achieved to the finesse of older and wiser cats. This still comes across as a simple interruption, often an annoying one that results in Tjak being removed from the conversation or distracted with one of his toys. I anticipate that he will become more skilled as he matures. I hope so, as his nonverbal attempts at slipstreaming are currently all about attacking our feet.