Arthur was far more traumatized by the power outage and my stress/anxiety than I realized

[Siwsan]

He spent the entire night snuggled up against me and that's NOT his usual behavior. Some nights I get a few minutes of sweetness but then he's off to who knows where, coming and going throughout the night.

He kept gently patting my face, which is one of his ways of asking for pets and scritches. The look on his face was adorable but it also a little heartbreaking. At least I know to take extra care, should this ever (deity forbid) happen again.

His big brother's behavior seems as usual.

[ggma]

1. Reminds me

of a little boy who runs with the "big boys", but will ease over to sit next to/almost under Mom if something scary happens. I bet his eyes were really big.

gg

[2naSalit]

2. Everyone handles trauma differently.

He's still a baby and that was probably the most horrific thing he's seen so far, besides the vacuum cleaner. And pets always know when we are having issues, they know to come and comfort us in much the same way as we comfort them.

You are so fortunate to have all those loving beings at your side! I'm envious.

[wnylib]

3. He feels a strong enough bond with you

to know that he can count on you for assurance and snuggles to make him feel better.

And vice versa. He needed your reassurance, but might also have been trying to give you some assurance. "Hey, mom, that was scary, wasn't it? Let's snuggle and we'll both feel better."

[Siwsan]

4. I was so exhausted from no sleep but it just felt nice to have him turn to me for reassurance

I think there is a very strong bond. He's seen me every day, since his eyes opened, and heard my voice every day since his ears opened. Those kittens were so young when I grabbed them to get the eye infections treated. I'm glad Gryff and Madoc were there to teach them how to be cats. Fortunately, Arthur seems to have listened to Gryff's good advice more than Madoc's mischief making advice. Freya listened to Madoc but she is still a sweet heart.

He and Gryff always come running when I call their names. Madoc? Yea, only if I'm shaking the treat jar. However, Madoc's snuggles, rare as they are, always make me feel so good.

[wnylib]

5. And Arthur turned to you instead of to Madoc or Gryff for

comfort. In time of trouble, Arthur's cross species bond with you is stronger than with Madoc or Gryff. I guess in this case, Mom's love is thicker than blood or species.