What does this gesture mean?

[treybabe]

My Maine Coon Cat who is called Gusty loves to get in my lap or comes for affection when I am in bed. But she always stretches one paw forward, then hesitates, before she jumps up. I am not sure but it seems that is her signal she is coming or else her way of asking permission.

Perhaps other kitties do this. Does yours ever?
And what do YOU think it means. Cat language?

[Karen]

Maybe she's "testing the water" and making sure it's safe!

[LoudLou]

We have two Meezers and they both do it! As if to say "EXCUSE me I'd like to come up there." Melts our hearts!

[michelene]

My Buster and Tiger also stretch before leaping to say, "Get ready, 'cause here I come."

[tuxluvr]

Originally posted by treybabe
[B I am not sure but it seems that is her signal she is coming or else her way of asking permission.

[/B]

From Ritzy: Ahem, a REAL CAT never asks permission ...just letting you know "cat in the room"....

When I want to be picked up, I sit on my haunches with front paws extended up....they love this and hoist me up high every time

[wayne0214]

Treybabe, although none of my furkids do this, it sounds to me like she is checking things out before jumping up. It could be an announcement that: "I'm coming up"! or, " is it OK if I come up?" or some other such body-language communication.

........wayne

[treybabe]

Yes, I agree with everyone and thanks for sharing. She does think I am a great, big, powerful, mama cat from whom all goodies come. So she does test the waters and asks permission before coming aboard. I have had cat pets for over forty years. She is the first I have seen do this. Yes, it melts my heart too. I feel most honored even chosen. And because of this warm approach she never gets turned down. Clever little charmer too! treybabe

[purrley]

Sounds like she's an extremely polite and sweet kitty. Give her a big kiss for me

[treybabe]

thanks, purrley. she is polite and sweet and I just gave her a nose kiss for you. Eskimo style although I lived in Alaska 34 years and never saw Eskimoes kiss like that. treybabe, Gusty's mom.