Lessons for Abby

Stygia: Yes, I instigated it. You've seen the results of our "fights" in recent posts; obviously Abby needs some lessons, and I am just the right cat to show her how it's done.

First of all, the best way to begin a "fight" is with The Staredown, but sometimes your opponent may be distracted, as Abby was this morning. She was chattering at some birds, so I had no choice but to begin with a more overt maneuver.

My move is a little bit deceptive, because I am rolled on my back, which makes me appear vulnerable to my opponent. Since she wasn't paying attention to me, I had to whap her. Sure enough, this combination of posture and touch caught her attention and drew her into the action:

I continue my "vulnerable feint" as Abby attempts to whap back. In any good wrestling session, no matter how talented you are (like me), your opponent is probably going to get a few good whaps, chomps, or kicks in. This is part of the fun! It's also ok to run away, but only if you're just doing it so you can turn right around and turn your chaser into the chasee. If you run too far, you lose, the game ends, and that's not fun.

It's always important to have a good game face! If you think cats are not expressive creatures, well, just look at this close up. Showing teeth, flattening ears, aggressive whiskers, and glare are all important aspects of a good game face for your wrestling match.

If you are wrestling for fun or training, as Abby and I are in these pictures, it is not necessary to make any sounds unless your opponent becomes too rough. In a real fight, a lot of noise must be made in order to properly intimidate your opponent, but in wrestling for pleasure, it would be a bad idea to really scare your opponent.

I must admit, Abby did a lot better today! And why shouldn't she, after all, she has a great teacher.

PS. Oh no, please, please DO NOT look at House Panthers today.... I am soooo embarrassed!