Merlin is currently on 'Wake up mom to feed us, before we starve to death!' duty
His methods vary but lately it's been to put one or two front paws on my head and apply gentle pressure until I agree to get up.
He is turning in to a very playful and affectionate kid cat. When he wants to play with his plastic coil toy, he brings it right up to me and stares until I accept it and give it a toss.
Merlin is also a very protective boy. When anyone comes over, it's not uncommon for him to swipe at them until he believes they are not a threat. Some still test him. He sets them straight. Fortunately he has scaled back on the power behind those swipes. The best thing is to let him size you up until he decides you are not a threat. Every time. No exceptions.
That boy is such a joy.
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My cat, Patches , likes to tap me on the head when I’m sleeping on the couch, he starts gentle, but by the time he gets to about the third one the claws are out and it’s a smack. 
Those babies is a special gift, Merlin's flavor seems to have a little kick to it!
