On Tue, 7 Feb 2006, Lindy Mayfield wrote:

> Seriously though, why does the same cat using the same hand get a 
> shock?  Anyone else experienced this?

I will try: When you stroke the cat the cat is on something insulating 
(like its own fur). Thus the *cat* is charged by influence where the fur 
stays uncharged under your hand . When you touch the ear later there is 
a huge potential difference and the pointy part with nearby 
cat-conductive parts (thin skin in the ear) breaks down the air and zaps 
you and the cat. If this is true then touching something other than the 
ear should work too. Try the muzzle.

A more permanent fix would be an antistatic cat shampoo and antistatic 
washing powder for your bedclotes etc.

Peter
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