Well I've always let him know I'm there and comin' in with a few strokes on his side and it just feels right to me. He's never shown any sign of wanting to defend his territory, no hissing, puffing, lets me pet him for a second and then I immediately get a few fingers under him and start to raise him. It's been a system that's worked well for us thus far, I believe he struck today because he was cranky and digesting, or he was still hungry and aggressive from his previous days feeding. I'll continue to give him a pet or two unless I'm told it's actually a negative thing, or unless he continues to strike, at which point I'll move to just scooping him up.

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