Mary Allen
Would you like to make friends with a strange cat? You can do a lot wrong with this. You should heed these tips.
The first impression counts not only for us humans, but can also have a significant influence on the relationship with animals.
Cats are particularly strong and individual animals. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all way to greet them. They are instinctively wary of strangers, which is protective in the wild. But you can take a few points into account to take away the fur nose’s skepticism.
Let the cat decide
The best conditions are given when you get to know the animal in its own territory. It feels comfortable there and knows all the escape and retreat options. However, one basic rule is: to treat the cat with respect and give it the time it needs to make up its own mind.
Strangers or very shy furry friends will first observe you from a safe distance before they decide whether they want to greet you.
However, you can get a start by taking a step toward her and then waiting for her to come to the rest of the way to you. Offer her your hand to sniff. If she rubs against it or bumps you with her little head, she is – for the time being – in agreement with touching it.
Disinterest creates curiosity
The fluffy balls of fur can be very idiosyncratic. When given attention, they often reject it. If you ignore them, their interest grows.
So don’t see or talk to the cat, don’t greet it at all, then after a while, it will come of its own accord and sniff you to satisfy its curiosity.
But even then, you should only try to pet them if the cat has given you permission to do so – i.e. giving its head or rubbing its cheeks. This can be interpreted as a handshake or a kiss of welcome.
Pay close attention to body language. And also read these 7 signals you should know.
Avoid threatening posture
There is a great temptation to look the cat straight in the eyes or to bend down to greet it. However, this has a threatening effect on small animals.
Instead, turn on your side and only look at shy specimens out of the corner of your eye. You can also sit on the floor to minimize the size difference.
Or you can wait for the cat to jump to a higher spot like a box or the couch to level it out.
Use cat language
The fluffy four-legged friends have their own body language. Take advantage of this! You can e.g. For example, greet them with a slow wink to show you are relaxed and not a threat. Keep your eyes closed for a few seconds. If you wink back, you can take this as a successful interaction and as a compliment.
Always avoid hectic movements. Act quietly and cautiously, as a cat would.
Curl but respect
For really shy cats, it can help to have a tool handy. Without paying too much attention to the four-legged friend himself, drop a few treats or play with badminton or a catfishing rod near her. This helps to overcome the distance and evoke positive associations with people. In this way, sooner or later, even the most anxious velvet paws will be won over to you.