How to approach cats?

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J

Jahee

Platinum Member
Sep 21, 2006
2,072
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Maybe its just me but i've noticed cats can get quite nervous around me when i first meet them. Not sure if this is normal behaviour or what, but it bought me to this question..

Normally i'd approach it slowly, let it smell my hand or whatever then gently stroke it on its head, but they all seem quite un-nerved, and not very relaxed around me. I believe cats can pick up on emotion so i always approach them in good spirit.

Any insight?
 
Jeff7

Jeff7

Lifer
Jan 4, 2001
41,596
20
81
Originally posted by: Jahee
Maybe its just me but i've noticed cats can get quite nervous around me when i first meet them. Not sure if this is normal behaviour or what, but it bought me to this question..

Normally i'd approach it slowly, let it smell my hand or whatever then gently stroke it on its head, but they all seem quite un-nerved, and not very relaxed around me. I believe cats can pick up on emotion so i always approach them in good spirit.

Any insight?
Click to expand...
Maybe they're suspicious - "This guy's in such good spirits. I wonder what's with him? He might be nuts. OH GOD HE'S TRYING TO TOUCH ME! RUN AWAY!!!!!"
 
I

imported_yovonbishop

Golden Member
Apr 19, 2004
1,091
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Try a simple handshake or waving. I'm usually pretty skiddish but that helps a little when strangers approach.


If all else fails get a dog.
 
S

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
They don't like being touched if they don't know you. Just let them sniff your hand and don't touch above their head - it's threatening. Maybe rub the side of their chin keeping your hand below their head.
 
J

Jahee

Platinum Member
Sep 21, 2006
2,072
0
0
Originally posted by: spidey07
They don't like being touched if they don't know you. Just let them sniff your hand and don't touch above their head - it's threatening. Maybe rub the side of their chin keeping your hand below their head.
Click to expand...

Hmm, understandable.. I always thought stroking near the mouth was more of a personal thing that they only like if you're close with them already though?

I guess its just one of those things that over time they'll relax more..
 
S

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: Jahee
Originally posted by: spidey07
They don't like being touched if they don't know you. Just let them sniff your hand and don't touch above their head - it's threatening. Maybe rub the side of their chin keeping your hand below their head.
Click to expand...

Hmm, understandable.. I always thought stroking near the mouth was more of a personal thing that they only like if you're close with them already though?

I guess its just one of those things that over time they'll relax more..
Click to expand...

You're telling them it's ok for them to mark you. All cats will investigate anything new - you're new. So they're just checking you out. Just be calm and let them come to you. If they don't feel like it then that's just the way they are.

They all have different personalities. The sweetest cat in the world took a good 6-8 months to warm up to my girl.
 
M

marvdmartian

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2002
5,444
27
91
It's funny, but cats interpret facial expressions pretty much the opposite of humans. When a cat squints it's eyes, it means it's being friendly. If it's staring at you, it's a challenge. Try squinting, or even doing a slow blink when the cat looks at you.

It's especially funny to watch someone who hates cats experience this. The cat comes around (they're insanely curious, especially indoor cats, I've found, to experience 'outside' smells), the human experiences a negative feeling toward the proximity of the cat, and gives it what they think is a fierce look.......with their eyes narrowed! The cat interprets this as a friendly look, and comes closer, which in turn makes the human get more agitated, etc, etc, etc. ;)
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: yovonbishop
Try a simple handshake or waving. I'm usually pretty skiddish but that helps a little when strangers approach.


If all else fails get a dog.
Click to expand...

dogs can be similar.

Depends on how the animal was socialized.
 
I

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
In my experience, the more you try to ignore dogs and cats the more they bother the ever-living fudge out of you.
 
N

NanoStuff

Banned
Mar 23, 2006
2,981
1
0
Don't act so suspicious. Go up to them, say kitty kitty kitty and clap your hands.

If someone approached me slowly with their hand extended, I know I'd be a little unnerved.

On the other hand, if someone approached me clapping their hands and saying kitty kitty kitty that wouldn't help, but then I'm not a cat.
 
yhelothar

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
40
91
Originally posted by: spidey07
They don't like being touched if they don't know you. Just let them sniff your hand and don't touch above their head - it's threatening. Maybe rub the side of their chin keeping your hand below their head.
Click to expand...

yuppers
cats love chin rubs..
 
Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Usually they'll approach you if they want to be petted.

Just squat down and hold out your hand. Might help to make Tck Tck noises with your mouth to get their attention. Don't pet them until they've become acclimated to you or they'll run away.
 
meltdown75

meltdown75

Lifer
Nov 17, 2004
37,548
7
81
make really quick kissing noises with your lips and say "kittyyyyyyyyyYYYYyYYyyYYyyyyyyy" in as high-pitched voice as you can. also, pretend to have food.
 
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