Making Friends with Felines: How to Greet a Cat the Right Way

Is this a familiar scene to you? You go to a gathering and the host has a couple cats. They’re adorable and you’re dying to pet them and give them a cuddle. The cats just give you the side eye and one goes to check out your partner who doesn’t really like cats. The other one is pestering your friend who is allergic to cats. Why???  I just want to pet them and make friends. It’s about how you interact with Kitty. Forcing your attention on a cat is a great way to assure that Kitty looks for friendship with someone else.  So how are we to greet a cat? 

In this blog post, we will talk through the important tips on how to properly greet your new kitty friend. These tips work whether you’re meeting a friend’s cat, making friends with a potential new family member, or meeting a client cat. If you follow these tips, you’ll find yourself bonding with your feline companion in no time!

Give the Cat a Choice

Cats are often considered aloof and standoffish because they don’t beg for attention from everyone who walks in the room. You’ll have to put in a little work to gain their trust. 

Cats are territorial and like their personal space. They need to decide you aren’t a predator and they are safe in your presence. We’ve already seen that grabby hands and getting in Kitty’s face will assure she wants nothing to do with you. Giving cats a choice about whether or not to interact with you or keep her distance allows them to feel safe and in control. She’s more likely to say hello if you let her make the first move.

Get On Kitty’s Level

Getting on Kitty’s Level is an important step for successful interaction between you and your feline friend. Kneel, squat, or sit so that you and Kitty are closer to the same level. You’re much less threatening than when you’re towering over her. Avoid bending directly over her as this may make her feel uneasy or threatened. Additionally, turning to the side and maintaining a relaxed posture with your arms close to your body makes you seem smaller. 

Some cats will make friends more quickly if they are up on a high perch or their cat tree. It gives Kitty a feeling of being in more control over the situation.

By getting to their level, they’re more likely to trust you and be open to receiving attention from you. 

Don’t Stare When You Greet a Cat

Cats feel uncomfortable when someone stares at them for too long, and may become defensive or even scared. Unlike us humans, eye contact isn’t desirable for felines. In fact, direct eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of aggression by cats. Use brief, soft glances instead of trying to get his attention. Or close your eyes. This shows Kitty you trust him.

Slow Blinks

Slow blinks are one of the most endearing ways cats communicate. They give off the feeling that a cat is totally relaxed and content in your presence. After a few moments of eye contact, slowly close your eyes and then open them again. It is likely that Kitty will return the gesture by slowly blinking their eyes back at you. If he offers one first, be sure you reply. By returning this slow blink, both you and the cat can start a meaningful connection that will grow over time.

Scents are Where it’s at for Cats

A cat’s sense of smell is their strongest sense. It’s about 40x stronger than ours. Consider that next time you think about skipping your litterbox duty for a day. Have you ever seen two cats greet each other? They sniff and touch their noses. Sharing scent is a great way to greet a cat and establish trust.

Cats use their sense of smell to identify friends and enemies, so offering something for them to sniff can help make them feel comfortable with you. It’s like an introduction that allows a cat time to decide if they want to be near you or not. Extend your index finger and see if she ventures closer to do a little sniff. Don’t wiggle it around. You don’t want it to be a toy;  you’re trying to sub it for a cat nose. If you think Kitty might react aggressively, try a loosely closed fist instead.

Now it’s Kitty’s decision. You’ve made your introduction. If she rubs against your finger that’s a sign she’s ready for more. If she sniffs your finger and backs off, or doesn’t sniff at all, she’s not ready to be friends yet. It’s okay, you’ve built some trust credit with her by giving her the chance to choose for herself.

Related Post: Learn more about your feline’s five senses

Be Patient When You Greet a Cat

When greeting a cat, it’s important to be patient and not rush the interaction. Let Kitty come to you and become comfortable in his own time. Don’t make sudden movements or approach too quickly, as this can scare the cat away. Speak softly and calmly as you move closer, allow him to sniff you and become accustomed to your presence. Say hello and introduce yourself out loud if you know the cat’s name. Cats will learn your voice.

If Kitty isn’t eager to engage, don’t force yourself on him. Take a tip from your allergic friends and ignore him. Take your phone out and pretend to be busy. Cats are more likely to approach you if they think you are unaware of their presence.

But if he chooses to take the next step he’ll nuzzle against your finger or your hand with the side of his face or nudge you with his head. Then you can pet him. Stick to light touches around his forehead and cheeks or maybe under his chin. Give him 5 seconds or so of pets. Then stop and see if he wants more. You want to stop while he’s still comfortable and enjoying the interaction. Letting him choose the length of your encounter is another way to earn his trust. If he head butts you, you’ll know you’ve done it. If you’re lucky enough to live in a multicat family, watch how they interact. Cats will exchange head bonks with their friends and trusted humans.

Related Post: Learn more about Cat Communication

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to interacting with cats, it is important to remember that all cats are different. Respecting the individual needs and boundaries will let Kitty trust you and establish a relationship. A proper greeting is a good start to forming that bond with the cat.