It's so easy to get along with a dog, but so difficult to win over a cat! Cats are independent and wary animals. Due to their personality and character, it's hard for them to get to know people. Once they gain trust, they might never leave your side.
Similarly, people often find it much more difficult to trust cats, especially those who are not very friendly towards animals in general. Dogs tend to be more affectionate in their first interaction, while cats are unlikely to greet you. “I know it sounds insulting to say, but we always default to looking at cats the same way we look at dogs. We have to give cats the same kind of dignity that we give humans,” says Jackson Galaxy, author of Total Cat Mojo. This means that the introduction process for cats is much slower than for dogs.
Therefore, if you are one of those people who is afraid of cats, don't worry, because a cat will not do anything to you if you don't approach it. You might even be afraid because you've never approached a cat and don't know what its reaction will be.
When a cat does something to you, it's because it felt attacked. That's why it's important to know how to approach a cat. Do you respect cats so much that you don't know what to do when you visit a relative who has a feline? Here are 5 tips that can help you overcome your fear, if you have one, and especially to become fond of felines:
Tips for approaching a relative's cat
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Don't approach it immediately or try to pet it.
As mentioned before, the cat will not come out to greet you as a dog would. So, don't go towards it. Give it time and space.
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Let it smell you
Once you are settled in your friend or relative's house, let it smell and examine you. If you get scared or make any strange gestures, you will also scare it. And above all, remain calm, because animals can sense fear very well.
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Pet it slowly
Once it's near you and you feel like petting it, pet its back or its head between its eyes, they love it. Don't try to pet or lift its neck, as they usually don't like it.
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Play with it
Grab a toy it has and try to play with it so it starts to build trust. Don't throw the toy at it or make any sudden movements. Move it slowly so it can see your intentions.
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Don't try to pick it up
Don't try to pick it up, because it might not like it. Always ask the owners first.
We hope these tips help you relax and overcome your fear of felines. In any case, consult a specialist for any questions you have about cats and their behavior. But once you've earned their trust, they are capable of stealing your heart.
Are you afraid of felines or do you know someone who could benefit from these tips? Share your experience on social media