How easy it is to get along with a dog and how difficult it is to win over a cat! Cats are independent and distrustful animals. Because of their personality and temperament, they find it difficult to get to know people. Once they trust you, they may never leave your side.
In the same way, people often find it much harder to trust cats, especially those who aren't very fond of animals in general. Dogs tend to be more affectionate upon first meeting, whereas cats probably won't greet you. “I know it sounds insulting to say this, but we always tend to view 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.
So, if you're one of those people who is afraid of cats, don't worry, because a cat won't do anything to you if you don't approach it. You may 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 is because it has felt attacked. That is why you need to know how to approach a cat. Are you so intimidated by cats that you don't know what to do when you visit a family member who has a feline? Here are 5 tips that can help you overcome your fear, if you have one, and above all, grow fond of felines:
Tips for approaching a family member's cat
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Don't approach them right away or try to pet them.
As mentioned earlier, the cat won't come out to greet you as a dog would. So don't go toward them. Give them time and space.
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Let them smell you
Once you have settled in at your friend or family member's home, let them smell and examine you. If you get scared or make any strange gesture, you will also scare them. Above all, stay calm, because animals have a very keen sense of fear.
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Pet them gently
Once they are close to you and you feel like petting them, stroke their back or head between the eyes; they love it. Don't try to pet or lift them by the neck, because they usually don't like it.
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Play with them
Take one of their toys and try to play with them so they can gradually gain confidence. Don't throw the toy at them or make very sudden movements. Move it slowly so they can see your intentions.
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Don't try to pick them up
Don't try to pick them up, because they may not like it. First of all, always ask their owners.
We hope these tips help you calm down and overcome your fear of cats. In any case, consult a specialist about any questions you may have regarding cats and their behavior. But once you have earned their trust, they are capable of stealing your heart.
Are you afraid of cats, or do you know someone who could benefit from these tips? Share your experience on social media