This is how I introduce myself every visit. When you offer your hand to a cat to sniff it is giving them a moment to pick up your scent and adapt to having you now in the home.
What you should never do is enter their home and scoop them up immediately. Some cats may like this but most will not. They need a moment to get used to you in their space.
If a cat is outside when you approach it, do not bend down and pick it up. Crouch down to the cat's level and offer your hand first. You will know immediately if the cat wants you to invade it's space. If the cat backs off, do not scoop it up. If it approaches with tail up and looks at you then you can safely pick it up.
When Mr. Ed first wakes up I do not move him even if it is time to make up the bed. He is a very old cat (21 years) and he needs a bit of time to stretch and shake the cobwebs from his triangular head before he jumps off the bed. This is the look I get when I say to him, "Ed, it's time to wake up now and have breakfast".
I'm off to bunny-sit 2 bunnies now. They are not easy to photograph as they are in cages but I will try to get one as I cuddle them. I'll bring them some lettuce for a Saturday night treat.
Enjoy your Saturday!
I am in lurve with Mr. Ed! I think I would have to allow him his breakfast in bed. Every day!
ReplyDeleteI like to sit down (if I can) and sort of "ignore" any New Kitty I meet...naturally their curiosity get the better of them, and they can walk away, if they want to. Most times I get a "hello" and a sniffing, mainly because I smell like so many kitties myself!
My kitties run and hid whenever a stranger enters. They refuse to come out no matter what.
ReplyDeleteWe are not sure why they do this because no one has ever been mean to them, they are spoiled rotten and loved to pieces!
This is great advice when approaching a dog or a cat.
hugs
Sissie
I love the look oh his face..."Say what?" Cats are such characters! ;D
ReplyDeleteI love Mr Ed, I see that look from Charlie sometimes... I always let a cat make his move to me. Charlie does not like to be picked up ever! So I seldom do it, only when necessary. He will come lay by me and sit on my lap, but on his own terms.
ReplyDeleteGood advice...Mr. Ed is a very handsome mancat; he has a very sweet face!
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