Unlike most of their canine counterparts, cats tend to have their guards up when they see unfamiliar faces.
They are adorable and hilarious, so it’s easy to get excited when meeting a cat for the first time. Think of your first interaction with a feline friend as a blind date. You don’t want to come across as clingy or pushy; instead, give them the time and space they need to open up.
And although gaining a cat’s trust may take time, it’s so worth the wait! There’s nothing better than a cuddly feline BFF!
Not all cats are the same
Every cat has a different personality that shapes their behaviour. While some cats may immediately gravitate towards their human friends, some may kick off the introductions with a game of hide-and-seek.
Even socialised cats (owned or unowned) need to feel safe and secure when approaching a new human. Ensure that you don’t chase them or try to force them out of their hiding places, but rather, give them the chance to feel you out and approach you.
Here are some quick tips for first introductions:
The finger-to-nose technique - Hold your finger out in front of you but not directly pointing at the cat; rather, present the top of your finger as a “nose” to greet the cat’s nose. This signals that you have left it up to them to decide whether they’d like to come and say hello.
Keep your body language friendly - An easy way to do this is to kneel, sit down or crouch on the floor so that you appear smaller and cats don’t think you’re a big scary monster. Once you bring yourselves to their level, you seem less threatening and have better chances of receiving a greeting.
Don’t stare at them - Cats perceive staring as a sign of aggression. Instead, you can offer the cat slow blinks, which is feline speak for “I’m not here to hurt you.” Read more about the slow blink “kitty kiss”.
Read their signs - While socialised cats like to be petted, sticking to the cheek, chin and neck area is safer. Observe signs such as tail motion, stares or rapid head movements, which means the cat is overstimulated, and not ideal.
Don’t rush the process - With feline friends, slow and steady will win you the title of ‘cat whisperer’. Don’t get too excited during the first greeting; instead, let them come and pet you first. Cats rely on scents to assess potential threats. It’s important to give them space to sniff around and be assured that you’re a friend, not a foe.
Don’t pick them up - This isn’t a popular love language with cats, so you might want to steer clear of it when making new furry friends.
First introductions aren’t always enough - With cats, first impressions don’t count. It’s best to follow these steps through the second, or even third introduction until they’re convinced that you can be trusted.
With a little patience and a couple of tricks, you can easily win your way into a cat’s heart 💚
4,075 amazing cats are eager to meet a loving human companion like you on PetRescue. Click here to find your pawfect feline match!
Find more tips on how to speak cat on the PetRescue blog!