12 tips to get along well with a cat
The 12 things you should never do to a cat. At least if you want to get on with him.
- Don’t use your hands or feet to play with him. If you want to keep them safe, use cat toys instead.
- Don’t throw toys at him; throw the toy away from the cat, so that he can hunt for it.
- Don’t teach him lessons by hitting or shouting at him. You’ll end up with a cat that’s scared of you or will fight back. Find other ways.
- Don’t chase him, shout at him or stare at him if you want him to come to you. Give him time and space. Cats will normally approach the calmest person in the room.
- Don’t corner him or block him to stroke him, you will scare him. When he comes to you, give him a good petting session.
- Don’t bother your cat while he’s sleeping, particularly if he doesn’t like to be touched when he’s awake: rest is sacred for cats.
- Don’t bother him when he’s using his litter tray, you might scare him and he might stop using the litter tray just to be left in peace.
- Don’t pull his tail. Cats use it to communicate and keep their balance and it is extremely delicate.
- Don’t scratch his tummy, feet or tail, it’s best to go directly for the areas around the ears and under the chin. He’ll love it.
- Don’t pick him up by the scruff of the neck, particularly if he’s an adult. He won’t normally like that at all.
- Don’t hold him in your arms without making sure that he likes being picked up. Many cats prefer to have all four feet on the ground.
- Don’t try to calm him down if he suddenly flattens his ears, starts hissing or growilng and lashing his tail. It’s better to leave him alone. I wouldn’t tackle an angry cat.
We’re sure that if you respect your cat and the way he sees the world, he’ll be the first to approach you.
