Our communication with cats is steeped in myths: a cat does not need anyone, it only sleeps and eats, walks by itself and perceives a person as service personnel.
There are many such misconceptions, and none of them is beneficial to the animal.
Such myths arise due to a lack of knowledge about the behavior and specifics of cats. We do not understand how to communicate with an introverted cat, and therefore we have no idea how warm this relationship can give. And they can be very special if you learn a couple of useful skills (which, by the way, come in handy in communicating with people). For example, the ability to observe behavior and not violate personal boundaries.
Those who want to learn to understand their animal can start learning about her character using the quick cat understanding guide:
Observe where the cat likes to rest and sleep, and where to doze and watch.
These are usually different places. The first should be safe, warm and comfortable. They do not give pills for worms, children do not pinch and do not stick with caresses in the spirit: “Oh my God, how sweet she is sniffling, let me kiss her.”
Most often, the second place is a checkpoint, from where it is interesting to watch what is happening in the apartment and outside the window. You can doze there, occasionally opening your eyes to make sure that everything is calm in the kingdom.
Tip: Equip these places. Pick up and place a cat bed in the first location.
Even if a cat has access to a bed, it must have its own place.
You also need to make its checkpoint convenient. You can use a large pillow, rolled up blanket, hammock, or something similar. The cat will be grateful for that.
Analyze if the cat can use the space
Are shelves, niches, the top of the cabinets accessible to her? This is very important for animals.
First, in this way their natural behavior is realized. The cat needs to jump, climb and jump, train its body and skills.
Secondly, for a cat it is an opportunity to get away from an uncomfortable meeting without completely hiding. A family friend, child or dog may not always please the cat with their communication. The ability to safely disperse gives the animal a sense of choice, and hence psychological comfort.
Tip: Clear shelves and elevations so that the cat can move around the apartment as much as possible without getting down on the floor.
Observe the cat: its body language, ears, tail, facial expressions and muscle tone
This will help to notice the change in her mood in time and stop tenderness without getting a paw on her hand. Over time, you will begin to understand what the animal likes, what does not delight her, but she tolerates, and what is categorically unacceptable.
All these features are individual. There are tons of cats that want to be around, sit on their knees, or climb on top of you while sleeping. However, they are very negative about stroking, hugging and kissing. They are ready to just be there.
There are chattering cats, like most Abyssinian cats, and there are silent cats, these are the British and the Scots. To understand the latter, more careful observation is needed, as with secretive or reserved people.
Tip: Give your cat the opportunity to become proactive, that is, to respond to external stimuli the way she wants.
Restrain yourself and explain to family members, especially children, the new rules of the game. Do not grab the animal with your hands, do not squeeze or pinch. You need to communicate with the animal, paying attention to its signals. It is important that it also gives welcome signals.
There are no magic buttons and secrets in communicating with animals. Cats and cats can be great companions if you treat them with respect and, most importantly, like cats, not humans.