Step 1
Encourage your cat to come to you. Wiggle a toy, call their name or make a kissy noise.
Step 2
Hold out your fist. If your cat…
- Headbutts your fist
- Rubs against your body
They are saying “Yes please!”
Step 3
Scratch them for the count of 3 somewhere they like (most cats like being scratched under the chin, around the neck and head)
Step 4
Now stop! What is your cat saying now? If your cat…
- Keeps headbutting you or
- Continues rubbing against you and
- Perhaps makes a friendly sound like a meow, purr or trill and
- They are saying “Please give me more scratches!”
Step 5
Every so often, stop touching and see what your cat says. This helps you to know when to keep going and when to finish.
SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT DOESN’T WANT TO BE TOUCHED
- Choosing to stay away from you
- Stretching forward towards your fist, then moving their head away
- Flicking or lashing their tail
- Choosing to be close to you, without touching you
- Checking out your fist and then going back to what they were doing before
It’s a good idea to avoid rubbing your cat’s belly or picking them up.
Respect your cats space just like you respect your human friends space. This teaches them to trust and love you. You’ll probably notice they want to be with you even more!