Oh no! You did something that really offended your cat, and now he doesn't want you near. Fortunately, it's not impossible for cats to forgive. This article not only shows you how to apologize to your cat, but also how to do it safely so you don't get scratched.
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Part 1 of 3: Apologizing to Your Cat
Step 1. Choose a good time to apologize
If your cat is really angry, you should give him some time before starting to approach and apologize to him. If you approach him too quickly, you might even get scratched. However, try not to wait too long before apologizing. Instead, you should approach your cat when she seems to have calmed down. You can also approach a frightened cat, but do this with caution. You can get a sense of your cat's mood by reading the section in this article that explains how to read her body language.
- If your cat keeps running away from you, try leaving the treats where they can be found. This can let him know that you are sorry and still care about him.
- A frightened cat should be approached gently. Always try to give the frightened cat room to escape. Maybe he looks like he needs to be calmed down, especially if there is a sudden loud noise. However, at the same time, perhaps he wanted to be alone and therefore he should be given the opportunity to escape. A frightened cat who feels cornered can turn into an aggressive cat.
Step 2. Find out what offended him
What did you do to make him so mad at you? Are you making fun of him? Step on the tail? Or do you take his favorite place on the couch? By knowing your mistakes, you can also know how to approach your cat. It can also help you figure out how to apologize to him. Here are some examples of things that could offend your cat and what you can do to show that you're sorry:
- If you offended your cat by making fun of him, you may have to offer him treats and compliments.
- If you accidentally step on his tail or surprise him by accidentally dropping the pot, he just needs a cuddle.
- If you take his favorite spot on the couch, try to move from that spot and give him a snack.
Step 3. Walk slowly towards your cat
If he runs away from you, he may still feel angry, annoyed, or scared. Don't chase him. Instead, try approaching again a few minutes later. This will reassure your cat that you won't be doing anything else to hurt or irritate her even more. You can also prepare treats for your cat to calm her down.
Step 4. Talk to your cat
Tell him, "I'm sorry." You can also use his name. Make sure you say it in a soft, calm voice, in a slightly higher pitch than usual. Maybe your cat doesn't understand these words, but he understands your tone of voice. Don't use loud, high-pitched voices, as cats have sensitive hearing and you might just irritate them.
Try to blink slowly. If a cat trusts someone, it will blink slowly. You can show your cat that you trust him by blinking slowly
Step 5. Gently caress your cat at his favorite points
Make sure you know his mood first. If he looks angry or upset, don't pet him. You can get a sense of your cat's mood by reading the section in this article that explains how to read her body language. If you're not sure where your cat likes to be petted, here are some areas you can try:
- Scratching the back of your cat's ear. A better place than this is between his eyes and ears. Use your fingertips and gently run your fingers through the fine hairs in this area.
- Scratch the underside of your cat's cheeks and cheeks. Maybe your cat has forgiven you and has started rubbing himself against your hands.
- Caress the base of your cat's tail. Place your fingers at the base of your cat's tail, where its tail and back meet, and move your fingers to stroke it.
- Caress your cat's head, back, and chest. However, it should be noted that not all cats enjoy being petted in this area. Watch your cat's body language to see if he's happy or not.
Step 6. Invite your cat to play
Your cat could get annoyed with you because you don't spend enough time with him. If your cat has a lot of energy, you can try playing with him-although most cats already enjoy playing with a thread of their own. Here are some ways you can invite him to play:
- Throw the paper ball at your cat. You can also use a toy mouse. However, don't throw this toy at him. Instead, try throwing it near his hand.
- Play a thread in front of your cat. Vibrate the floss and gently move it back and forth, away from and toward your cat. You can also direct him to touch his hand.
- Purchase a laser pointer and aim it at a wall or floor. When your cat notices the red dot of the laser pointer, move the laser around. Chances are your cat will run after this red dot.
- Have your cat play with toys that stimulate the cat. This toy is a long, flexible stick with a feather or string attached to one end. Some toys like this also have a bell attached. Hold one end of the toy and bring the other end near your cat's paw. Gently flick the toy up to lure it to jump and catch it.
Step 7. Pay attention to your cat
If you haven't been paying much attention to him lately, he probably isn't paying much attention to you either. This means your cat may feel irritated and lonely. You can apologize to him by making time for him. You can read a book or listen to music beside him, or pet him for a long time. You can also take the time to invite him to play.
Step 8. Praise your cat
If you make fun of or laugh at him, you may be offending him. Give her a cat treat and tell her that she is beautiful and amazing. Use a soft, smooth tone of voice. Maybe your cat doesn't understand what you're saying, but he'll know what you're saying is nice stuff.
Step 9. Give your cat what she wants, but don't overdo it
Cats can get annoyed if they don't get what they want. Sometimes, what they want is simple and harmless-like sitting on a soft pillow. It's also possible that they want something that could be dangerous, like asking for part of your dinner. Some human foods can be harmful to a cat's health. If what he wants is harmless, you can give in and let him get it. If what he wants is dangerous, try offering him something else.
- If your cat wants to sit on a soft cushion on the couch, so be it. You can lift it up and put it where it is. Caress your cat once or twice to make sure it's okay.
- If your cat wants milk or tuna, you may want to give something else. Milk or cream can give you an upset stomach, and tuna can be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities because of its high mercury levels. Instead, try giving him a delicious cat treat.
Part 2 of 3: Making Peace Offers
Step 1. Give your cat a treat
If your cat is in a good mood to be approachable, you can give him the treat right away. Place three to five cat treats in your hands, then kneel down and close to them. If the cat is ready to forgive you, it will approach you and devour the treat. While this is going on, you can try stroking the back of the ear (or another favorite point). Don't keep this snack away from him because it can irritate him.
- Cat treats can come in many different textures, from soft and chewy, hard and crunchy, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, dry meat, and cold dry. You can also buy tuna flakes at pet supply stores.
- Cat treats also come in a variety of flavors, including chicken, turkey, tuna, and salmon. You may be able to find cat treats flavored with catnip, which is a leaf whose aroma is especially appealing to a cat's nose.
- Try giving him a snack that is useful to him. There are also types of cat treats that help prevent hairballs, or clumps of fur on the stomach, and tartar. You are not only keeping your cat happy, but also keeping it healthy.
Step 2. Leave the cat treats to surprise him
Make sure you leave it where it can be found. Here are some examples:
- If your cat is hiding under the bed, try putting this cat treat under the bed. Do not place this snack too far from the bottom of the bed. This will force him to crawl out of his "safe" place so that he feels restless. Don't reach too deep under the bed, as your cat could scratch you.
- If your cat is really agitated, place the treat near his food bowl, or in his favorite area. If you offend your cat by snatching her favorite spot on the couch, you can put cat treats there. This will let your cat know that you are sorry and she can sit here without having to worry about being chased away.
Step 3. Add treats to your cat's diet
Take three to five treats and place them on top of the cat's food when you give them at mealtimes. If your cat is very picky and doesn't like treats mixed with her food, put these treats on a separate plate next to your cat's food.
Step 4. Give your cat special food
Does your cat have a favorite food with certain flavours? If you are currently giving food with different flavors, try giving food with his favorite flavor and serving this food at mealtime.
Step 5. Give him dry catnip
If your cat is feeling very agitated, you can calm her down by sprinkling some catnip on the floor. If you don't like cleaning up afterward (some cats eat catnip while others just roll over it), you can give them a toy with catnip in it.
Step 6. Give your cat toys
If your cat is interested in cat toys, you can buy a new toy and give it to him. Approach your cat, kneel down, and hold out the toy so he can see it. You can put the toy on the floor and walk away, or you can throw it at your cat. This depends on how your cat likes to play with his toys. Keep in mind that not all cats like to play with toys, especially older ones.
- You can make your own catnip toys by cutting out a small piece of cloth and placing a spoonful of dry catnip in the center. Pull the side of the fabric up to wrap the catnip and tie it with twine.
- You can also make another catnip toy by filling a sock with cotton or polyester filling and adding a spoonful of dry catnip. Tie the socks with thread.
Part 3 of 3: Reading Your Cat's Body Language
Step 1. Pay attention to your cat's body language
Her body language can tell what kind of mood she is in. If your cat is too angry or upset, there's no point in apologizing because you might end up slapping him. This section of the article will show you how to read a cat's body language, so you can know when it's safe to approach her.
Step 2. Pay attention to the tail
The tail is the most expressive part of a cat's body and is a good indicator of your cat's mood. Unlike dogs, cats don't wag their tails when they're happy. Here are some guidelines:
- If the tail is pointed upwards with the tip slightly bent to the side, your cat feels happy and safe to be approached.
- If the tail is erect, your cat is frightened. You can try to approach him to calm him down, but do it slowly and make sure your cat has room to escape and hide from you. A cornered cat can turn into an aggressive cat.
- If your cat's tail is wagging, do not approach your cat. He is angry, and it could be at you. Give him time before apologizing.
Step 3. Pay attention to the ears
Cat ears are very expressive and can help you figure out how they are feeling. In general, if his ears are up, it means he is happy, if his ears are down, it means he is not happy. Here are more detailed guidelines:
- Are the ears erect and in a normal relaxed position? If so, you can try apologizing to him.
- If his ears are pulled back, he may be afraid. You can still approach it, but do it carefully and slowly.
- If your cat's ears are down and pressed against the head, do not approach your cat. He was really offended and angry. Give him time.
Step 4. Pay attention to his eyes
Cat's eyes respond dramatically to light, but also change depending on their mood. When paying attention to his eyes, you should also consider the light factor. Here are some guidelines:
- If his pupils are too big, he could be scared. It can also mean the room you are in is dark.
- If his pupils are too narrow, he may be angry and restless. But it can also mean the light in the room is so bright.
Step 5. Pay attention to his face
Did his mustache point forward, his teeth exposed, and he wrinkled his nose? If so, your cat is still feeling too angry to be approached. Give him time to cool off before trying again.
Step 6. Pay attention to your cat's body and coat
Is the hair standing up? If so, your cat could be scared or agitated. Did his fur fall off his body? This means your cat is more relaxed. Look for other signs on your cat's body to get a sense of its mood.
Step 7. Pay attention to the paws
If the claws are pulled out or strained, you need to be careful. Cats move very quickly, and it could be that your cat is preparing to attack.
Tips
- You can try a few different methods. Some cats do not respond to invitations to play with play, but like to be noticed and cuddled. Some cats will only forgive if you give them food.
- Pay attention to what offended him and don't do it again.
- Give your cat time and don't try to rush her to forgive you. If your cat is too angry or afraid to be approached, give him time to calm down.
Warning
- Never slap, yell, or punish a cat for ignoring you. Your cat may even feel worse.
- Don't give your cat human food as a treat. Most human foods are not good for cats.
- Pay attention to your cat's body language. If your cat looks angry, don't touch her so she doesn't get scratched.
