There is no doubt that cats and their owners can form a strong bond. A cat’s relationship with their trusted humans comes from their experiences of being handled and the interactions they have had. It is important to understand how to be safe around our pets, including cats, for both our safety and our pet’s wellbeing. Even the most confident cat with a calm temperament may scratch or bite if they feel threatened.
Body language
An important element of interacting with our cats safely is through understanding their body language and what they are communicating with us. A cat will tell us if they are feeling scared, anxious, happy, or annoyed through their body language, particularly through observing their ears, eyes, and tail.
Body language cues our cats may display to show they are feeling unhappy can include:
- Ears turned back, or flat to their head – this is a sign your cat is worried or scared. If the ears are turned back with a tail swish it is likely your cat is irritated.
- Tail swishing – a sign your cat is irritated by something.
- Arched back a.k.a the ‘Halloween’ cat – this is a very scared cat.
- Crouching – this means your cat is scared and trying to stay to the ground to hide.
- The stare – many animals, including cats will stare at people or other animals who they see as a threat. It is important to make sure no members of the family stare or put their faces to near any pet’s face. This is not only for their safety, but to avoid us accidentally scaring our pets.
- Wide eyes – the cat’s pupils may be wide and this means there is something worrying your cat.
Body language queues our cats may display to show they are feeling happy, and content include:
- The ‘fish tail’ hook (upright tail) – this is usually a greeting and means your cat is happy to see you!
- Rubbing their head or body around you – this is a sign of affection and can also mean they are leaving their scent on you.
- Slow blinking – this demonstrates that your cat is relaxed.
- Soft eyes – they are not scared or alert, this indicates they are relaxed.
- Rolling onto their back, exposing their belly.
One important body language to note in our cats is when they expose their bellies to us. This is a positive action, and they are showing they trust us, however, it is important to understand that most cats DO NOT want you to stroke their belly. By doing so, we are betraying the trust and affection they have just offered us. If your cat is exposing their belly, the correct cause of action is to gently stroke them on the head or cheek. It is worth noting that some cats, typically males, will allow their most trusted humans to stroke their bellies, but most cats do not wish for their tummy to be touched.
Handling
As cats are both prey and predatory animals, they do not like being picked up. This is because when they are lifted, they are restricted and unable to move as they please, taking away their choice.
When interacting with our cats we want to give them space and choice to ensure it is a safe and enjoyable interaction for both cat and human! By listening to our cat’s body language and allowing them to approach us for interactions we are providing them with both space and choice.
There are of course times when we need to pick up our cats, for example, when taking them to the vets. To pick up your cat safely crouch down and allow your cat to approach you. When picking them up support their back legs with one hand, and the other hand should be placed under their chest by their front legs. This will ensure the interaction does not result in injury to you or your cat.
We would like to share an informative blog on ‘How to pick up a cat’ by Cats Protection. This is a useful read for advice for cats who will not tolerate being picked up, or more nervous cats:
Whilst bellies are considered an unsafe area for us to touch, there are areas of a cat’s body where they enjoy being stroked which includes their cheeks, behind their ears, and under their chin.
Children and young people
Cats can make fantastic pets, and provide great companionship for their owners, including children and young people.
Like us, our cats have different personalities from the more outgoing confident cats to those who are timid or more sensitive. If you are considering introducing a cat into your household, cats that tend to be more suited for children and young people are confident and friendly, and not easily spooked by the general enthusiasm and noise of a busy, young family life.
Teaching our children safe handling and body language can really help strengthen the bond between a child and their pets as well as keeping them safe.
It is important that we advise our children to leave their cat alone while they are eating, sleeping, and using their litter tray. These are private events for our cats, and they wish to be left uninterrupted during these times.
It can also benefit your cat to provide them with a safe space. This is a space they can go to rest/sleep, eat, have a drink, or go when they are scared. It is important this is an area of the house they can go to be by themselves uninterrupted. For younger children you can use a baby gate to prevent them from wandering into your cat’s safe area.
Cats love up high areas. Providing your cat with different levels such as cat trees, or even cat shelves will also allow them a place to rest and get some space if needed.
Here at the Shelter, we host Animal Experience sessions for children and young people aged 5-16 to learn about pet safety during the school holidays. During their time with us they help clean a pen/kennel, partake in a craft or enrichment making activity, and have exclusive interactions with our rescue animals. To find our more or join our mailing list and be the first to hear about the sessions please visit our Animal Days webpage.
Hands-off interactions
Play provides your cat with mental stimulation as well as providing exercise for your cat. It is a great way for them to display their natural behaviours, as well as opportunities for us to interact with our cats hands-off! This is great not only for playful cats, but cats who need their confidence building.
The best form of interactive play is using a wand or ‘fishing rod,’ which is a toy on a string attached to a stick. This encourages your cat to stalk, chase, and pounce!
Another great form of hands-off play is setting up enrichment areas for our cats. Enrichment refers to toys and games that mentally stimulate our pets. This can include putting our cats kibble in treat balls, puzzles, and Kongs, as well as making your own toys and enrichment items for them with items found in your home!
A cat enrichment item you can easily make at home
