myKotty Is there an etiquette in cats life? Or maybe not cats in the company of people, but people in the company of cats should follow the appropriate, “social” rules? If so, what behavior is appreciated and what is prohibited? We will try to look at the problem from a 360-degree perspective, referring both to two- and four-legged participants of this relationship. Let’s start!
Royal welcome
Lying on the knees at the first meeting? Such things are not done, even if you’re dealing with the most laid back fur. If you’re greeting a cat that doesn’t know you, both of you should take time to get to know and tame each other. What about stroking and sweet purring? All in good time. The cat needs to be sure it’s safe with you, so keeping your distance in the initial stages of the relationship is the best way to build a lifelong friendship. And when you break the ice, you can even hope for feasting together with catnip, which is usually reserved for aristoC(r)ATS only!
Proper tableware
Does serving food for cat also have to respect cat etiquette? Well, there is a rule that must be followed if you want to live in a good relationship with your pet in the future. First, the right tableware. Silver plates and a set of Chinese porcelain, which you take out only when your mother-in-law visiting you, are not necessary, but when you’re feeding your cat, make sure pet feels comfortable. A good quality bowl is essential. And remember, furry’s mustache! Cats value elegance and like to look great (you know how much time your cat spends on daily care!), whiskers stained with food during the meal are not acceptable. Remember, the vessel should be large enough to prevent the whiskers from wrapping up during the meal – your cat will certainly appreciate this gesture and as a little thank-you gift, according to the cat’s etiquette … it will eat everything!
A bit of intimacy
While we are still at the bowl … We can’t ignore an important aspect related to the most intimate activities in a furry’s life, which are connected with eating, the toilet and … courtship. In all these cases, cats need a bit of peace. It’s simply not appropriate to disturb furry during such important activities. Imagine that you are on the toilet and someone is constantly knocking on the door and asking when you will get the things done. Or a situation, when there’s serving a main course and you can’t eat, because your cousin’s poodle is barking by your leg, asking for food. Can you imagine how irritating these kind of situations could be? We bet your cat would feel the same!
Like cat and… cat!
We talked about saying hello between cat and human, but what if we’re dealing with the same situation, but in a cat – cat relationship? Etiquette also applies here, although the strong territorial aspirations of the furry animals may sometimes outshine their good manners. A cat’s greeting should be easygoing and proceed with an atmosphere of mutual respect – first, shy looks, approaching closer, sniffing, non-verbal communication and – if it goes in a good way – having fun together. But as you probably know, there are exceptions to this rule – so if the conflict is in the air at first sight, it’s better not play hero and get out of the situation without a scratch and find better company for the furry.
Cats first!
Opening the door and letting go first – if you think those times have passed with the last gentlemen, it’s time to reconsider your views. Your furry always expects you to open the door. Of course, in extreme cases, your pet is able to do it itself, but if you don’t want – except the missing cat – look for keys in the lawn (or worse – in a mouse hole!), it’s better to follow the rules of court (or rather cat!) etiquette.
Meow version of Ladette to Lady
Cats are full of grace and they were already born that way. Their elegance and refined movements aren’t the result of training – cats simply are like that. majestic maine coons or delicate devon rexes – many people could learn from them! When dealing with an individual with impeccable manners, a person immediately begins to pay attention to his own appearance and behavior – whether the socks are clean, whether the tableware sparkles, or the water in the bowl is fresh … The dignified behavior of cats can model the behavior of their caretakers (but only until no kicker or another animal will appear nearby) – fortunately, it usually works only in this one, more cultured direction (well, unless you chase a feather or inhale catnip – if so, then we must admit that you really have influential cat!).
As you can see, cat savoir vivre exists and sometimes we get the impression that it concerns more people than cats. The furries don’t have to worry about what is impolite and almost any social lapse will be forgiven. If you don’t want to live with your pet like a “cat and dog”, keep these rules in mind. Thanks to this, the cat will be eager to come to your afternoon tea (necessarily with a snack!) and happy to stay longer.
What else would you add to our list, fabCats?
