When it comes to interacting with strangers, cats become wary. The main and common reason is lack of experience with strangers. The unknown people’s presence lowers its quality of life and creates an unstable environment. Even though people adore them, many cats will not respond favorably. When they feel safe they respond with a particular person.
It is very normal that your friends and family visit you while your cat is not interested in cuddling. Though it’s very sad, you can not force the cat to adore your guest. You can train your cat in different ways to reduce aggression. So, let’s focus on the main topic and help you out….
Understanding the Cat’s Personality
A cat’s personality traits are influenced by genetics, breeds, life experience, and the living environment. According to Dr. Lauren Finka’s study, cats have five types of behaviors.
Some cats interact with strangers right away, while others do not, or take time. Each feline behaves in its own way. Here are the five basic personalities:
- The human cat: this type of cat is the favorite of all owners. It is more affectionate, more interactive, and doesn’t hesitate in front of strangers. It is very friendly and often comes to you for cuddles.
- The hunter cat: the cat is mostly busy capturing its prey. It likes to play with feather toys and searches for its target.
- The cat’s cat: this type of cat enjoys sharing his territory with other cats. By rubbing up against each other and touching noses, it interacts with and grooms other cats.
- The cantankerous cat: this type is the most intolerant cat. It is the opposite of the “human cat” type, being hyper-alert and also easily frustrated. That needs an individual spacer to explore, play, and interact with its owner on its own terms. It is essential to make sure that there are plenty of toys and to respect the feline and their preferences.
- The inquisitive cat: it is eager to investigate and sniffs around anything and anyone unfamiliar. This cat behavior develops at an early age.
According to the cat’s behavior around strangers, you should identify your cat’s personality. I hope it will be beneficial.
Out of my two cats, one is a human-friendly cat, and the other is a cantankerous cat.
Gradually Exposure
Cats are suspicious by nature. Unlike the dog, the cat is not such a friendly animal. It takes time to socialize with unknown people.
Strangers must maintain peace and move at the cat’s pace. They should respect the cat’s boundaries. Also, they have to be polite and avoid drastic movements and loud noises in front of the cat. It is not appropriate to pet them unless they want to be petted. When a cat looks at strangers, it should avoid staring back because it makes them more nervous. Instead, they should slowly blink their eyes at the pet. If it blinks back, that means it trusts them.
Positive Reinforcement
You can control your cat’s mind easily through positive reinforcement. It’s really helpful to deal with your cat’s behavior.
Treats and rewards
If you want your cat to repeat a behavior, reward that behavior. Reward your cat when your cat approaches your guests. Treats, small portions of wet food, or tuna are the only ways to encourage cats. Or try this, call its name and offer it treats by your guests.
Use commands
The cat is an intelligent animal. You can train it with specific commands. You can comfort it with a specific command, like calling its name or clicking your tongue.
When your cat hears a noise that is pleasing to it, such as the sound of a cat food container, it will undoubtedly come to you.
Use pheromone
Surprisingly, pheromones can control your cat. What is pheromone? It is an odorless chemical signal produced by cats to mark an area. Pheromone spray and calming collars mimic the pheromones that help them to calm down. It’s your choice whether you want to use pheromone sprays, calming collars, or diffusers.
Signs of aggression of cats
The first sign the cat hides by seeing strangers. It lurks in places that are impossible to find. It shows this type of aggression, when it is afraid. The other sign of fear is a bent body posture with a lowered tail, dilated pupils, and ears reverted.
The second sign of a cat is hissing, grunting, or yowling with its tail curled around. It warns people by vocalizing its discomfort and displeasure.
The third and most critical sign is the total reversal of the ears, as well as the biting and scratching in addition to the bristling coat. When a cat does this type of behavior, it’s better for strangers not to go in front of the cat.
The Cat can occasionally show more than one sort of aggression at a time. I have followed several guidelines to control all forms of feline aggression. I hope it will help you:
- Surprisingly, your pet also needs space. This can calm the aggression of your pet.
- Pay close attention to its body language. You have to observe it and work accordingly.
- Try pheromones to calm it down. It can be a lifesaver.
- You can also give it some of its favorite foods. It can change the mood.
- You can use treats to encourage your cat’s non-aggressive behavior.
- Trim its nails for your safety.
- Spend time together to strengthen your bond. It will increase mutual understanding.
- Slowly blink at it. It means you are showing love and affection to your kitty.
- Use a soft voice to show affection. It may decrease aggression.
Also, you can develop your own tricks to calm down your cat. Most of the time, I deal with my cat’s aggression by calling its name angrily to warn it.
Closure!!
Put yourself in your cat’s shoes and think about what it feels like for a feline friend in the presence of an unknown in its territory. You should be aware of the cat’s boundaries and ask your guests to respect them as well.
The cat is suspicious by nature. As a result, it behaves unusually and shows aggression in the presence of strangers. This is common feline behavior; you have to accept it.
You should be supportive and remain calm during hard times. It’s important to be patient. You are the cat’s guardian; you must deal with your cat’s behavior intelligently and responsibly.
If you and your cat have benefited from the instructions, just drop a comment, and don’t forget to tell us what your cat’s personality is.