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How should I approach a new cat?
When you work as a cat sitter, you will frequently have the opportunity to interact with a new feline companion. This article provides cat sitters with five suggestions that will help them “speak in cat” and make a positive first impression on their furry customers.
1 – Entering the cat’s home
When you are entering a new home as a cat sitter, it is important to maintain silence and show respect for the cat’s territory.
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It is essential that you do not bring anything with you that has the potential to produce a startling sound. To give you an example, you may leave your crinkly shopping bags outside or in your car. In a similar vein, if your shoes are making a loud noise, you can also consider taking them off. Not only will this prevent the cat from being scared, but it will also help create trust between the two of you.
2 – Meeting a new cat for the first time
When you are introduced to a cat for the first time, you should not rush over to it and attempt to pet or snuggle it.
Rather than that, you should take the opportunity to soothe the cat by sitting or crouching in a nearby open location that is accommodating. It is recommended that the owner be present at the initial encounter in order to make the cat feel more at ease while it is in close proximity to you.
If the cat’s owner is around, you should have a chat in a low voice and try your best to make the cat forget about it. As a cat sitter, this is the most challenging aspect of the job, especially considering how adorable the cats are. Nevertheless, take things slowly and wait for the cat to approach you at its own pace.
3 Making eye contact with a cat
Have you ever pondered the reason behind the fact that cats appear to be more drawn to the owners of the house who pay them even the least amount of attention? One of the reasons behind this is that if a cat is feeling anxious, making direct eye contact with it might be intimidating. You should therefore make an effort to avoid looking directly at the cat if they are not yet familiar with you.
Be sure to avoid making direct eye contact with the cat as it becomes more accustomed to your presence by blinking slowly and frequently. By doing this, you demonstrate to the cat that you are content and calm. Because a cat that is relaxed will frequently blink back, this practice is even referred to as “blink kissing” by some people.
4 – Be aware of your body language
If you want to earn a cat’s trust while cat sitting, you should avoid standing on top of them and instead remain low or close to their level. Make sure that your hand or finger is extended so that the cat can sniff it and become familiar with your distinctive odor.
After the cat appears to be at ease, you can proceed to stroke the cat’s cheeks, chin, or forehead. Scensor glands are located on the cheeks of cats, and when they are rubbed against another object, they release pheromones that are relaxing. This is the reason why cats enjoy rubbing their noses on various objects.
Additionally, these pheromones serve as the foundation for products like Feliway, which are designed to relax, prevent spraying, or scratching. Sometimes, when your cat is going through a stressful situation, such as when you are meeting a new cat sitter, you can spray or diffuse this product.
If you are meeting a new cat for the first time, you should make an effort to avoid patting it throughout its entire length, from its head to its tail. This is due to the fact that it has the potential to get the cat too enthusiastic when you are trying to quiet it down.
5 – Learn cat body language
When it comes to their posture, tail position, ear position, and eyes, cats are able to communicate a great deal without really speaking. Because of this, it is essential for professional cat sitters to be conscious of the fact that they will be meeting a new cat.
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Cats exhibit a variety of body language behaviors, and the following is an explanation of what each behavior signifies:
- Ears back or flattened: Do not approach a cat that has its ears back unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. This cat may be threatened or afraid.
- Ears moving a lot between up, down, and sideways: Uncertain and wary.
- Tail straight up or casually back: Friendly and at ease.
- Tail straight up and fluffed out: Scared and angry.
- Tail curled like a question mark: Friendly and inquisitive.
- Tail tucked under the body: Submissive and frightened.
- Tail waving: Angry, defensive or in hunting mode.
- Rolling over and exposing tummy: By exposing themselves to danger, they are demonstrating their trust in you. Keep in mind, however, that many cats do not enjoy having their bellies rubbed or patted.
Your ability to become a better cat sitter can be improved by learning and putting these recommendations into practice. And happy cats make happy owners, which means more bookings for you to take care of.