Effective Ways to Communicate with Your Cat

When you speak to a cat, they can pick up on your emotions—whether it's anger, joy, sweetness, or disgust. They observe your movements and what you're holding in your hands. They can smell anger and fear, and if you're carrying food, they can smell that too. As you talk, a cat will watch and listen for clues about what you might be saying. Yet, they ultimately don't understand what you're saying.

1. How to Communicate with Your Cat?

Communicating with a cat can be challenging, as they primarily use tail movements, eye movements, and liplicking to interact with each other. That's how they understand the world around them. However, there are ways to bridge the gap:

Speak softly to comfort a cat, and speak loudly if you're feeling angry.

Extend your open hand for the cat to sniff if you want to connect with them, or keep your hand away if you prefer to maintain distance.

Avoid raising your hand as if you're about to hit something, as this may scare the cat and make them think you're angry (which can lead to serious consequences).

Items like brooms, canes, and bags can be intimidating to cats, as they fear being hit. Be mindful of these objects when interacting with your feline friend.

Chasing a cat can make them run even faster. Patience is key.

2. How to Avoid Being Scratched or Bitten

Some cats are naturally more aggressive. Be on the lookout for signs of fear, such as crouching, hiding, hissing, and swatting. These are indicators that a cat is feeling threatened and may scratch or bite if you continue to approach.

In such cases, try the following methods to approach and soothe the cat:

Stay calm and use treats or food to entice them.

Place the food closer to the cat, but not too close to avoid being scratched.

Don't approach them; let them come to you.

Be patient and give the cat time to warm up to you.

When they respond, reward them with treats.

Be cautious with kittens as well, as they can also scratch or bite. Always handle them with care.

3. How to Deal with an Injured Cat

When handling an injured cat, you're more likely to be bitten or scratched. Cats are particularly scared when they're hurt.

If the cat is yours, here's how to handle the situation properly:

Try gently wrapping them in a towel or blanket.

Seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Speak softly and try to comfort them.

If the cat warns you not to touch a certain area, respect their boundaries and avoid that area.

Some injuries may not bleed, but other symptoms, such as limping, not eating, or not moving, should be treated similarly.

If the cat is not yours:

It's best not to approach an unknown cat, even if it's injured. Stray cats may carry diseases like feline leukemia, rabies, or ringworm, which can be transmitted to humans and other cats if not handled properly.

If you touch a stray cat, wash your hands thoroughly immediately.