Yesterday on the street, returning from a meeting, I noticed a very cute cat. Of course, I tried to approach carefully, using a secret technique, but it did not work. At first he stood still, and then, when I almost got my way, he suddenly jumped back and ran away. I was so upset :(

  • NABDad@lemmy.world
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    10 hours ago

    It’s serious. Looking at a cat is interpreted as threatening. To be non-threatening, you have to look away and even close your eyes. By ignoring the cat you show that you aren’t a threat.

    That’s why cats always approach the person who doesn’t like them. That’s the only person looking away, so it’s the only person who is signaling that they aren’t a threat.

    • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
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      6 hours ago

      You can look at a cat and do the Slow Blink a few times to say “I’m not threatening you, nor threatened by you.” Which is the closest cats get to “let’s be friends.”

      • NABDad@lemmy.world
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        9 hours ago

        When you’re around a cat, stare at it. It will leave you alone.

        Just don’t stare too hard, or you’ll convince it you’re such a threat that it must kill you.