Like people, cats have different personalities and preferences so not all cats will behave the same when being introduced to a stranger.  I have five cats and they all behave differently when a new person comes into the house.  Four out of the five run and hide.  Caesar is the greeter who wants to make sure that the newcomer notices him.  He’ll come up meowing and plop down on his back and roll around until someone touches his stomach.

Although he seems very friendly and affectionate right off the bat, he often hisses if they pet him too confidently to let them that he hasn’t completely accepted them yet.  He’s never bitten anyone, but I still caution people when they first come in.  I instruct them to extend their hand to let him sniff them.  If he rubs up against them or rolls over as if to invite a good belly rub, to GENTLY rub his tummy or stroke the top of his head.  If he hisses, then walk away.

The others eventually come out one at a time to investigate.  Scarlet may appear after an hour, Cleo and Valentino may appear in a few hours, and Romeo might not appear until the next day or so. 

Regardless of how long it takes, it’s always better to let the cat get to know you in his/her time and not try to force it.  I always recommend letting the cat approach and get to know you.  Let them sniff your leg or gently extend your hand and let them come to you.  If you move too quickly, or try to approach the cat before he/she is a little more comfortable with you, they may become startled or angry.  The funny thing is that the more you ignore them, the more curious they become.  In my opinion, they don’t feel threatened if they are being ignored and feel safer approaching and investigating the new person in the room.

I have had cats in the past that didn’t want to be approached at all and would become angry if someone tried to approach them.  So my best advice, no matter what cat you are being introduced to, is to just let them approach you and let them get to know you at their own pace.  If they don’t approach, leave them be.

This post was originally published by www.purrfectworld.com TM