The Aloofness of Cats

[SoDesuKa]

Cats aren't aloof; they just take time to get to know you. Even then, they still don't fall all over you like dogs do.

Here's some advice for people who think they've been snubbed by a cat. Maybe the cat thinks you're un-cool because, frankly, you're not. Cats have a little mystery about themselves, and they like that quality in people. Maybe the cat just finds you a little too . . . well, obvious.

[ET Awful]

1. Well

Don't mistake silliness for aloofness :)

[tibbir]

5. I just love your cat's picture.

He or she is so cute.

[ET Awful]

6. That's a she, and right now she's mad at me

I closed the closet door on her leg . . . I hope I didn't hurt her. :cry:

[Silverhair]

2. Maybe the cat in question just doesn't give a damn. NT

[AlGore-08.com]

3. One reason they're perceived as aloof is what eye contact means to a cat

In humans and dogs, direct eye contact is a nonthreatening, friendly gesture. In cats, direct eye contact is a way to signal aggression.

If you look directly into a cat's eyes, it reads it as a warning that you're about to attack it. The cat will then make itself scarce, unless there's no escape route.

In order to communicate that you are friendly to a cat, you have break eye contact by blinking, leaving your eyes half closed, and/or looking away. If you really want to set a cat at ease, yawn with your eyes shut and your tongue out (the way they yawn) and keep your eyes half closed afterwords.

[Spider Jerusalem]

7. Funny...

that's how I see eye contact, most of the time (aggressive and threatening). Not as a friendly gesture. Maybe I'm not human.

[Courtesy Flush]

4. Aloof?

I know that many cats fit the stereotype, but we have an affectionate bunch. They love their Papa!

Still, I guess they could be called aloof by dog standards. Thank god! Who wants to be slobbered on 24/7?