Ever Give Your Cat the Finger?
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This is an Often Overlooked Form of Greeting
No not THAT finger!
Cats will frequently go nose to nose with another cat as a form of greeting. This would be the equivalent of a handshake or fist bump for humans. Now this sometimes can lead to some butt sniffing as well. I really don’t want to get THAT involved with my cat, but I will simulate the nose to nose greeting when appropriate.
I will stick one or two fingers out towards a cat. I usually use the index finger and maybe the middle finger with it. I get close, but not right in their face where I touch their nose. You absolutely do NOT want to reach out and touch their nose! You want to be a few inches away and let them close the gap and touch their nose to your finger. Also make sure you start with your hand where the cat can see it and move it slowly forward to nearby sniffing range. Talking to the cat while doing this is also a helpful addition to the greeting.
My cats will usually give my finger a very thorough sniff which often turns into a head but or rubbing against my finger and wrist. I personally think my cats are also checking to see if I have been around any other cats during my travels. Squish in particular appears to be reading all the smells and gets caught up on what my adventures for the day consisted of.
This technique can sometimes work with cats that you are not close with or maybe meeting for the first time. If you can be close to the cat’s eye level when you try the finger strategy that would offer the best opportunity for a positive interaction. If the cat responds you could be well on your way to making a new fur friend. If the cat recoils, withdraws, or hisses, then they are not ready to become friends just yet. It’s always preferable to let the cat make that final move to engage with your fingers while you stay back.
Even if you are rejected with the finger greeting, you will at least let the strange cat know you speak their language. This can lead to more progress quicker on your next attempt later on. Always remember that the best way to interact with new or shy cats is to let them approach you. The finger technique should be used only when you are getting a good vibe from the cat or they seem at least open to your approach. You can stay back a bit and just extend your arm, hand , and finger out farther. This type of greeting provides a less imposing and threatening impression and allows the cat to still have the freedom and space to accept or reject your offer without too much stress or fear.
It’s also a good idea to take a moment and think what might be on your hand before offering a finger for sniffing. Most cats are going to be turned off by chemical smells, lotions, cleaners etc. I only use hand lotion when I’m going to be away for awhile and never when I’m at home.
So the next time you get home and your cat greets you try giving them the finger and see how they react.
