WINNING FELINE FRIENDSHIP
Even if you're as nervous as a cat in a room full of rockers, you can learn to befriend a finicky feline...and did you know this might calm your own nerves in the process?
Cat companionship is a recognized therapy in many institutional caregiving settings, where certified therapy cats offer residents a special type of friendship bond when others have been unable to reach them. To learn more about this, meet Marbles from FURRY AGAPE PET THERAPY. Marbles was a guest star at the International Cat Show (TICA) in Maumee, Ohio. Marbles' caretaker explained his important role in offering hope for those with autism and dementia, just by showing up with his furry feline touch.
Now, let's start with the basics. In your earnest pet-loving heart, it's important to get used to the fact that a cat will do what it wants, when it wants, and there's not a thing we can do about it! To win the friendship of a cat, we must be patient, and do a good deal of waiting on them to come around. But in that magic moment, when a purring cat jumps on your warm lap for a visit, we want to make the most of it.
First things first, here's a list of the DON'Ts
• Don't grab their head and rub it (nobody likes this—just ask any kindergartner!)
• Don't pick up Fluffy under the shoulders, leaving his legs dangling loose. If you would like to pick up a cat, you must first ask his permission, then cradle him upright, fully supporting his hind quarters in your arms.
• Don't pull his tail, roll him upside down with his legs sticking up the air, or try to hold him down if he wants to bolt—that is, unless you want to decorate your arm with a nice long scratch.
Make time to pet the Cat
A few long strokes from the head to the tail, moving along the direction of Fluffy's sleek fur will be just right. Most cats love to be brushed, and we know firsthand this is a sure way to win his furry little heart. One might even consider introducing some cute toys and other CAT FRIENDLY MERCH