Photo by Vladyslav Tobolenko on Unsplash
by Nomi Berger
Have you ever pointed a finger at your favorite felines and been taken aback by their reaction? Have you ever considered that they may perceive finger pointing as rude?
Since cats are notoriously sensitive to direct, sudden movement, some might interpret finger pointing as: (1) a form of domination instead of a form of friendly communication; (2) a stressful, startling or confusing act of aggression; (3) a physical threat that causes them fear or anxiety or (4) an overt invasion of their personal space.
Confident and congenial cats might follow your pointing finger in order to seek out objects like toys or treats or view it as an open invitation to play with you. Shy and anxious cats, on the other hand, might not only avoid your pointing finger, they might find it particularly intrusive, especially when coupled with direct eye contact on your part. Understanding how your cat responds to this gesture is crucial for building and strengthening the bond between you. If you know that your cat doesn’t like it when you point a finger at them, find alternative/creative ways to communicate with them instead.
Call your cat by their name: Being highly intelligent, most cats learn their names quickly and will respond to them when called. If you want to get your cat’s attention, calling their name in a warm, friendly tone of voice will put them at ease and swiftly lead them straight to you.
Closely observe your cat’s body language: Your cat’s body language will alert you as to their state of mind. Cats with high, arched backs and either flattened or horizontal (“airplane”) ears are clearly frightened and want nothing to do with you. Those with upright tails and forward-facing ears are signaling that they’re playful and will respond most eagerly to your advances.
Learn your cat’s vocalizations: Cats “speak” to you if you’re listening, truly listening. They may meow frequently when they’re hungry or want your attention just as they may purr quietly when they’re content and relaxed, such as when they’re being petted or lying on your lap. Learning what each sound means can help you understand their social cues and how to best respond – for both your sakes.
Use slow hand movements: If, for example, you’re using hand gestures to train your cat, avoid making direct eye contact with them, move your hand slowly and pair it with high-value cat treats and copious praise for positive reinforcement.
Try a laser pointer: Because most cats love chasing after the laser pointer’s elusive “red dot,” you can use a laser pointer to teach your cat various commands. Instead of being threatened by it, they’re likely to find it entertaining, fun and rewarding in so many ways.
