How to greet a cat (the way cats wish you would)

The slow blink, the knuckle offer, and why you should never go straight for the belly. A quick etiquette guide from our Cat Care Lead.

Start low and slow. Sit or crouch so you're not looming, then offer a relaxed knuckle at nose height and let the cat close the distance.

Watch for green lights: a slow blink, a raised tail with a hooked tip, cheek rubs against your hand. Then pet the cheeks, chin and base of the ears — the spots most cats love.

Skip the belly. An exposed belly is trust, not an invitation. And if the tail starts flicking or ears swivel back, take a breather. Cats respect people who respect boundaries — and they come back for more.

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