Saying sorry can be one of the most emotionally stressful things to experience. Even when the one you’re saying sorry to accepts your apology, there isn’t a complete guarantee that things will return to normal. But did you know that being offended isn’t exclusive to us humans only?
Our fur babies can feel slighted when we hurt them, too! If you have a friendly feline of a furball and you accidentally hurt them. Here’s how to apologize to your cats.
1. Understand What You Did Wrong
Asking for forgiveness, but not actually meaning it or not understanding why you’re apologizing in the first place is usually not advisable, whether you do it to a fellow human or a feline companion. It’s important to determine what you did wrong and why your kitty is offended, so you can avoid repeating the same mistake. But it can also help you with your approach. Cats are sensitive to sounds, some researchers suggest that their hearing is more sensitive than dogs. It’s also very likely that they understand our tone, depending on the softness or harshness of our voice. So, if you’re not honest with your apology or you seem uncaring, your kitty might lose their trust in you.
2. Timing Is Half The Work
If you sense that your cat is angry, give them some space to let them settle their feelings before you approach them to apologize. Articulating your ‘sorry’ too soon might cause them to scratch you. Oppositely, don’t let too much time pass before you apologize. This is why timing is crucial. Approach your furry little one once he or she appears to be more relaxed. Try considering your cat’s body language before you jump right into an emotional gesture. If your cat avoids you and generally stays away from where you are, leave them a treat in a corner they can find. This will let them know that you care about their feelings and acknowledge their hurt. If your cat appears to be frightened, draw near with them tenderness. Always make sure you give them a little room to move around when they’re frightened.
3. Use a Soothing Tone of Voice
What you say isn’t as important as how you say it. Cats are sensitive to tone of voice. Avoid loud, panicked, or sudden exclamations that will only startle or upset your cat more. The last thing you want to do after harming your cat is shout out, “I’M SORRY!!” Instead, get your own emotions under control and speak in a calm tone of voice. Start by saying their name to get their attention.
4. Offer Affection and Praise
You can say the words, “I’m sorry,” but a more effective strategy when apologizing to cats is to offer them lots of love. Scratch them in their favorite spot and tell them how wonderful they are. You can also try speaking their language by giving them a nice slow blink. Studies show that cats slowly blink and squint their eyes to show favored humans’ affection.
5. Bring Out the Treats
As with humans, the best apologies come with delicious treats. If your cat enjoys a certain food, a small offering will help you get back on their good side. It also helps them form a positive association with you in the long-term.
6. Seal the Deal With Some Play
Once your cat is calm and seems to accept your apology, show them you care by joining in on their favorite activity. As with all apologies, it’s important to prove that your mistake was accidental and that you’re committed to your positive relationship. Put down your phone and ignore other distractions to give your cat 15 minutes of your undivided attention. This will help re-establish your strong bond and allow your cat to once again see you as their best friend.
