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I couldn't pet the cat :( (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Yesterday on the street, returning from a meeting, I noticed a very cute cat. Of course, I tried to approach carefully, using a secret technique, but it did not work. At first he stood still, and then, when I almost got my way, he suddenly jumped back and ran away. I was so upset :(

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[–] [email protected] 14 points 1 week ago (2 children)

It's serious. Looking at a cat is interpreted as threatening. To be non-threatening, you have to look away and even close your eyes. By ignoring the cat you show that you aren't a threat.

That's why cats always approach the person who doesn't like them. That's the only person looking away, so it's the only person who is signaling that they aren't a threat.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Can confirm. I am not a cat person. Cats will not leave me alone.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 week ago (1 children)

When you're around a cat, stare at it. It will leave you alone.

Just don't stare too hard, or you'll convince it you're such a threat that it must kill you.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

I feel like there's a lot of room for error in this solution

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

You can look at a cat and do the Slow Blink a few times to say "I'm not threatening you, nor threatened by you." Which is the closest cats get to "let's be friends."

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Or "I'm selling a timeshare you might be interested in".