Cat Etiquette at Nabi Cat Cafe

A Warm Welcome to Our Feline Friends Space!

We’re thrilled to share our love for cats with you and create a serene, enjoyable experience for both our human visitors and our whiskered friends. To ensure a positive and relaxing interaction for everyone, we kindly ask that you let the cats approach you on their own terms.

As you bond with our feline companions, please remember that each cat has a unique personality and set of preferences. It’s essential to respect their individual boundaries and moods. Not every cat is in the mood for interaction or petting, and that’s perfectly okay!

To avoid overstimulation, which can lead to stress, “bite behavior,” and frustration, we ask that you observe and respond to the cat’s cues. If a cat decides to walk away or avoid interaction with you, please give them the space and respect their decision.

By following these simple guidelines, we can create a harmonious and enjoyable atmosphere for all, where both humans and cats can thrive.

Important Guidelines for a Purrfect Interaction:

• Respect Their Space: Give cats room to breathe and move around comfortably. Make sure they feel they have enough space to explore without feeling trapped or cornered.
• Let the Cat Make the First Move! Let them approach you on their own terms.
• Introduce Yourself with a Sniff: Before petting, let the cat sniff your hand. This is their way of saying, “Hey, I’m comfortable with you!”
• Observe and Listen: Pay attention to the cat’s behavior. If they rub against your hand or come closer, they’re likely open to interaction. If they pull away, stop, or back off, respect their boundaries.
• Move with Care: Avoid sudden or forceful movements, as they can startle the cat. Use slow, gentle gestures instead.
• Picking Up is a No-No: Most cats don’t enjoy being picked up, so let’s keep the snuggles on the floor!

Read Their Body Language:

• If a cat seems relaxed, with a raised tail or slow blinking, they might enjoy being petted.
• If they’re tense, with flattened ears or a twitching tail, they likely need some space. Respect these signs and avoid petting or picking them up.

Recognize Signs of Stress and Aggression:

• Cats can get overwhelmed quickly. If a cat is feeling stressed or agitated, they may bite or scratch as a natural response to stop unwanted interaction.

Signs of Stress or Aggression:

• Flattened Ears: A sign that the cat is feeling threatened or irritated. Time to take a step back!
• Flicking or Twisting Tail: A sign that the cat is getting annoyed or overstimulated. Give them space!
• Hissing or Growling: Clear warnings that the cat needs some alone time.
• Dilated Pupils or Staring: This suggests anxiety, fear, or overstimulation. Approach with caution and give the cat a break.

What to Do When Overstimulation Happens:

• If you notice signs of overstimulation, stop petting the cat immediately and give them space to calm down. Never force a cat to interact if they’re showing signs of stress.

Be Mindful of the Environment:

• Keep it Quiet: Cats can become stressed in loud or chaotic environments. Let’s keep the noise levels down.
• Respect Quiet Time: Cats may need a peaceful, quiet space to retreat to when they’re feeling overstimulated. Always give them access to a safe, calm area where they can take a break.

 

We’re thrilled to have customers like you who care about our cats’ well-being. Thank you for following our furry friend etiquette and making our cat cafe a happy haven!