Q&A for How to Apologize to a Cat

Yes, they can! If you think your cat is upset with you, give them some space to calm down and give it some time. The best thing you can do is back off and show them that you recognize that you've hurt them and that you're going to stop doing what you were doing.

Leave the cat alone for now. When you're feeling ready to enter the same head space where they are, sit at a distance and offer them their favorite treat so that your cat can come get them as they're ready.

Yes, there is such a thing. A "love bite" is generally a gentler bite that can indicate either overstimulation or a playful mood. Read your cat's body language and proceed with caution.

It will start to come to you more looking for affection. It will also look calmer, etc.

You can just say "sorry [cat's name]" in a sweet/apologetic voice and pet them gently on a spot they like. As step 4 says, "Your cat may not necessarily understand your words, but she will understand your tone." They may eventually come to understand the word, too, after you've used it enough times in such circumstances.

Regain your cat's love and trust by combing her, petting her, or giving her a treat. Do more of what you know your cat likes, and over time she should warm up to you again.

Follow the steps here. Give her some space, then approach her. Show you're sorry by giving her a cuddle or stroking her, showing the cat you're not going to hurt her.

Yes, they should be able to learn their names. But you need to make it clear to them. It can be a little confusing if they're always together or you always call to them at the same time. It's usually best to train pets individually. Also, cats usually respond best to names that end with an 'ee' sound (e.g., Spottie, Pixie). See How to Teach a Cat to Recognize Its Name .

Only certain parts - such as nice high apologetic voices, petting the animal, and leaving treats.

Try watching what they look at or linger around. House cats tend to focus around what they want, mainly because if it's something like a spot you are sitting in they can't just tell you to move. You can also try watching body language. If you do something like move the couch or redecorate than the cat will appear agitated (tail fluffed up, tail wagging back and forth, nose scrunched up, etc.) or frightened (ears back, crushed to appear smaller, eyes wide). If you notice this after you move said couch, try moving it back to see if that is what is upsetting your cat.

Give him space and leave him food, he will calm down in a day or two. Give him affection and be gentle around the area where he got his shot.

Cats can hurt you with their bite even when they are only few months old. If it doesn't hurt, it is likely a love bite.

Leave it for a while, then call it over for love and affection. Treats also work to restore trust.

Don't worry about it too much. Cats are curious and live to explore. Sometimes my cat is gone for days at a time, but they most always will come back.

Looking at your cats ears, fur, and eyes. If your cat is happy, her fur may be more flat, while if shes mad or irritated, her fur maybe more fluffed out. Cats sometimes show emotions with their ears, too. Flattened ears could mean shes mad or scared, and when her ears are in the normal position, she may be more calm.

See a trainer for advice.

She is glad to see you and is no longer angry. You don't need to apologize. If your cat is doing this with her ears back, however, she is offended and may bite you. If your cat looks tense and ready to strike, especially when rolling around, she is not happy with you and you should give her space. If she looks relaxed and comfortable, she just wants attention.

Give them some time to themselves, especially without stimulation. But remember to acknowledge their presence if they come up to you—otherwise they will feel ignored.

When a cat rubs your leg it's a sign that they want affection or attention.

It may not be an issue, it may just be an affectionate cat. But if you know you have been neglecting him lately, you should cuddle him and give him attention.

Yes, sometimes. Although ragdoll cats are normally relaxed and demure, an extreme offense to them may cause a bite or scratch, normally without warning.

Wait until you see the cat again and sit down close to her. Get some treats and hold out your hand with the treats in it. She might come up and accept the treats. If she does, cautiously begin to pet her. If she flinches or hisses or scratches at you, lay the treats on the ground, walk away, and try the method again later.

It most likely means it wants to be petted and shown affection. Remember to look at its ears and tail to see if it’s still mad before you try to touch it.

No, you'll quickly regain the cat's trust by spending time with it. One incident will not turn a loving cat into an aggressive one.

You will know they like it, if they eat it. If they don't, it will stay in the bowl until you can't stand it any longer and put domething else down.

The best way to apologize to a cat, since they don't really understand English, is to avoid doing whatever is making them hiss for a while. If they're seemingly mad for no reason, they're probably not happy that you're petting them or don't want you getting too close. Just simply add a bit of distance and don't take it personally. The cat will come to you when it's ready.

Try giving her some time to get used to your house. She could also be distressed that you aren't her previous owner and wondering what is going on. Keep your distance and give her time to adjust. Maybe keep some treats nearby and reward her when she comes near you.

Sure. Cats are easily offended creatures. They have a lot of pride.

The best thing you can do to "make up for it" is to never do anything like this again. Take things slow with your cat and rebuild the trust. If you feel like you might not be able to control yourself and there's any chance you might hurt your cat again, you should find it a new home immediately.

If a cat suddenly starts peeing outside the litter box, they're either dealing with something stressful (changes in the house, their life, etc.), the litter box is not clean enough, or they are ill. If you think you can rule out the first two options, take your cat to the vet.