Cats have always been known for their independence and aloofness, but there are some cats that are more affectionate and seek human interaction. If you find yourself being a magnet for stray cats, you may wonder why that is happening. In this article, we will explain the reasons why stray cats tend to like you.
1. Your Smell
Cats have a keen sense of smell and use it to communicate and acquire information about their surroundings. When a stray cat sniffs something they like, they may follow that scent and satisfy their curiosity. Each person has a unique odor, and if a stray cat likes what it smells on you, it may follow you and even approach you.
The smell that a stray cat may detect on you could also come from food. If you recently had lunch with a friend, the scent may linger on your hands or waft from your pocket or bag, and that’s enough to make a stray cat like you.
2. Your Body Language
Cats use their bodies to communicate and may read our body language too. If your posture is non-threatening and your body language comes across as friendly, stray cats may be drawn to you and feel safe around you. Being light on your feet and calm in how you react to a stray, will make them feel safer and give them space to approach you first.
3. They Need a Favor
Some cats approach humans because they’re looking for attention and are hoping for a back scratch, a quick game or even a treat. If a stray is looking for a favor and you appear approachable, they will surely be drawn to you. If you are in an area where there are a lot of stray cats, they might be used to the attention and have learned that by making contact, they can hope for a reward.
4. Your Personality
Your personality plays a significant role in attracting stray cats. Cats are sensitive to human emotional signals and can be intuitive to how you feel. You are more approachable if you are happy and in a good mood. If your personality is generally friendly and outgoing, a smiling face will generally be more welcoming for any cat, especially a stray.
5. They May be Seeking Companionship
Some stray cats are familiar with human companionship and may be yearning for it from any willing human. If you are friendly, calm, and approachable, a stray longing for friendship may be drawn to you. Stray cats can usually be socialized for adoption. If you are making a connection and suspect a stray is “adopting you,” perhaps you could consider making it your companion.
6. You May Resemble a Previous Owner
A stray cat may be attracted to you and grow a liking to you because you may resemble a previous owner. Perhaps your voice, appearance, or scent are similar. In that case, you would be familiar with this stray cat and trigger feelings of love and companionship.
Why Are Cats Attracted to People Who Don’t Like Them?
Cats are known for gravitating towards people who are calm and quiet. People who are aloof or ignore them may come across as less threatening, which cats prefer especially if they have had bad experiences before. They prefer someone more aloof than someone who wants to shower them with hugs and kisses. By ignoring a cat, you are providing the choice and space for them to approach you first, and a stray on the lookout for shelter, food, and companionship will be drawn to someone who feels safe.
What to Do with a Stray Cat?
In instances where a stray cat is drawn to a stranger, it may end up “adopting” that person as their owner. If you experience this with a stray cat, there are some options that can benefit both you and the cat.
First, you will need to check for identification first to see if the cat is lost and already has a loving owner. This could be a tag on the collar with contact details or a microchip, in which case you would need to go to the vet.
You can offer the stray some food and water, keeping in mind that this may result in the stray coming back for more. If you don’t mind the cat returning, you can choose a safe and suitable spot outside your home where the cat can keep returning to. You can provide a warm and safe space, especially if it’s cold or raining. But make sure to keep the stray cat away from your other pets and children in case of infection. If the stray appears scared or unsure, avoid getting too close as it may scratch or bite you.
If you are unsure if the cat is a stray, you can put a collar around its neck that includes your name and contact number to help locate the owner. If you don’t hear from anyone, it would be safe to assume it is a stray.
Adopting a Stray
If you are happy to adopt a stray cat into your home, there is a transitioning process that you need to consider. Stray cats should not be captured and kept indoors for the night right away. That could be terrifying, stressful, and harmful to your long-term goal of domesticating the cat. You will need to earn the cat’s trust by giving it a meal every day, earning its trust and slowly approaching it to come indoors.
In conclusion, stray cats are attracted to certain people for various reasons, such as their smell, body language, or personality. If you find a stray cat that seems drawn to you, there are many things you can do to provide it with care, food, and shelter. By earning the cat’s trust and providing it with a loving home, you can give the stray cat the companionship it needs and a place to call home.
