We’ve all been there. You step on your cat’s tail or forget to clean their litter box for a few days, and suddenly you find yourself in need of some serious apologizing.
But how do cats even understand apologies? We can’t exactly speak their language, after all! As it turns out, cats are actually quite good at discerning our emotions, and they can understand when we want to correct our mistakes—even before we vocalize it. Luckily, cats do not feel resentment or have desires for revenge, qualities attributed to humans.
So, if you’ve hurt your kitty’s feelings (or tail) and need to make amends, here are five ways cats understand when you apologize:
The 5 Ways You Can Apologize To Your Cat
1. Body Language
Cats are very attuned to body language and will pick up on subtle cues like a lowered head, softened eyes, or a relaxed posture. When apologizing, make sure your body is conveying understanding and regret.
This will let your cat know that the situation is different now and that you’re genuinely sorry for doing whatever it is that upsets them.
2. Spend Time Together
Cats feel most secure when they’re around their owners, so if you want to apologize to your cat, it can help to spend some quality time with them. Playing their favorite game or just lounging on the couch together may help your cat feel that you want to spend time with them and make things right again.
3. Cuddles & Kisses
Some cats love physical affection, and by giving them extra cuddles or kisses when you apologize, they’ll be able to feel the warmth of your feelings. This will help them understand that you care about them.
This holds true for cats of all ages—even grumpy old cats appreciate some extra cuddles and kisses when they’re feeling neglected or wronged. Just make sure that your cat likes physical attention. Some cats may not appreciate your cuddles!
4. Grooming
Grooming is a sign of affection in cats, so if you’ve done something to hurt your feline friend, take some time to give them a good brushing or scratch behind their ears.
This will instantly soothe them and help them feel that things are back to normal. It’s also a great way to show your cat that you still care about them and want to make up for your mistake.
5. Tone of Voice
Believe it or not, cats can understand the intonation we use when speaking—so if you want to apologize, make sure your voice conveys understanding and regret. Speak slowly, use a soft tone of voice, and be sincere.
It’s important to keep in mind that you should always attempt to speak to your cat in a kind, patient way—even when you’re not apologizing.
By doing this, you’ll be able to communicate with your cat in a way they understand and appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Apologizing to your cat might seem like an impossible task—after all, cats don’t speak the same language as us! However, by understanding how cats can sense our emotions and body language, we can convey our apologies in ways they’ll understand.
From positive body language to a soft tone of voice, there are many ways to show our furry friends that we care about them and want to make things right again. So, the next time you’ve hurt your cat’s feelings, don’t forget to apologize in a way they understand—it may just mean the world to them!
Featured Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock
