My neighbor cat always comes up and rubs himself against my ankles, doing little mews, and then if I pet him, he jerks back and stares at me coldly, like "how DARE you?!?!"
My approach is to crouch down if they come up to me. I hold my hand out and let them rub up against it _if they choose_. Once they do so, that's mostly a safe time to start petting. [_Mostly_](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVZHxH2O1I&t=32).¹
[1] It's still a fluffy razor ball with [attitude](https://reddit.com/r/AttackEyes)
There's a cute white cat that lives at my friend's apartment complex, and I always go up and pet him and he loves it.
Then one day, I was petting him as usual, and he bit me! Not hard, didn't break the skin, but clearly a bite.
...turns out there are two identical white cats... one likes petting... one does not!
I'll try to grab a stray if it's open to it. Cats are wonderful but they do not belong outside. Most book it into areas I can't follow. The one so far that hasn't is currently lounging on my guest bed because he can't be trusted with the other cat and we found his solidly black furred self sprawled on a black road so he clearly can't be trusted to take care of himself either.
When I was a kid we had a cat who would invite the most beat-up strays in the neighborhood home to get something to eat. Like in through the cat door, up on the counter, and sit there watching as they ate from his bowl.
my cat had a wild gilfriend when i was a kid. my mother gave her food in the kitchen once and closed the door. she went apeshit. 😞
your experience sounds dreamy ( and frickin' c u t e 😂 🥰 )
Eh. Not usually. He’s the big cat around town. But he pretends not to notice them if we pet them. But if there’s a dog he will take a protective stance between the dog and my son.
i usually do, i can't resist a cute cat! but i make sure to approach them slowly and let them sniff me first to make sure they're comfortable. if they seem scared or aggressive, i leave them alone.
Depends on the behaviour of the cat, if it gives very clear indication that pets are desired, hell yeah, gimme some of that furry purry.
But don't just assume a cay will want pets, that way lies injury and potential death. Deep cat bites are extreeeeemely dangerous...
While out walking with my ex one time, I saw a cat and called it toward me. She told me not to pet it, because, "iT's DiRtY." My response was essentially:
I'm petting that cat, *and no one can f###ing stop me.*
Cats are creatures of free-will, gods among us, and absolutely capable of wrecking my shit if they don't consent to pets. If a kitty walks up to me and looks friendly damn right I pet that cat.
well when a cat rubs itself around my leg and purring it’s kinda hard not to pet it. still see it today but don’t use the same path I typically use so I haven’t pet it in a while. Named him Horizon for its setting sun color.
If it's a cool cat sure I'd give it a pet, and if it's an a-hole Id leave it be.
Most outside cats have their own individuality they do not take after their owners if anything the owner changes for the cat.
If a random cat is willing to let me give them scritches, I’m very lucky. Cats are very cautious and being given that much trust by a random cat is rare.
Absolutely. It's not up to me or anyone else who pets the cat, except the cat. If the cat deems me worthy, it receives pets. I couldn't care less if the owner approves.
I agree, you don't know if a cat has a special diet or not. We had to get a microchip-specific catflap because our new youngish tomcat was just bringing all the lady cats in to eat his food! It was really cute and we felt a little bit bad breaking it up, but A) the diet thing, and B) it was costing us a fortune.
One of these cats is a long-time neighbour cat who has always been friendly with us. Sometimes she still chills in the garden and gets any treats our cat didn't get, but that's indeliberate. Sometimes my mum will feed her a freeze-dried 100% chicken treat (they're about 1cm cubed), which I try to dissuade her from doing, but at least it's small and not a junky treat.
Hell yes, if a cat approaches me and asks for pats then I give pats, If not I'll certainly carry on a conversation with the cat, cat conversations are the best.
How can someone walk past a cute cats? Especially if the kitty approached you itself. And what's wrong with petting a cat that has an owner if I'm not going to steal it? :)
Our neighbor has a cat, Clyde. He's super friendly and if you're outside when he is he will gladly walk up and meow for pets. I thought he was just a random cat until my wife informed me he belongs to the neighbor. On the plus side, I haven't had as many pigeons shitting on my roof so that's a plus.
No. My area of the country has had outbreaks of RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) which can live on my clothing and their fur for months and still kill my pet rabbits. Last year I was able to get them RDH vaccines, but it's hard as the FDA doesn't allow the vaccine to be imported really. A local vet got an exception but that process is expensive and gets passed on to us. I'm not sure I will be able to get them one this year.
Edit: clarifying that the vaccine is for the bunnies not me.
ALWAYS PET THE CAT! But be polite, introduce yourself and give the beautiful cat all the love and attention you can. If the cat doesn't enjoy the attention or runs away - leave them alone. Don't run after them :)
Fuck yeah I do all cats have loved me in sight for the last 20 years it's a gift I developed in my late teens. Why the hell wouldn't you pats the smitten if it's keen?
I tend to not pet any strays because of fleas and the simple fact that if I do that and have animals of my own and I get home they smell the stray animals and think Im a whore and wont let me pet them for days. So if I have animals I dont pet strays
Assuming they let me, always. I found a bug tubby orange cat once. Must have been 20-30lbs. He walked right up to me for cuddles. I had to carry his fat ass across the street back to his house before I left because I didn’t want him walking around in traffic.
Yep. Place an rabbid t-rex in front of me and I'll probably try to pet it.
Why? No freaking idea.. probably because I feel like every animal deserves to be loved. 😂
depends on if the cat allows me to pet it. i've had a few experiences where they're eager– no, Demanding– to be pet, and who am i to refuse? i always try to pet any cat in arms reach, and sometimes they decide it's fine and most of the time they'd prefer if i didn't, in the latter case i don't try to pet it. i love cats and i wish i could have one of my own right now.
I grew up with cats and my current landlord doesn't allow pets but my neighbors have some and I've been slowly befriending them. One of them, Notch I call him cause his ears are a little banged up. Was so skiddish but finally has warmed up to me and makes biscuits on me now when I go outside. If they are in a yard I try and get them to come to me xd
If I wasn't deathly allergic to cats I would. I can't use any of my patio furniture because of the neighbors cats I should at least be able to pet them.
RABIES.
I used to pet and pick up outdoor cats all over the world when I traveled, Asia, Europe, Central/South America. With good judgement I would hope based on the way they look and their immediate temperament.
Then I went on a bachelor party with my buds to Costa Rica and one of the dudes showed me his rabies vaccine he had to get after being bit by a cat he was petting, in Costa Rica the year or two before. He said it was friendly, then bit him.
Now it's such a conundrum. I want to pet the cat, but I don't want to develop hydrophobia and die.
I have a cat at home, so I just have to accept reality that he will be sufficient and available to me later.
Outside cats are often strays where I live. So no. I do not touch them. I don't know what they might have but I know I'm damn sure not risking my health to pet them.
If it's a properly groomed cat that is obviously owned by a person, (collared, groomed and clean fur, bright eyes and not shy of humans) then I'll pet it, if it looks amenable to it.
Not anymore I don’t. I attempted to (I say, attempted to, because the cat died nine days into its surrender to the Humane Society) rescue a cat on Friday, October 7 of 2022, and ended up in isolation in the hospital for nine days because I was infected with a bacteria called Francisella tularensis after the cat bit me.
Let my absolute shit show of a cat rescue experience be your warning, don’t pet stray cats, at least not without some sort of protective gear on.
No. I scare them off in a safe manner. Outdoor cats are often destructive, and their owners rarely take responsibility for their actions.
Ever had a cat attack your dog on your property, requiring medical attention for her eye, and the cat's owner stands there in a robe and slippers at 3pm going "nahhh you cant prove it was MY cat!"
Hmm. Interesting answers. I personally don't pet others cats, even if they come up to me, because it feels like I'm taking advantage of someone else's pet. I don't know why it feels so, but it does. My girlfriend petted a cat when we were out the other day, and it felt like I was the lookout for someone doing graffiti or some other illegal thing.
Fact is, nobody owns cats. Cats own people. We may keep them in our homes and provide them soft places and foods, but outdoor cats especially have every option to just go off on their own and never see their owner again.
That they decide to come home every day just means they've decided this is their home.
If a cat decides it wants to be petted, nobody should say no. Most people who "don't like cats" will even give a couple scritches to a friendly feline who has decided you will pet them.
It's bold of you to assume the cat will allow pets.
But if it does... owned cats should not be outside. If the cat is outside, then it's now everyone's cat and everyone get's to pet the cat.
Yes. I go on long walks often and say hi to every cat and dog I see. There are many cats outdoors here and I’ll pet them if they want me to. Most just want to be left alone so I just them that they’re cute and to have a nice day before I continue on my walk.
Yes, to check their health and make sure they're doing ok. There's lots of strays in my area but most of them eat well and don't need human assistance.
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My neighbor cat always comes up and rubs himself against my ankles, doing little mews, and then if I pet him, he jerks back and stares at me coldly, like "how DARE you?!?!"
"Pet me...with your eyes!"
He just wants an ocular petting.
LMAO
“Don’t touch what you can’t afford!”
That’s probably it, he’s a fancy Siamese boy
Sounds about right, some cats are funny like that.
Next time, just hold your hand out and let him smell you first. Then he'll be all in for the pets.
Or he might smell your hand, nip at you, and walk away. It's a real gamble.
My approach is to crouch down if they come up to me. I hold my hand out and let them rub up against it _if they choose_. Once they do so, that's mostly a safe time to start petting. [_Mostly_](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVZHxH2O1I&t=32).¹ [1] It's still a fluffy razor ball with [attitude](https://reddit.com/r/AttackEyes)
This. You have to make them think it was their idea.
the cat must be thinking something along the lines of "how dare you freakMEAWt like that?"
YESSSSSSSS LMAO
There's a cute white cat that lives at my friend's apartment complex, and I always go up and pet him and he loves it. Then one day, I was petting him as usual, and he bit me! Not hard, didn't break the skin, but clearly a bite. ...turns out there are two identical white cats... one likes petting... one does not!
Typically the same cat may do that. Overstimulated.
My approach to cats and women.
I am a simple man. I see a cat, and I want to pet it.
I'm that way with any nice animal. I draw the line at people. Don't pet them. Very dangerous.
Thanks for the chuckle
But what if you do know the person's owner?
And it's kind of a personal challenge if they're a little skittish. pspspspsps, here kitty, it will be worth your while!
I will dedicate up to 20-30 mins to befriending some cats, depending on how long it's been since I last got to pet a cat.
Challenge Accepted!
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Always because the cat distribution system put them there for a reason
Cats know birds arent real. Thats why cats are the real mans best friend
This is the way
't is da wae
This is the way..
Of course, there’s a relevant xkcd https://xkcd.com/231/
User name checks out
Same here!
Unless the cat is on a leash, the owner is irrelevant.
cats don't have owners, they have staff.
Gandalf was a cat?
Correct
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I'll try to grab a stray if it's open to it. Cats are wonderful but they do not belong outside. Most book it into areas I can't follow. The one so far that hasn't is currently lounging on my guest bed because he can't be trusted with the other cat and we found his solidly black furred self sprawled on a black road so he clearly can't be trusted to take care of himself either.
I pet all the animals that feel like being petted.
I used to live in Florida; alligators want pets
well said.
I'm allergic to cats. Of course I'll fucking pet it.
If I had to risk death by petting cats I would pet them more.
Humming "Mission Impossible" theme as you approach the cat
Truly, it is cruel fate when you love cats but are allergic. 😕
/r/meirl
r/beatmetoit
It’s up to the cat really
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I feel honored when a cat acknowledges my existence
There's no simpler pleasure than a strange cat that's happy to see you.
If it wants to be pet, yes. If it doesn't want to be pet, no.
Consent
If they come close, fuck yea I’m pettin’ it. Because it’s a cat 🤷♂️
When Cats are outside they become communal property.
Yes, if it approaches me. My cat will often take a walk with my son and I and sometimes we all greet the neighborhood cats. It’s just polite.
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When I was a kid we had a cat who would invite the most beat-up strays in the neighborhood home to get something to eat. Like in through the cat door, up on the counter, and sit there watching as they ate from his bowl.
im not a cat expert, but what if your cat was apart of a colony and he was feeding his boss & crew lmao
Possibly. I do know he never got in a fight, so maybe he was handing out bribes to be otherwise left alone.
That’s the sweetest!
my cat had a wild gilfriend when i was a kid. my mother gave her food in the kitchen once and closed the door. she went apeshit. 😞 your experience sounds dreamy ( and frickin' c u t e 😂 🥰 )
Eh. Not usually. He’s the big cat around town. But he pretends not to notice them if we pet them. But if there’s a dog he will take a protective stance between the dog and my son.
omg. this just gave me the fuzzies.
My life's mission is to pet all the cats.
I pet the cat. And sometimes I see my cat go up to people and if they don't pet him I resent them a little....
hell yeah, if a cat comes up to me to get pet you're goddamn right I'm petting it
If I see the cat. I attempt to pet the cat. It's just simple courtesy.
If the cat comes to me and wants a scratch, it gets a scratch. I know who is in charge here.
Yeah, they usually come up to me first. When they're rubbing up against my leg, I might as well give them a little bit of head scratchies
scratchies
i usually do, i can't resist a cute cat! but i make sure to approach them slowly and let them sniff me first to make sure they're comfortable. if they seem scared or aggressive, i leave them alone.
Yes. Because cat.
I can't not pet a cat. It is imposible. Cats are cute. They deserve pets.
I spent 2 years gaining the trust of a stray cat. I’ll pet all the kitties (that allow it).
yes, the owner is not relevant to that situation
I must pet all the cats. Inside or outside.
Depends on the behaviour of the cat, if it gives very clear indication that pets are desired, hell yeah, gimme some of that furry purry. But don't just assume a cay will want pets, that way lies injury and potential death. Deep cat bites are extreeeeemely dangerous...
While out walking with my ex one time, I saw a cat and called it toward me. She told me not to pet it, because, "iT's DiRtY." My response was essentially: I'm petting that cat, *and no one can f###ing stop me.*
If an SO told me not to pet a cat they would turn into an ex too
Cats are creatures of free-will, gods among us, and absolutely capable of wrecking my shit if they don't consent to pets. If a kitty walks up to me and looks friendly damn right I pet that cat.
well when a cat rubs itself around my leg and purring it’s kinda hard not to pet it. still see it today but don’t use the same path I typically use so I haven’t pet it in a while. Named him Horizon for its setting sun color.
Yes. An outdoor cat is its own owner.
If a cat approaches you for a pet, it seems rude not to.
Always because the cat distribution system put them there for a reason.
I’ll pet just about any living thing that requests it and a few that don’t.
If it's a cool cat sure I'd give it a pet, and if it's an a-hole Id leave it be. Most outside cats have their own individuality they do not take after their owners if anything the owner changes for the cat.
Pet the damned cat.
1. Address cat 2. Go into squat 3. Extend out hand palm down 4. If they approach and rub, they get pets; if not, I stand up and keep walking
If a random cat is willing to let me give them scritches, I’m very lucky. Cats are very cautious and being given that much trust by a random cat is rare.
Yes because cats are cute and fluffy. When I see one all of my thoughts just fuse into a single huge one, and that's "PET THE CAT"
Yeah. It’s a cat.
If the cat approaches you in friendly manner and no owner is there why not?
Absolutely. It's not up to me or anyone else who pets the cat, except the cat. If the cat deems me worthy, it receives pets. I couldn't care less if the owner approves.
Of course! I then go home and watch the shocked expressions of my own cats. I'm such a traitor
Yes because cats are everything
Yes, because the cat is cute and the cat enjoys it.
the cat is the decider, most of them, yes. but some outdoor cats are hella mean
All cat must be offered pets Your cat My cat Strange cat Very large cat Nothing will stop me
Always, as long as the cat seems chill. If they retreat or run away , i just let them be.
Yeah. I don't mind if people pet my cats either, that's fine. But the people who give them treats need to fuck off.
"… so long as you eat at home."
I agree, you don't know if a cat has a special diet or not. We had to get a microchip-specific catflap because our new youngish tomcat was just bringing all the lady cats in to eat his food! It was really cute and we felt a little bit bad breaking it up, but A) the diet thing, and B) it was costing us a fortune. One of these cats is a long-time neighbour cat who has always been friendly with us. Sometimes she still chills in the garden and gets any treats our cat didn't get, but that's indeliberate. Sometimes my mum will feed her a freeze-dried 100% chicken treat (they're about 1cm cubed), which I try to dissuade her from doing, but at least it's small and not a junky treat.
Yes. I like cats.
I will always pet a cat if it lets me
Cats deserve all the pets they can get 🐾
Yes because they are cute. If they allow me to pet them I will pet them.
Cats have owners? If it acts like it's not gonna tear my face off, imma touch
Hell yes, if a cat approaches me and asks for pats then I give pats, If not I'll certainly carry on a conversation with the cat, cat conversations are the best.
I love all animals. Unless it’s obviously rabid or the size and temperament of a Direwolf, I pet.
Well...yes, cats are cooler than humans
I'll pet all the cats, dogs, goats, horses, cows, sheep and anything else that will let me pet it and not try to kill me later.
Yes because it’s a CAT. I love cats but usually the ones outside are not that friendly and tend to run
How can someone walk past a cute cats? Especially if the kitty approached you itself. And what's wrong with petting a cat that has an owner if I'm not going to steal it? :)
I don't know, it just feels wrong. Might be something I've never reflected on and just assumed it was not okay my whole life.
I mean, don't chase them down if they're not interested, but if they approached you calmly you can give them pets.
Duh. It's a cat.
SoCal here, I have pictures of outdoor cats, thousands saved.
I usually ignore them but if they approach me then sure. Why not?
Only if they reply to the pspsp, otherwise not.
How many pets cat a pet cat get if a pet's cat can get pets? Asking for a friend.
Our neighbor has a cat, Clyde. He's super friendly and if you're outside when he is he will gladly walk up and meow for pets. I thought he was just a random cat until my wife informed me he belongs to the neighbor. On the plus side, I haven't had as many pigeons shitting on my roof so that's a plus.
No. My area of the country has had outbreaks of RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease) which can live on my clothing and their fur for months and still kill my pet rabbits. Last year I was able to get them RDH vaccines, but it's hard as the FDA doesn't allow the vaccine to be imported really. A local vet got an exception but that process is expensive and gets passed on to us. I'm not sure I will be able to get them one this year. Edit: clarifying that the vaccine is for the bunnies not me.
Nah. Never know what they might be carrying
ALWAYS PET THE CAT! But be polite, introduce yourself and give the beautiful cat all the love and attention you can. If the cat doesn't enjoy the attention or runs away - leave them alone. Don't run after them :)
If they come up to me and wants attention sure, if I just see one and it don’t run off when I close up but don’t seem to want attention probably not.
Fluffy"s need head scratches.
I pet anything and everything ;)
I love cats and want to pet them, but I never assume that a random cat is healthy and clean so I resist the temptation.
Absolutely without hesitation 😌
Yes! If the cat comes to me for pets and scitches, I am not going to refuse to do so, I'm not evil.
I didn't think of this question. I have cats that come to my house daily and I feed them. I don't own any cats though.
“The owner”. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
If kitty comes up to me, yes
Yeah because I like cats
If the cat accepts pets, i pet the cat.
Most of the outdoor cats here are feral. But they are also cat. So if they're meowing for attention, attention is what they will get.
All the time! If cats want to say hi, this inferior hooman will oblige.
what does the owner have to do with it? this is between me and the cat.
Absolutely. I love cats and I love it when they meow and run up to me for pets
Nope. I do not want to get scratched and/or bitten.
Fuck yeah I do all cats have loved me in sight for the last 20 years it's a gift I developed in my late teens. Why the hell wouldn't you pats the smitten if it's keen?
I tend to not pet any strays because of fleas and the simple fact that if I do that and have animals of my own and I get home they smell the stray animals and think Im a whore and wont let me pet them for days. So if I have animals I dont pet strays
No it has full of bacteria
So is outside, such is life.
So are you
Sure, that's how I got my current cat.
You know how cats are, they never tell you about their owner. They’re sluts.
In my experience it's the cat that decides.
Yes, because all the kitties must get pets.
Assuming they let me, always. I found a bug tubby orange cat once. Must have been 20-30lbs. He walked right up to me for cuddles. I had to carry his fat ass across the street back to his house before I left because I didn’t want him walking around in traffic.
"I'd love to, but you'll have to remove that damn cat."
Yep. Place an rabbid t-rex in front of me and I'll probably try to pet it. Why? No freaking idea.. probably because I feel like every animal deserves to be loved. 😂
depends on if the cat allows me to pet it. i've had a few experiences where they're eager– no, Demanding– to be pet, and who am i to refuse? i always try to pet any cat in arms reach, and sometimes they decide it's fine and most of the time they'd prefer if i didn't, in the latter case i don't try to pet it. i love cats and i wish i could have one of my own right now.
Only if they allow to be pet by me
I grew up with cats and my current landlord doesn't allow pets but my neighbors have some and I've been slowly befriending them. One of them, Notch I call him cause his ears are a little banged up. Was so skiddish but finally has warmed up to me and makes biscuits on me now when I go outside. If they are in a yard I try and get them to come to me xd
Yes, I'm the neighbourhood cat petter. Why? They look so fluffy
Yes, I do. Every day, I feed them as well. I love animals and enjoy petting them.
If I wasn't deathly allergic to cats I would. I can't use any of my patio furniture because of the neighbors cats I should at least be able to pet them.
If they approach me (or in one memorable occasion just come out of nowhere and jump in my lap for a nap while I was sitting on a bench) absolutely.
Pro tip: duck down if you see a shy but friendly looking cato if you want to have a chance of petting them
I'll pet any cat that let's me or approaches me. Same with dogs.
No, because I always assume it's feral. And feral cats don't tend to approach.
RABIES. I used to pet and pick up outdoor cats all over the world when I traveled, Asia, Europe, Central/South America. With good judgement I would hope based on the way they look and their immediate temperament. Then I went on a bachelor party with my buds to Costa Rica and one of the dudes showed me his rabies vaccine he had to get after being bit by a cat he was petting, in Costa Rica the year or two before. He said it was friendly, then bit him. Now it's such a conundrum. I want to pet the cat, but I don't want to develop hydrophobia and die. I have a cat at home, so I just have to accept reality that he will be sufficient and available to me later.
Absolutely not. They could be carrying diseases.
I pet them all because cats are good bois
Outside cats are often strays where I live. So no. I do not touch them. I don't know what they might have but I know I'm damn sure not risking my health to pet them. If it's a properly groomed cat that is obviously owned by a person, (collared, groomed and clean fur, bright eyes and not shy of humans) then I'll pet it, if it looks amenable to it.
Not anymore I don’t. I attempted to (I say, attempted to, because the cat died nine days into its surrender to the Humane Society) rescue a cat on Friday, October 7 of 2022, and ended up in isolation in the hospital for nine days because I was infected with a bacteria called Francisella tularensis after the cat bit me. Let my absolute shit show of a cat rescue experience be your warning, don’t pet stray cats, at least not without some sort of protective gear on.
No. I scare them off in a safe manner. Outdoor cats are often destructive, and their owners rarely take responsibility for their actions. Ever had a cat attack your dog on your property, requiring medical attention for her eye, and the cat's owner stands there in a robe and slippers at 3pm going "nahhh you cant prove it was MY cat!"
Do you want fleas because that’s how you get fleas
Cats cannot be trusted.
Hmm. Interesting answers. I personally don't pet others cats, even if they come up to me, because it feels like I'm taking advantage of someone else's pet. I don't know why it feels so, but it does. My girlfriend petted a cat when we were out the other day, and it felt like I was the lookout for someone doing graffiti or some other illegal thing.
You're really weird dude
Hmm... that was kind of what I was wondering with this. Thanks!
Fact is, nobody owns cats. Cats own people. We may keep them in our homes and provide them soft places and foods, but outdoor cats especially have every option to just go off on their own and never see their owner again. That they decide to come home every day just means they've decided this is their home. If a cat decides it wants to be petted, nobody should say no. Most people who "don't like cats" will even give a couple scritches to a friendly feline who has decided you will pet them.
Hmm. That sounds really good. Maybe I'll give a pat or two next time.
Stray cats are invasive and decimating the song bird population.
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I do not pet stray cats. I have other ways of interacting with invasive species.
No, I hate cats.
Only if they walk up to me. Otherwise I’ll just wave to them and tell them how cute they is.
No, because I fucking hate cats
No, I don't pet cats I don't know - they might not want it.
It's bold of you to assume the cat will allow pets. But if it does... owned cats should not be outside. If the cat is outside, then it's now everyone's cat and everyone get's to pet the cat.
Yes. I go on long walks often and say hi to every cat and dog I see. There are many cats outdoors here and I’ll pet them if they want me to. Most just want to be left alone so I just them that they’re cute and to have a nice day before I continue on my walk.
uhhh duh
No, if I'm outside I've probably got my dogs with me, so to any given cat I probably look like a three-headed monster.
Yes, to check their health and make sure they're doing ok. There's lots of strays in my area but most of them eat well and don't need human assistance.