Why Do Stray Cats Like Me? 7 Interesting Reasons
There are few things in the world more flattering than being approached in a friendly way by a cat that you don’t know. For some people, though, stray and loose cats come up to them seemingly everywhere they go.
Why do these people have such strong cat magnetism? Knowing why stray cats approach certain people might help you find ways to improve your cat magnetism, ensuring that you find a feline friend everywhere you go.
The 7 Reasons Stray Cats Might Like You
1. They're a Friendly Cat
Some cats are exceptionally friendly, which makes them prone to approaching just about everyone. This isn’t common in feral cats, but if you have a friendly neighborhood stray that is used to being around people, you shouldn’t be too surprised by the cat approaching you.
It’s possible that you’re being approached by friendly stray cats that just want to get gentle ear scratches from you. Certain cats used to human interaction may be looking for some company, and they will approach everyone who seems friendly enough.
2. You Have the Right Vibes
There is a running joke that cats are always attracted to the person in the room who doesn’t like cats. As funny as it may be, there is some truth to this.
Cats tend to be attracted to people who make them feel safe and comfortable, and in many cases, the person paying the least attention to the cat is the person who makes the cat feel less threatened. Felines are particular animals, and they are not big fans of having attention and affection forced on them.
If you are a laidback kind of person who isn’t seeking out the attention of stray cats, they may find you approachable because you make them feel safe.
3. You Have Food
One thing we can all get behind is hanging out with people who have snacks with them. Stray cats may find you especially appealing if you are a person with yummy treats. If a cat is hungry enough, they may approach people who have food, whether it’s people food or cat food. If you are the person who feeds stray cats in your area, it’s very likely that they will begin to associate you with food. When that happens, you can expect them to begin approaching you, especially around feeding time.
4. You Spend Time in Their Territory
Even if you aren’t the person who feeds the stray cats, they may become used to your presence if you spend a lot of time in their territory. The cat’s territory may cross over with yours, like if they commonly spend time around your yard or along your daily walking commute. It also may be because you enter the cat’s territory regularly, like if you spend a lot of time providing care and attention to strays or even visiting the park that they live in.
5. They're Curious
The phrase, “curiosity killed the cat,” didn’t appear out of nowhere one day. It is well known that cats are curious animals that may even let their curiosity get them into sticky situations. If you cross paths with a particularly curious stray cat, they might approach or even follow you.
This is more likely to occur with a cat that is somewhat used to being around people, but extra-friendly and curious feral kitties may also decide to approach you to sniff you or ask for food or pets.
6. They're Not Actually a Stray
There is always the possibility that you’re being approached by stray cats that aren’t strays at all. If you live somewhere with a large number of outdoor cats, it is very likely that the stray cats are willingly approaching you because they are fully socialized cats that are owned by someone.
They may be approaching you because they’re a friendly cat that wants your attention or snacks, but if you’re consistently being approached by stray cats, there’s a good chance that at least a few of the cats belong to someone.
Stray vs. Feral Cats
There are notable differences between stray and feral cats, and you’re far more likely to be approached by the average stray cat than a truly feral cat.
Feral cats are technically stray cats in that they don’t have a home. Not all stray cats are feral cats, though. Stray cats can also be fully socialized cats that don’t have homes for a variety of reasons. Whether they’ve been dumped or were born on the streets to a fully socialized cat, stray cats can be friendly and outgoing cats. Conversely, feral cats have not had any socialization with humans, and they act like wild animals.
There is also a possibility that a stray cat is a cat that has gotten lost from their home. If you spot an unfamiliar cat that will let you approach them, it's a good idea to check the cat for a collar and tag so you can help get them back home if they have a home to go to.
Conclusion
Stray cats come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them will willingly approach everyone. While some stray cats will approach anyone who will pay attention to them, some people simply have cat magnetism that makes them appealing to stray cats.
There are multiple reasons that you may find yourself being approached by stray cats. If you want to start attracting them, the best way to do so is to gain their trust by giving them food, care, and plenty of time, space, and patience.
Featured Image Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969, Pixabay
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
