George, thank you for posting about how you have learned to read a cat’s body language! It’s so easy to learn if you are willing to take the time and consideration, and yet it seems to be beyond so many people. If more people were willing to grant just the barest minimum of consideration for the cat’s feelings, they would find themselves with a whole lot less “need” to declaw.

Claws! Cats use them but don’t seem to know how sharp they are on human skin. If your cat uses it’s claws to control your hand (as in getting the big human to pet you in the way you desire) then it is up to you, the human, to learn how to avoid being scratched.

One of my cats, Charcoal (nicknamed “Charlie”) has a dominent personality. Sometimes she wants to sniff my hand before she allows me to pet her. Other times she can be moody and just doesn’t want to be touched.

Together we have a routine that works to communicate to me if she wants or doesn’t want me to pet her. I approach her with some soft and friendly words. I raise my hand toward her head but stop short and hold my hand still about a foot away from her. If she wants to be petted, she lowers her head. If she doesn’t want to be touched, she raises her head, stiffens up and widens her eyes. I back off.

Just try the gesture of raising your hand but stopping short of touching the cat. Watch for it’s reaction. You will eventually learn the signs and will know when you can pet safely and when to expect a scratch if you do.

By the way, most of the time when the cat scratches you, it’s not to hurt you but to control your hand. Never, ever, punish the cat for having scratched you.

And, if your cat does sink her claws into your hand, Don’t Withdraw It! That is when a small puncture becomes and deep scratch. As painful as the small puncture is, if you wait, your cat will release you. You can also distract her with your other hand and she will let go.

Remember, you are the human in this relationship.