Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, or neither, you likely know that cats have a reputation for being…mmm, particular. Cats like what they like and don’t like what they don’t like, and they expect you to not only know this but to cater to their likes and dislikes without ever having to voice them aloud.

That’s right, there are unspoken rules that cat owners are expected to know and follow. If you own a cat or are around a cat, it’s vital that you understand these rules. It’s like a feline code of law you’re just supposed to intuit or learn by trial and error, but thankfully, our friends at Feline Fanatics have laid them out clearly for us all.

The rules your cat needs you to know

Here are 11 rules that will make your life with your kitty much more pleasant for everyone if you follow them:

1. Don’t stare at them for too long

While gazing into the eyes of your cat might feel like you’re bonding with them, you’re not when the stare goes on too long. Cats are highly visual, and in cat language, holding eye contact is a challenge, an aggressive indicator that you’re down for a fight. “Among cats, even friends don’t hold eye cofntact,” the video says. “They glance, blink, and move on.” So give your cat a look, but don’t hold their gaze.

2. Let them come to you

If you’ve ever walked up to a cat and tried to pick them up, unless it’s a rare kitty who actually enjoys being manhandled, most cats will not respond positively.........

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