2006-12-06 08:52:08 · 22 answers · asked by Jasmine 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
rare is the stray cat that wants your attention...most are so feral they won't let you touch tem...
stray dogs are another question...the smaller breeds are usually nippier..think terriers or peckinese...or cocker spaniels who are very devoted to their owners and don't like strangers...but any breed can be mistreated..
the best advice i can give is NEVER run from a dog..it's an invitation to be bitten..face them..but look at the ground..and say NO NO in a very authoratative voice....
2006-12-06 09:01:04 · answer #1 · answered by imask8r 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should never pet an animal you don't know. If the dog is a stray, for example, you don't know what its health issues might be, and you don't know what kind of behavior problems it may have. If you reach out to pet a dog that doesn't know you, and it came from an abusive environment, it may misinterpret your approach and your open hand as a "threatening" gesture. When dogs feel threatened, they respond with either fear or aggression... and the fear or aggression can present as barking, snapping, or biting behavior.
If circumstances allow, you can turn so your side is to the dog (this is a less "threatening" stance in dog-language), and call the dog to you, but keep your hands at your side. If the dog is friendly, it will answer your call and come to you. If it comes near, do not pet it until AFTER it has had a chance to sniff you and see your hands. Then you can lift your hand slowly up under its chin to greet it. (Don't put your hands up over its head.) If the dog doesn't respond to your call, walk away from it slowly.
Never run from a stray dog; doing so may ignite its "prey drive" and it may chase after you. Dogs can run faster than humans...
Never stare a dog in the face; dogs consider that a threat and may respond with aggression.
2006-12-06 17:40:55 · answer #2 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shannon was right--she said exactly what I was going to say until I read her answer. If it's a dog and you do decide to pet it, don't approach it by patting it on top of its head. Hold your hand out, palm side up, and let IT come to YOU and sniff your hand a little. If the dog sniffs and doesn't act fearful, it's OK to pet it on the head (or elsewhere) after it has checked you out. Softly talking to the animal helps, too, and I always kneel down to the dog's level so that we're face to face. (But only if the dog has given absolutely no sign of being scared or unfriendly--you don't want to get bitten in the face.) Unfortunately, if it happens to be a pit bull, don't pet it. I approach stray cats the same way.
2006-12-06 17:10:12 · answer #3 · answered by pokeykloss 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on the animal and the situation. I wouldn't recommend chasing strays to pet them, and please do not back them into a corner to pet them, because you would only get bitten.
If a friendly stray approaches you and does not show ANY signs of aggression, then pet it. But, make sure you wash you rhands when you get home.
2006-12-06 16:56:10 · answer #4 · answered by Shannon 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
probally not, they have germs and diseases you could get. they could bite or scratch you, and you should see a doctor if that happens. Use common sence if the dog or cat looks friendly and apporaches you, just talk to it and not touch it, you never know if any touching could make it angry or feel threathend. I would pay it safe and not touch animals you do not know or know have no owner .
2006-12-06 16:57:48 · answer #5 · answered by sallyfunskiing 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some dogs and cats have diseases that can make u really sick theres a type of disease that can make u go bald that cats and dogs have they could bite u they could kill u theres alot of reasons that u shouldn't pet stray dogs or cats
2006-12-06 17:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by Haley 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ya sure why not , If you take the right saftey steps like let it smell you before you pet it then your going to be fine.
2006-12-06 16:55:45 · answer #7 · answered by Blank girl 94 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you're talking about domestic animals that have gone feral -- cats, never. dogs, almost never. use your best judgment with dogs, and approach only if the animal appears to need help.
2006-12-06 16:58:22 · answer #8 · answered by Super G 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No they could have germs and deceases and if they scratch or bite you well its not very safe for you.Although they need love and care but invest or test for safety.
2006-12-06 17:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Cindy Q 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
a stray wont let you pet them!..if it does it once belong to someone bet cha!
2006-12-06 16:59:02 · answer #10 · answered by connie sue 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋