Cats often love to be petted on the top of their heads between their ears and on their backs, though, especially at the base of their tail, so those places are safe to pet them.
I never thought about how visual reading a cats body language is. Because it's so subtle and it can change so fast, I bet it is hard to tell if you're visually impaired. Very interesting
My girl is used to me as a visually impaired person she communicates so much more. I come into any room she's in and she long kitty's me to tell me not to step on her. I put my hand on her very still until she meows then I can find her head, but she grew up with me.
Reading body language is VERY important with cats. Their first warning is their body language, and then when people still stretch out their arm to touch it, and get scratched and go, "I have no idea why I got scratched." Didn't read their body language.
@@RayF6126 That's so interesting! It's amazing how much animals can learn to adapt and figure out ways to communicate with their humans beyond the typical verbal commands. I'm just imaging your kitty seeing you and thinking "ah yes, this human needs me to tell them I'm right here" Thanks for sharing!
I was thinking this too! I think it can even be difficult just for people unfamiliar with cats so they don't know how to read them AND every cat is different so you have to learn their personality a bit but being visually impaired must be a whole other ballpark. This was very sweet though. In his defense the sleepy black cat looked very chill. Must have been a no zone 😂😂
I’m glad you guys got to visit a cat cafe! They’re one of the most heavenly places on earth as a cat lover. ❤ I like how you were so gentle with them; some just have their preferences on where they’d want to be touched.
I have 3 cats and have always wanted to open a cat cafe. I think Paul would like my cat, Bella. Shes practically a dog 😂 very vocal, loves belly rubs, comes when called, stretches to be picked up and she comes to hands without mitch coaxing ❤
I absolutely love you two are experiencing these things together. The art, the cats, it's great! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, my favorite RUclips channel and social media! ❤
I'm not a true cat person. I prefer dogs but because of my disability, I can't walk a dog everyday so owning one wouldn't be fair to them so, I have a cat and SHE IS SUCH A PUUURFECT COMPANION ❤. Animals have so much love to give and my girl never gets tired of my scratches and cuddles ❤❤❤ Hoping you two had fur fabulous day ❤
Cats do have a lot of visual body language that you have to pay attention to if you don’t want to get bit. I never really thought about how being blind could impact your ability to interact with cats until I saw this short
I hope they get your offer Imagine the content of a blind guy figuring out cat needs!! It would be so educational and awesome to see him learn a routine for kitty
Yep, I have a cat, and I’ve poked him in the eye, the nose, and belly multiple times because I’ve tried to pet him at night, when I’m not looking, or just when he’s all curled up in a ball and I couldn’t figure out where his head was.
@@Annie_Annie__ my boy is orange tabby, when he's in a ball curled up (which thankfully is a rare occurrence) I sometimes mistake his butt for his head!! 😂 and the poking of the face by mistake, I have ataxia and low vision, there's been sooo many times I've gone to pet my cattos head just to be putting my finger inside his ear!! 😂 Oopsie
lol During the night my cat sleeps on a pillow behind my head. I’ll reach back to pet her without looking and it’s hard to tell which end is which. They’re such little blobs of floof!
I dunno if this resonates with Paul, but I know for Me having a disability, (low vision), there's this like child like thing about you that just, doesn't seem to go away when one grows up ya know? Maybe cause we can't see that well so when we are able to experience something, it's just, so joyful!! I mean, this is a silly little story that happened last week but, so I was out with friends having coffee and this woman's car was getting towed, you could see who the woman was because of her face (well it f course I couldn't) but my friends could. There were a lot of other people around as well. I was kinda sad I couldn't focus on the person. So my friend took a picture and zoomed in, then I was able to find her on the street outside..it was still frustrating. So as we were leaving we ended up passing this little white doggo (she was like a havanese May Maltese size, so small), and when her head went down, I seen this little pale yellow bow in her hair!! I was sooo excited!!! Not only cause it was cute but I seen it! 😂 doggos are cute in general but the way I was able to see that now on a small dog on the ground but not be able to see a human in a crowd. I was just like, it was like a childlike excitement. So I feel a blind/VI person being able to see something and take their time seeing, it's, a childlike innocence! And I think a lot of disabled people have that childlike innocence in them!
@@karigiles8605I have multiple disabilities (Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, bipolar) and I can relate. When I accomplish “simple” tasks like doing dishes or brushing my teeth I feel very proud & tell my partner “I did it!!!” Because some of the time I struggle to do those things, so I get very happy & excited. I also think my personality is more child-like in general. My sisters are 2 years younger than me & people always think they’re older. When I rarely go out of the house I try to live in the moment & find joy in the little things because my mood is usually low 90% of the time. What an interesting observation. Another theory is that it’s either “cry or laugh.” You can look on the bright side of things in response to struggles from your disability & symptoms, or you can get down about them
I work at a cat shelter and in the past we’ve had blind cats that we’ve adopted out to blind people. If a cat was born blind they often have different body language than sighted cats, and a lot of sighted families don’t understand the importance of things like not rearranging the furniture or leaving chairs pulled out that the cat could run in to. Blind cats can usually climb and jump just as well as sighted cats, they just might do it a little differently. They adapt really well.
I have a sighted cat, who over time has adjusted to me. It's funny when someone not impaired comes over and she nose bumps them every time they move their feet because they are wondering why. Moving the furniture sucks. My new kitty is a Siamese and quite the talker and that helps too.
I just rescued last night a blind cat from the streets where it appears to be a dumping ground for cats. It was in one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan outside of Detroit, so I had to be strategic about when I’d go there at night because it was unsafe and my car was even cornered one night, but I needed to earn his trust since he couldn’t see me. I just couldn’t leave him there on the streets being defenseless because he’s blind. I haven’t even had him in my house for 24 hours yet, but it’s been a lot of learning and even more to learn and adjust to. It’s a big change, but I’m here for it. 💛🐱
@@SarahLandry577 He stole my heart immediately. I believe he’s a Tonkinese cat based on his features and size compared to a Siamese cat, but he has the most beautiful baby blue eyes I’ve ever seen. To give honor to his genetics that made his blue eyes and the unthinkable journey he’s lived up until now, I have named him Sky. May his heart continue to see what his eyes cannot. 💛
Never realized how much more terrifying petting a cat must be if you're blind. You cant see when its getting pissed off until its too late 💀😂 Edit: typo
Well, it's not always very purposeful either. Cats can experience petting aggression, which is an unconscious reaction to being overstimulated. Indoor cats are more likely to do it.
He says not to touch the belly! It be pretty cool if you met a blind cat, they get around great but don't get all of the cat social cues, so other cats have to learn that they interact differently.
I love seeing the interaction with cats! At the risk of sounding stupid, this channel actually helped me navigate my 16 year old cat going blind a bit better. I knew not to move things around too much, to give her tactile clues as to where she was, and to mitigate things that might be bothersome now that her other senses are working overtime. I haven't known anyone personally who has lost their vision. So, by just existing on this platform, you've improved her life during a time of transition that could've been more difficult than it was. I think she'd be grateful if she knew, although maybe not enough for belly scritches. 😂
😂😂😂❤❤❤ Paul thinking one of the cats looking at him was a painting - relatable! I've had moments like that outside thinking they're figurines for gardens. 😆 🤣 ❤
When I was a teen our first cat was a black and white tiny tux boy who looked like a figurine when he did the classic cat sit with tail curled around the front feet. Every day at 4:30 he would sit right in the center of my parents’ giant picture window for exactly an hour and watch the world go by. During his time with us my parents received about 6 postcards and short letters from people who would drive by every weekday heading home from work saying how much they enjoyed seeing him there every day. He had become part of their coming home drive. Every one of those notes said something along the lines of, “we couldn’t figure out for weeks whether he was real or not.” I’ve always thought about that when I see a cat sitting absolutely still for long stretches of time.
It's not heightened just you notice the other senses without visual distractions...I took a class on helping to improve your auditory awareness when I was just becoming blind. It was interesting to be reminded of the things you just didn't pay attention too. Next time you're out somewhere close your eyes and just listen to what you're hearing. Inside areas sound different echos tiles vs carpet...
Are you allowed to do belly scratches on the cat? Just assume the answer is no unless you know otherwise. Cats, as a general rule, do not like belly scratches. I happen to own one that does do belly scratches, but she's the only cat in the over 30 I've lived with/cared for who does belly scratches. I love my cats. I enjoy encouraging other people to get cats. I don't think I'd recommend a cat for a blind person. There's a lot of body language cues you're just going to miss (which is part of how you get bit). And they are tripping hazards. At least you can hear Mr. Maple. If you were going to get a cat, I'd say looking at a ragdoll or ragdoll mix might be okay. Ragdolls are known for their extremely laid back personalities, so are probably going to be more forgiving of weird touches and missed body language cues. Would still be a tripping hazard, though.
Only pat a belly of a cat you know! My last one, I was allowed 3 rubs! Don’t push the limit! I agree, so much of a cats language is visual cues. When you hear the hiss or growl, somethings been missed❤🥰
@@irishmary7159 You might not even get that. And petting aggression is a real thing. If you can see the cat, you know when to stop because the tail is going and they're glaring at you. If you can't see the cat, you may get bitten. Cats are also at the top of the list of worst things to get bitten by if the biting gets serious. The only two worse things are monkeys and other humans. I love cats. But I think I'd be very afraid for both the cat and the blind person if you put the two together. Especially with no experience.
I would tell anyone, even with eyesight but especially without it, to let the animal show you what it wants. E.g. my cat will literally come up to me and rub her head against my hand. But I would never go find her when she's asleep on a chair somewhere and just touch her. In her case I don't think she'd react super badly but it's just kind of a pushy thing to do and can easily lead to them being cornered and not having an easy way to say 'no thanks'.
Both of my cats, I got as kittens and this has been their home. They are social animals that adjust to disabilities amongst their group. I'm going blind and am pretty far along. My boy who is Siamese and a natural talker, and my girl Marcelene tell me exactly what they need. The girl walks into a room with me and nose bumps me in the leg every so often to let me know she's there. The boy rides on my shoulders and gets down when he wants. Mom responds to verbal and obvious cues so they use them.
how adorable ❤ i love how loving & patient & gentle matthew always is toward paul. i hope i find a love like theirs one day…i can feel the love through the screen!! & cute kitty! would you guys ever get a pet cat??
Remember the post where Paul accidentally went into someone’s apartment instead of his own he said ‘I smell litter box and I don’t live with women….or cats’. 😊
@@JulesUS8386He said 'I don't live with a woman or cats'. I.e., he didn't claim it was some kind of rule, just a fact that he doesn't have a woman or a cat who he lives with.
I've done shelter work and cat sitting and while it took some time, adopted cats would eventually realize that their owner was blind, deaf, or physically impaired and make adjustments. Some cats would even step in as a guide animal/alert animal. The fact that blind Kitty is so sweet is amazing as blind cats can become scared lash out, you did a great job of warning and approaching them.
The cutest couple ever AND cats 😍😍😍😍😍. Kitty that “bit” Paul was giving a warning for 1) you woke me up and 2) you got too close to the tum-tum. Most cats hate having their tummy touched as it’s their most vulnerable area. My boy lets me off with petting his belly…but touch his feet? 99% I will get the stink eye 😂😂😂😂
@MarieBender-np6vc it's nothing like that. Cats do not like their belly touched as it's their most vulnerable area. Trying to touch there almost always results in a clawing or nip unless they know you really well, and even them it can change mid way through. Belly = don't even try.
Thank you for being gentle with the kittys. I hear they get stressed in cat cafes and some dont like to be there so being soft and caring helps the cats a lot
I love cats sooooooo much. Seeing Paul pet kitties really made my day. I have been struggling with several serious issues recently and this video made me feel happy for a few minutes-I can’t tell you how much that means to me
Aw Paul is just the sweetest man ever. Mathew is pretty awesome too. Yall sre just the perfect couple. Love watching your videos, always a highlight of my day. We need more pauls and mathews in this world!
petting a cat on the top/back of their head is generally the safest place to start! oftentimes the cat will adjust you to their favorite places if they feel comfortable enough. you gotta stick your hand out for them to smell before anything else though! smell is generally very important to cats! thats often how they identify people, food, etc. side note: i never realized just how much physical cues matter with cats. as an autistic person, i can read cats' body language better than i can read humans', but as a seeing person i never thought about how a blind person might interact with them! i suggest if you do get a cat, to get one who's been blind since birth! their body language may be a bit different to seeing cats because they couldnt see to learn the behaviors from their mom/litter mates. also, disabled cats as a whole have a much lower adoption rate. if you do adopt a cat, i wish you the best of luck ❤️
Never pet cat's belly it's their vulnerable spot and they WILL bite you, even if they show you their belly on their own as a sign of trust😂 It's a trap lol
I'm not American, so I might be mistaken. But a quick sleuthing based on the sticker in the window leads me to believe it's NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle - 519 Pine St
It is NEKO Cat Cafe! It's a wonderful place, just be aware you have to make a reservation to hangout with the kitties in their room! You can go to the cafe anytime though as well
I've had the pleasure and honor to have had two blind cats. One passed away earlier this year -- he was an abuse survivor and lost his eyesight after being hit on the head. The other lost her eyesight as a young kitten from a severe case of herpesvirus. I got her when she was 3mos and you cannot even tell she's blind, she knows the layout of the house so well and her other senses are so keen. She's one of the cats that does tolerate and like being stroked on the belly.
I'm vision impaired and because I touch my kitties likely on the rude to them side, I always talk to them first. They adjust their bodies to me after. I'm also incredibly still until they meow at me.
Different cats like different ways to be petted. Most don't like their bellies to be touched, they aren't like dogs, it's basically saying it feels safe by showing it's vulnerable underside. Try just petting around the head and neck, that's usually the safest. Some like their backs stroked however others are over stimulated having their backs touched and don't enjoy it. ❤ I've had cats for nearly 35 years and I've learnt so much in that time.
cats are very protective of their bellies because it holds all of their organs so if a predator were to bite there its over. cats love head pets from someone new!
Even with eyesight I would never go up to a cat peacefully sleeping and try to touch it. Or one sitting out of the way somewhere. Or pretty much any animal really... Just sit down somewhere and let whatever cat is actually in the mood for some attention come seek you out.
As animal behaviorist i love working with blind/deaf animals All my life is about working and helping animals and i believe that is something that makes change!
By the way, @DGlaucomflecken did a vid on "What is Blindness" and a lot of people equated it to your story, even suggesting a collab (which I would LOVE, you are both great content creators!)
My cat, Obi Wan, became blind, no idea why. His pupils never changed in his last years. But he still could catch mice and find his way around the house. I wouldn't have known but for my vet. He probably wasn't 100% blind.
Guys… I love you both… but cats are not small dogs. I’ve worked with them or decades. If you want o make friends, you are quiet, you sit low and don’t move a lot, you extend a hand toward their nose and WAIT. If the cat approaches and runs on you, you have permission to stroke the face/head. Otherwise, move on. I’d ask you to think of it from the kitty’s perspective. I live in this place, through no choice or fault of my own, where ignorant though well meaning humans invade my space constantly. I’d like to take a nap in the sun just once without some hairless ape waking me with touches I didn’t ask for “ Being awoken by a stranger’s unwelcome touch is a pretty awful reality to live repeatedly. I wonder if you can go back there and try a different approach and see if the cats seem happier to interact if you meet them where they are.
I’m a registered veterinary technician. Please wash your wound with soap and water if the cat drew blood and if the bite was deep. It doesn’t look like it was, but cat bites can be dangerous. Also, I would never pet a cat I didn’t know on his belly! Just a little rule of thumb when interacting with kitties. It looks like you guys had fun though and we’re very respectful! I love cats and the joy they bring us. ❤
OH MY GOD THE LITLE PRIDE STICKER AT THE TOP LEFT OF THE WINDOW!! This cat cafe just got ten times better Also as a person who lives in a household of 5 cats, it feels like all five of our cats personalities were represented in this video, haha
Unless invited, don't touch a cat's belly. They will expose their bellies directly in front of you when invited to touch. Even then....I wouldn't do it for long. 😅
Our cat doesn't like to be petted, except for in the bathroom. I keep telling him that 'pet' is the one thing in his job description. He always bites, except in the bathroom. There, he acts like a normal & loving friendly cat you can pet. Weirdo 😸
Ok, little advice from cat mom. Cats show belies as a sign of trust... trust you won't harm my vulnerable parts, and soft underside. Most cats don't do belly scratches, at least until they know you very well.
I love cat cafes, and I hope you enjoyed going to one as well!! Also, just so you know for the future, you probably shouldn't touch a cat's belly whom you don't know if they're comfortable with it or not, its one of the most sensitive part of their body so they get defensive easily .
When you see a cat and their belly is exposed, it’s a trap. It’s always a trap. They lure you in with their cuteness and fluffiness and when you go to pet them, they pounce.
I went to a cat café once, and it was not a good experience. They had cats there, but the rule was that you could look at them, but not pet them or pick them up. It was very sad. I would love to go to a cat café like you were showing there!
The cat on the wall had a crazy look. Not sure i would touch it myself😂😂. I rewatched this video. That tuxedo snapped at your hand because you touched it where it s weakest, the belly area. A cat has to really trust you to let you touch it s underside.
![Cody Johnson - I'm Gonna Love You (with Carrie Underwood) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yy9PuYMU29g/mqdefault.jpg)
Cats often love to be petted on the top of their heads between their ears and on their backs, though, especially at the base of their tail, so those places are safe to pet them.
Also, beneath the chin
EDIT: didn't quite notice you said base of the tail... as other commenters have said, that's not a spot cat's usually like)
base of their tail? that's not entirely true and I would be careful with that
@@5fr4ewqMy cat loves it but yet again, all cats are different!
@@5fr4ewqyeah came here to say the same. I know alot of cats that do not like that spot at all
Try to pet my Weenie cat on the tushie and prepare to lose an arm.😹
I never thought about how visual reading a cats body language is. Because it's so subtle and it can change so fast, I bet it is hard to tell if you're visually impaired. Very interesting
Yeah one of my cats will twitch his tail if he's getting grumpy then go for a bite if you don't stop. It's all so visually based
My girl is used to me as a visually impaired person she communicates so much more. I come into any room she's in and she long kitty's me to tell me not to step on her. I put my hand on her very still until she meows then I can find her head, but she grew up with me.
Reading body language is VERY important with cats. Their first warning is their body language, and then when people still stretch out their arm to touch it, and get scratched and go, "I have no idea why I got scratched." Didn't read their body language.
@@RayF6126 That's so interesting! It's amazing how much animals can learn to adapt and figure out ways to communicate with their humans beyond the typical verbal commands. I'm just imaging your kitty seeing you and thinking "ah yes, this human needs me to tell them I'm right here" Thanks for sharing!
I was thinking this too! I think it can even be difficult just for people unfamiliar with cats so they don't know how to read them AND every cat is different so you have to learn their personality a bit but being visually impaired must be a whole other ballpark. This was very sweet though. In his defense the sleepy black cat looked very chill. Must have been a no zone 😂😂
first ❤ paul's jump when tha cat bit him 💀😂
edit: omg ty for the likes ❤️
I feel so bad for him. He was being so nice and gentle.
You telling him, “It’s right there!”, cracks me up! You’re so perfect for each other, in an ‘opposites attract’ kind of way!!! 😂😂😂❤❤❤
I’m glad you guys got to visit a cat cafe! They’re one of the most heavenly places on earth as a cat lover. ❤ I like how you were so gentle with them; some just have their preferences on where they’d want to be touched.
Not him accidently petting th cat bed 😂
I have 3 cats and have always wanted to open a cat cafe. I think Paul would like my cat, Bella. Shes practically a dog 😂 very vocal, loves belly rubs, comes when called, stretches to be picked up and she comes to hands without mitch coaxing ❤
I absolutely love you two are experiencing these things together. The art, the cats, it's great! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, my favorite RUclips channel and social media! ❤
He probably went for the belly rubs bc dogs love them, but cats prefer the back 😂.
0:38 "you see its eyes"😂
Some of the sweetest cats are black cats. ❤❤❤
I'm not a true cat person. I prefer dogs but because of my disability, I can't walk a dog everyday so owning one wouldn't be fair to them so, I have a cat and SHE IS SUCH A PUUURFECT COMPANION ❤. Animals have so much love to give and my girl never gets tired of my scratches and cuddles ❤❤❤
Hoping you two had fur fabulous day ❤
not all cats like belly rubs but the ones who do will let you know 😂
Cats do have a lot of visual body language that you have to pay attention to if you don’t want to get bit. I never really thought about how being blind could impact your ability to interact with cats until I saw this short
Biting - because they didn’t expect a contact
Really pawsome that you went to a cat cafe
Oops for the bite that cat was just chilling and wasn't interested in being pet I think so.
I bet Mr. Maple is much easier to see 👀 lol
Are you planning on adopting one!? That would be soooo cute! I hope you find one that meshes with you guys!
So cute 😍
most cats dislike belly rubs ive noticed. ive met 20+, only met one tht was mean, but most arent a fan of belly rubs
Definitely not a maple that Bitey one❤😂
I LOVE NEKO CAT CAFE
The way Paul asked, "Is this one of the adoptable ones?" MY HEART!
Oh I hope they take your Offer into consideration. 😮
i wish I were American after reading this 🥺
I hope they get your offer
Imagine the content of a blind guy figuring out cat needs!! It would be so educational and awesome to see him learn a routine for kitty
@@rulie As an American, no. No you don't want to be American 😂
@@Ari-xg8jpI second this. Absolutely not. This country is a dumpster fire. We do have some kind people… but everything else is horrible.
Gonna go ahead and request a full episode of this, not just a short.
The crazy look of “painting cat”. I love it! I can relate-hard to find the cats head in the dark sometimes, so careful reaches are needed!
It made me lol. Esp coming right after the cat that he couldnt see the head. Even Paul can see painting cat and his intense eyes lmao
I am fully sighted and even I struggle to find cat heads! They’re really just furry blobs. 😅 That black one was so cute and looked so soft.
Yep, I have a cat, and I’ve poked him in the eye, the nose, and belly multiple times because I’ve tried to pet him at night, when I’m not looking, or just when he’s all curled up in a ball and I couldn’t figure out where his head was.
@@Annie_Annie__ my boy is orange tabby, when he's in a ball curled up (which thankfully is a rare occurrence) I sometimes mistake his butt for his head!! 😂 and the poking of the face by mistake, I have ataxia and low vision, there's been sooo many times I've gone to pet my cattos head just to be putting my finger inside his ear!! 😂 Oopsie
lol During the night my cat sleeps on a pillow behind my head. I’ll reach back to pet her without looking and it’s hard to tell which end is which. They’re such little blobs of floof!
This is why i love black cats! Little void amoebas with a pair of eyes just somewhere in there 🐈⬛
@@alloradoraI call them voids too 😂
I love how Paul is like a little very polite child! So amazed and exited while being so respectful to the cats space.
I dunno if this resonates with Paul, but I know for
Me having a disability, (low vision), there's this like child like thing about you that just, doesn't seem to go away when one grows up ya know? Maybe cause we can't see that well so when we are able to experience something, it's just, so joyful!! I mean, this is a silly little story that happened last week but, so I was out with friends having coffee and this woman's car was getting towed, you could see who the woman was because of her face (well it f course I couldn't) but my friends could. There were a lot of other people around as well. I was kinda sad I couldn't focus on the person. So my friend took a picture and zoomed in, then I was able to find her on the street outside..it was still frustrating. So as we were leaving we ended up passing this little white doggo (she was like a havanese May Maltese size, so small), and when her head went down, I seen this little pale yellow bow in her hair!! I was sooo excited!!! Not only cause it was cute but I seen it! 😂 doggos are cute in general but the way I was able to see that now on a small dog on the ground but not be able to see a human in a crowd. I was just like, it was like a childlike excitement. So I feel a blind/VI person being able to see something and take their time seeing, it's, a childlike innocence! And I think a lot of disabled people have that childlike innocence in them!
It like he can see the cat
He's literally the purest person.
@@juanaguerrero8450 he can see out of a tiny hole of vision. But also, he has Matthew helping him as well.
@@karigiles8605I have multiple disabilities (Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, bipolar) and I can relate. When I accomplish “simple” tasks like doing dishes or brushing my teeth I feel very proud & tell my partner “I did it!!!” Because some of the time I struggle to do those things, so I get very happy & excited. I also think my personality is more child-like in general. My sisters are 2 years younger than me & people always think they’re older. When I rarely go out of the house I try to live in the moment & find joy in the little things because my mood is usually low 90% of the time. What an interesting observation. Another theory is that it’s either “cry or laugh.” You can look on the bright side of things in response to struggles from your disability & symptoms, or you can get down about them
I work at a cat shelter and in the past we’ve had blind cats that we’ve adopted out to blind people.
If a cat was born blind they often have different body language than sighted cats, and a lot of sighted families don’t understand the importance of things like not rearranging the furniture or leaving chairs pulled out that the cat could run in to.
Blind cats can usually climb and jump just as well as sighted cats, they just might do it a little differently.
They adapt really well.
I have a sighted cat, who over time has adjusted to me. It's funny when someone not impaired comes over and she nose bumps them every time they move their feet because they are wondering why. Moving the furniture sucks. My new kitty is a Siamese and quite the talker and that helps too.
Thank you!
That's a lot of great information that most people would never get the chance to learn. ❤️
I just rescued last night a blind cat from the streets where it appears to be a dumping ground for cats. It was in one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan outside of Detroit, so I had to be strategic about when I’d go there at night because it was unsafe and my car was even cornered one night, but I needed to earn his trust since he couldn’t see me. I just couldn’t leave him there on the streets being defenseless because he’s blind. I haven’t even had him in my house for 24 hours yet, but it’s been a lot of learning and even more to learn and adjust to. It’s a big change, but I’m here for it. 💛🐱
@@KGardanier thank you for saving him! 💜
@@SarahLandry577 He stole my heart immediately. I believe he’s a Tonkinese cat based on his features and size compared to a Siamese cat, but he has the most beautiful baby blue eyes I’ve ever seen. To give honor to his genetics that made his blue eyes and the unthinkable journey he’s lived up until now, I have named him Sky. May his heart continue to see what his eyes cannot. 💛
Never realized how much more terrifying petting a cat must be if you're blind. You cant see when its getting pissed off until its too late 💀😂
Edit: typo
Well, it's not always very purposeful either. Cats can experience petting aggression, which is an unconscious reaction to being overstimulated. Indoor cats are more likely to do it.
If it’s a tuxie always be cautious lol
I was just thinking that 😂
@@brycamp3237why are they like that?? Lol
😂 it was a tux that bit me too 😅
I find tortie’s are the most likely to be sassy, lol.
But generally just avoid the belly unless you know the cat, lol.
I can confirm. All tuxies are sassy.
He says not to touch the belly! It be pretty cool if you met a blind cat, they get around great but don't get all of the cat social cues, so other cats have to learn that they interact differently.
Omg Neko! I have seen so many of their videos that I recognized their residents immediately 😂 I hope Paul had a fun time meeting all of them!
I'm a Seattleite and recognized it immediately!
If it's the one in bellingham their snazzy resident Simon made me give him belly rubs as a tax before leaving :)
when he asked if petting the belly was ok i knew the cat was gonna be mad😊
Right? The belly is a lie!
@Greyskymournings
Most of the time, it's a very cute trap. It really depends on the cat. 😊
I love seeing the interaction with cats! At the risk of sounding stupid, this channel actually helped me navigate my 16 year old cat going blind a bit better.
I knew not to move things around too much, to give her tactile clues as to where she was, and to mitigate things that might be bothersome now that her other senses are working overtime.
I haven't known anyone personally who has lost their vision. So, by just existing on this platform, you've improved her life during a time of transition that could've been more difficult than it was. I think she'd be grateful if she knew, although maybe not enough for belly scritches. 😂
The black cat at the end did a great job of warning Paul without hurting:) a very communicative lil buddy
😂😂😂❤❤❤
Paul thinking one of the cats looking at him was a painting - relatable! I've had moments like that outside thinking they're figurines for gardens. 😆 🤣 ❤
When I was a teen our first cat was a black and white tiny tux boy who looked like a figurine when he did the classic cat sit with tail curled around the front feet. Every day at 4:30 he would sit right in the center of my parents’ giant picture window for exactly an hour and watch the world go by.
During his time with us my parents received about 6 postcards and short letters from people who would drive by every weekday heading home from work saying how much they enjoyed seeing him there every day. He had become part of their coming home drive. Every one of those notes said something along the lines of, “we couldn’t figure out for weeks whether he was real or not.”
I’ve always thought about that when I see a cat sitting absolutely still for long stretches of time.
The coolest thing is with the lost of sight his senses are heightened. Would love to hear what he does when cats purr, it would be totally awesome
It's not heightened just you notice the other senses without visual distractions...I took a class on helping to improve your auditory awareness when I was just becoming blind. It was interesting to be reminded of the things you just didn't pay attention too. Next time you're out somewhere close your eyes and just listen to what you're hearing. Inside areas sound different echos tiles vs carpet...
Are you allowed to do belly scratches on the cat?
Just assume the answer is no unless you know otherwise. Cats, as a general rule, do not like belly scratches.
I happen to own one that does do belly scratches, but she's the only cat in the over 30 I've lived with/cared for who does belly scratches.
I love my cats. I enjoy encouraging other people to get cats. I don't think I'd recommend a cat for a blind person. There's a lot of body language cues you're just going to miss (which is part of how you get bit). And they are tripping hazards. At least you can hear Mr. Maple.
If you were going to get a cat, I'd say looking at a ragdoll or ragdoll mix might be okay. Ragdolls are known for their extremely laid back personalities, so are probably going to be more forgiving of weird touches and missed body language cues. Would still be a tripping hazard, though.
Only pat a belly of a cat you know! My last one, I was allowed 3 rubs! Don’t push the limit!
I agree, so much of a cats language is visual cues. When you hear the hiss or growl, somethings been missed❤🥰
@@irishmary7159 You might not even get that. And petting aggression is a real thing. If you can see the cat, you know when to stop because the tail is going and they're glaring at you. If you can't see the cat, you may get bitten.
Cats are also at the top of the list of worst things to get bitten by if the biting gets serious. The only two worse things are monkeys and other humans.
I love cats. But I think I'd be very afraid for both the cat and the blind person if you put the two together. Especially with no experience.
I would tell anyone, even with eyesight but especially without it, to let the animal show you what it wants. E.g. my cat will literally come up to me and rub her head against my hand.
But I would never go find her when she's asleep on a chair somewhere and just touch her. In her case I don't think she'd react super badly but it's just kind of a pushy thing to do and can easily lead to them being cornered and not having an easy way to say 'no thanks'.
Both of my cats, I got as kittens and this has been their home. They are social animals that adjust to disabilities amongst their group. I'm going blind and am pretty far along. My boy who is Siamese and a natural talker, and my girl Marcelene tell me exactly what they need. The girl walks into a room with me and nose bumps me in the leg every so often to let me know she's there. The boy rides on my shoulders and gets down when he wants. Mom responds to verbal and obvious cues so they use them.
I feel they would get along nicely with a blind cat.
how adorable ❤ i love how loving & patient & gentle matthew always is toward paul. i hope i find a love like theirs one day…i can feel the love through the screen!! & cute kitty! would you guys ever get a pet cat??
Remember the post where Paul accidentally went into someone’s apartment instead of his own he said ‘I smell litter box and I don’t live with women….or cats’. 😊
@@JulesUS8386He said 'I don't live with a woman or cats'. I.e., he didn't claim it was some kind of rule, just a fact that he doesn't have a woman or a cat who he lives with.
@@JulesUS8386i JUST watched that short not even 30 seconds ago lololol
I've done shelter work and cat sitting and while it took some time, adopted cats would eventually realize that their owner was blind, deaf, or physically impaired and make adjustments. Some cats would even step in as a guide animal/alert animal.
The fact that blind Kitty is so sweet is amazing as blind cats can become scared lash out, you did a great job of warning and approaching them.
The cutest couple ever AND cats 😍😍😍😍😍. Kitty that “bit” Paul was giving a warning for 1) you woke me up and 2) you got too close to the tum-tum. Most cats hate having their tummy touched as it’s their most vulnerable area. My boy lets me off with petting his belly…but touch his feet? 99% I will get the stink eye 😂😂😂😂
The last cat new Paul was a dog owner and had to get you back 😂
Lol I thought the same thing. I'm like I bet he smelt Mr. Maple and just reacted
@MarieBender-np6vc it's nothing like that. Cats do not like their belly touched as it's their most vulnerable area. Trying to touch there almost always results in a clawing or nip unless they know you really well, and even them it can change mid way through. Belly = don't even try.
Thank you for being gentle with the kittys. I hear they get stressed in cat cafes and some dont like to be there so being soft and caring helps the cats a lot
You guys are adorable, I love how outgoing you both are and how sweet the communication is 💛
The hope in Paul's eyes when he said "are those the adoptable ones? 🥺" Like if he wanted to take a kitty home
I love cats sooooooo much. Seeing Paul pet kitties really made my day. I have been struggling with several serious issues recently and this video made me feel happy for a few minutes-I can’t tell you how much that means to me
That last cat XD
Cat: "NOM!"
Paul: "OH!"
Aw Paul is just the sweetest man ever. Mathew is pretty awesome too. Yall sre just the perfect couple. Love watching your videos, always a highlight of my day. We need more pauls and mathews in this world!
the cat toy confusion! that was precious! he even batted at it like a cat!
petting a cat on the top/back of their head is generally the safest place to start! oftentimes the cat will adjust you to their favorite places if they feel comfortable enough. you gotta stick your hand out for them to smell before anything else though! smell is generally very important to cats! thats often how they identify people, food, etc.
side note: i never realized just how much physical cues matter with cats. as an autistic person, i can read cats' body language better than i can read humans', but as a seeing person i never thought about how a blind person might interact with them! i suggest if you do get a cat, to get one who's been blind since birth! their body language may be a bit different to seeing cats because they couldnt see to learn the behaviors from their mom/litter mates. also, disabled cats as a whole have a much lower adoption rate. if you do adopt a cat, i wish you the best of luck ❤️
Never pet cat's belly it's their vulnerable spot and they WILL bite you, even if they show you their belly on their own as a sign of trust😂 It's a trap lol
I had a cat who loved getting belly rubs from me. It depends
Can you share the name of the cafe. I live in seattle and might go there
I'm not American, so I might be mistaken. But a quick sleuthing based on the sticker in the window leads me to believe it's NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle - 519 Pine St
It is NEKO Cat Cafe! It's a wonderful place, just be aware you have to make a reservation to hangout with the kitties in their room! You can go to the cafe anytime though as well
I've never been to Neko, but Meowtropolitan in Fremont is pretty cool!
What an amazing experience to be apart of. Thank you ❤
I've had the pleasure and honor to have had two blind cats. One passed away earlier this year -- he was an abuse survivor and lost his eyesight after being hit on the head. The other lost her eyesight as a young kitten from a severe case of herpesvirus. I got her when she was 3mos and you cannot even tell she's blind, she knows the layout of the house so well and her other senses are so keen. She's one of the cats that does tolerate and like being stroked on the belly.
There is a store in Pigeon Forge called the Cat House they sell Cat merchandise and they have live cats running around the store.
it's the way he takes your hand and directs it to pet the cat 🥹💙
That kind of stressed me out because the cat was asleep
I'm vision impaired and because I touch my kitties likely on the rude to them side, I always talk to them first. They adjust their bodies to me after. I'm also incredibly still until they meow at me.
@@junbh2Not all kitties startle when they are woken!
Different cats like different ways to be petted. Most don't like their bellies to be touched, they aren't like dogs, it's basically saying it feels safe by showing it's vulnerable underside.
Try just petting around the head and neck, that's usually the safest. Some like their backs stroked however others are over stimulated having their backs touched and don't enjoy it. ❤
I've had cats for nearly 35 years and I've learnt so much in that time.
I love how Paul said "is that real?" It was so cute!!
cats are very protective of their bellies because it holds all of their organs so if a predator were to bite there its over. cats love head pets from someone new!
I just got yet another cuteness overload❤ I love you guys
That girl is not blind stop lying
He has tunnel vision, with 90% of it gone. So basically, he sees out of a straw, making him practically blind.
@@ruebenhill3113 right, which means she’s visually impaired…
The love and affection you have for each other is so beautiful. I love how Matthew is always thinking of new and interesting things to do together ❤
Even with eyesight I would never go up to a cat peacefully sleeping and try to touch it. Or one sitting out of the way somewhere. Or pretty much any animal really...
Just sit down somewhere and let whatever cat is actually in the mood for some attention come seek you out.
Paul, cats don't like belly scratches like dogs do. lol!
As animal behaviorist i love working with blind/deaf animals
All my life is about working and helping animals and i believe that is something that makes change!
My cat always rubs her head on my hand whilst I'm sleeping.
So easy for me to find her head in the dark.
By the way, @DGlaucomflecken did a vid on "What is Blindness" and a lot of people equated it to your story, even suggesting a collab (which I would LOVE, you are both great content creators!)
My cat, Obi Wan, became blind, no idea why. His pupils never changed in his last years. But he still could catch mice and find his way around the house. I wouldn't have known but for my vet. He probably wasn't 100% blind.
Guys… I love you both… but cats are not small dogs. I’ve worked with them or decades. If you want o make friends, you are quiet, you sit low and don’t move a lot, you extend a hand toward their nose and WAIT. If the cat approaches and runs on you, you have permission to stroke the face/head. Otherwise, move on.
I’d ask you to think of it from the kitty’s perspective. I live in this place, through no choice or fault of my own, where ignorant though well meaning humans invade my space constantly. I’d like to take a nap in the sun just once without some hairless ape waking me with touches I didn’t ask for “
Being awoken by a stranger’s unwelcome touch is a pretty awful reality to live repeatedly. I wonder if you can go back there and try a different approach and see if the cats seem happier to interact if you meet them where they are.
I’m a registered veterinary technician. Please wash your wound with soap and water if the cat drew blood and if the bite was deep. It doesn’t look like it was, but cat bites can be dangerous. Also, I would never pet a cat I didn’t know on his belly! Just a little rule of thumb when interacting with kitties. It looks like you guys had fun though and we’re very respectful! I love cats and the joy they bring us. ❤
OH MY GOD THE LITLE PRIDE STICKER AT THE TOP LEFT OF THE WINDOW!! This cat cafe just got ten times better
Also as a person who lives in a household of 5 cats, it feels like all five of our cats personalities were represented in this video, haha
Unless invited, don't touch a cat's belly. They will expose their bellies directly in front of you when invited to touch. Even then....I wouldn't do it for long. 😅
Our cat doesn't like to be petted, except for in the bathroom. I keep telling him that 'pet' is the one thing in his job description. He always bites, except in the bathroom. There, he acts like a normal & loving friendly cat you can pet. Weirdo 😸
Ok, little advice from cat mom. Cats show belies as a sign of trust... trust you won't harm my vulnerable parts, and soft underside. Most cats don't do belly scratches, at least until they know you very well.
I love cat cafes, and I hope you enjoyed going to one as well!! Also, just so you know for the future, you probably shouldn't touch a cat's belly whom you don't know if they're comfortable with it or not, its one of the most sensitive part of their body so they get defensive easily .
When you see a cat and their belly is exposed, it’s a trap. It’s always a trap. They lure you in with their cuteness and fluffiness and when you go to pet them, they pounce.
I went to a cat café once, and it was not a good experience. They had cats there, but the rule was that you could look at them, but not pet them or pick them up. It was very sad. I would love to go to a cat café like you were showing there!
The cat on the wall had a crazy look. Not sure i would touch it myself😂😂. I rewatched this video. That tuxedo snapped at your hand because you touched it where it s weakest, the belly area. A cat has to really trust you to let you touch it s underside.
This man is blind-
Dogs:” I will learn to guide him & make life easier for him”
Cats: “Move fool, CHOMP!!”
“Oh there’s cats hiding in boxes behind you”
**instantly ducks for cover*
You have to know a cat well to know if they will accept belly rubs, otherwise, they will become a bear trap (iykyk).
The way Paul started kind of messing with the cats toy is hilarious 😂
The amount of times he pet the cats blanket 😂 I’m sorry it shouldn’t be funny but I’m crying
RP + dim lighting = GLOWING EYES STARING AT YOU FROM MURKY DARKNESS (I have RP too!)
“Are we allowed to do the belly scratches for the black one?” I instantly knew the answer was no just because it was a black cat 😂
That cat in the wall... I don't know if he was on something, but his eyes definitely were
I read the part that said he got bit, and i STILL jumped when it happened! 😂❤😂❤😂❤😂
Okay, hands up, who’s now thinking about patting Paul’s hair?
Where is this??? I want to visit the grey kitty with saucer eyes that Paul thought was a painting on the wall!!!!
Do a poky index finger and just wait 👉 The cat will rub against it if the want a contact.
Omg is this in Seattle?! Whats the name? I will literally spend all day in there 😭😭😭😭
I can assure you that every cat and dog in our household has had a butthole touch by my blind daughter 😂😂
I guess Paul is not a cat person! Have you never met a cat before?🤣🤣🤣🐈
Are you thinking about getting a companion for Mr Maple? 🐕 🐈
honestly paul moving his hand back as soon as that kitty was gonna to bite was impressive!
Guessing your not fully blind the way he talks with you
The belly has vital organs, so they need to trust you before you get to pet them there
Paul and Matthew and Kitties!!!!! What could be better? ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗
I wanna see the full video of this. I love cats.
Is that cat cafe in Seattle? If so I’ve been to the same one!