When approaching a new cat, I find it helps to be sat on the ground or crouched, so you don’t tower over them. Don’t be too close. Then hold out your hand and l

When approaching a new cat, I find it helps to be sat on the ground or crouched, so you don’t tower over them. Don’t be too close. Then hold out your hand and let them approach and sniff it, so they can identify you. I usually click to get their attention. Then when you stroke them be gentle on their head. Do not under any circumstances start with their belly or further down their back, unless you like scratch marks. I have a theory that cars like being stroked on the parts of their head that they can’t lick themselves, so just above their eyes etc. Logically this also means under their chin, but they had better trust you before you attempt that. Have had very close relationships with cats - one that would meow on command for me (without reinforcement training), come and find me in the countryside if she wanted attention, curl up with me every evening, chew my hair; another that sat on my shoulders like a parrot; but also one (male) cat that I was never able to properly bond with - built like a panther and liable to bite me for no clear reason.