Cats and dogs have virtually opposite body language. Cats greet by going face to face. Dogs, uh, kind of greet on the opposite end. If a cat is friendly or neutral, gradually moving your face closer to theirs is friendly body language.

Cat purrs sound to a dog like growling. Meows sound to a dog like prey.

The easiest way to not get scratched by a cat is to leave it alone. If you want cat to like you more quickly, seriously get a recording of purring on your iphone and play it. Cats like to be scratched between the ears and eyes, and like to be petted on the nape of the neck. Anywhere else, you might get scratched.