How To Get Your Cat To Love You

If you haven't spent much time around cats, you may have the impression they're aloof or unapproachable. Perhaps you've always considered yourself a "dog person" and find it hard to figure out why cats don't respond in the same way as your favorite canine. Maybe this is your first cat and you're trying to make friends but don't quite know the correct approach. It's really easy to start the bonding process with a cat but if you're confused or need some advice, I have some important tips that can make a big difference in successful trust-building.

Allow the Cat to Make the First Move

It may have been your experience with dogs that you could go right up to them and begin petting and interacting. With cats, however, that's not the recommended approach. In fact, cat lovers who enthusiastically go right up to an unfamiliar cat and try to immediately touch or interact often end up getting an unwanted response.

books by author Pam Johnson-Bennett and a quote from Winn Feline Foundation

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Have you ever noticed how often the person who doesn't even like cats or is allergic to them is the one who gets approached by the cat? The reason is simple. The cats picks up on the body language of that person and sees he has the freedom to come closer to do a scent investigation without the threat of getting handled. Scent is an important means of communication and when the cat has the freedom and ability to do that, it helps him feel more at ease. When it comes to approaching the cat, my advice is to not do it. Let the cat come toward you. Let him do his scent investigation undisturbed.

It's Impolite to Stare at the Cat

In the animal world, a direct stare can be interpreted as a threat. Avoid staring, and instead, if you do look at the cat, make your glances soft and brief. Don't ever be tempted to star back at a cat who is looking at you. Let the cat feel in control and comfortable.

The Cat Version of a Handshake

Cats who are familiar and friendly to each other will often approach and engage in some nose-to-nose sniffing. You can do a version of this by extending your index finger for the cat to sniff. This becomes the human version of a cat nose. Hold your finger out without wiggling it or pushing it toward the cat. Just keep your finger still and let the cat make the decision about whether to step forward and sniff. If he does sniff your finger, he'll let you know whether more interaction is ok or not. He may sniff and back away, which means he doesn't want to engage at this point or he may rub against your finger or walk closer toward you. This is an indication that he's open for more interaction. Pay attention to his body language because it'll tell you whether he's cool with things or needs a little more time to assess the situation.

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Carry Some Treats with You

If the cat is reluctant to come toward you, gently toss a treat nearby to help him associate your presence with good things. Sometimes, bribery is a good thing. You can also offer a treat for any positive interaction with you, no matter how slight.

Pet in a Cat-Friendly Way

When dealing with an unfamiliar cat, stick to only petting briefly and watch how he reacts to see if he asks for more. Although each cat is an individual and can have specific petting preferences, it's usually a good idea to stick to the top or back of the head, along the cheeks or under the chin. Some cats like long strokes down the back but for others, it can be too stimulating. When you don't yet know a cat's preference, stick to brief petting around the head and then watch the reaction. It's always better to leave the cat wanting more affection rather than push him beyond his tolerance level.

Use Your Voice Carefully

You may have gotten an over-the-top positive reaction by doing a high-pitched squealing tone or talking in a baby voice to a dog but that doesn't fly with the felines. Keep your voice soft and reassuring. Cats don't react well to loud sounds so your tone of voice should be similar to what you would use to calm a nervous child.

Photo: Pexels

Play with the Cat

Cats were born to move. They're predators with incredible stealth and accuracy. A good number of the behavior problems seen in indoor cats are due to boredom and lack of activity. If you've spent most of your time around dogs, you know the need for regular playtime, walking and exercise, but cats need regular activity as well.

Being indoors is the safest place for cats but that also means it's up to the cat parent to ensure there's adequate stimulation, activity and fun. As predators, cats have a natural need to stalk and pounce. You're a big part of ensuring successful playtime with a cat. It's not just about leaving a pile of toys available or tossing a toy at the cat in order for him to fetch. Playtime is about discovery, strategy, precision and success. For cats that means stalk, pounce, capture, reward. Playtime is just as much mental activity as it is physical activity. When you engage in a play session by using an interactive toy, you get to move the toy like prey so the cat can focus on being a hunter. Interactive playtime is also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond and in the case of a cat you're trying to get to know, it can help him associate positive experiences with your presence.

cat playing with feather toy

Photo: Fotolia

An interactive toy is based on a fishing pole design. There are many available that have different types of toy targets at the end so try to match the toy with the cat's personality. For example, if you're dealing with a very timid cat, stick to a toy that has a smaller toy at the end.

To trigger the cat's interest, move the toy away or across the cat's visual field. Never dangle the toy right in front of his face. Let him have the time and space to plan his move. When you move the toy like prey, the natural predator in the cat will take over.

Allow the cat to have several successful captures so the game becomes rewarding and not frustrating. Play with the cat at least a couple of times a day. Give the cat a treat after playtime or time the play session before a meal so you can offer a food reward. That way, the might hunter gets to enjoy the feast after capturing his prey.

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