The first time you see a cat, it may seem distant or unapproachable. It’s possible you’ve used to dogs and wonder why cats don’t behave the way you expect. Your first cat may be an intriguing creature, but you might not quite know how you should go about making friends with it. A cat is easily able to develop a relationship of trust with you. I have compiled some tips that can help you get along with your cat if you are confused or in need of some assistance.
12 Tips That How To Get a Cat To Like You?
1. The cat should be the one to make the first move
If you know how to interact with dogs, you may have been able to pet and talk to them right away. When it comes to cats, however, this isn’t recommended. It is common for cat lovers to encounter an unwanted reaction when they enthusiastically approach an unfamiliar cat.
Is it not strange that a cat always approaches a person who is allergic to cats or does not even care about them? Let me explain. The cat feels freer to explore the scent because it sees the person’s body language without fear of being handled. As long as he has the freedom and ability to communicate through scent, the cat feels more comfortable. You should not approach the cat. Wait for it to approach you. Allow it to investigate the scent without being disturbed.
2. Ignoring the cat is impolite
When animals stare directly at us, they are perceived as threats. When you must stare at the cat, be soft and brief with your glance. If the cat looks at you, never stare back at them. Give the cat a sense of control and comfort.
3. Cat Handshake
It is common for cats to sniff one another when they are friendly and familiar. Your finger can be sniffed by the cat by extending it. Your index finger serves as the feline’s nose. Place it in front of the feline without touching it. If the cat steps forward and sniffs, keep your finger still and let her decide. He will tell you whether or not he is comfortable with more interaction by sniffing your finger. During sniffing, he may back away, indicating that he isn’t interested in engaging, or he may rub against your finger or approach you. This indicates he is open to further interaction. It’s easy to tell by his body language whether he is cool with the situation or needs more time.
4. Rub her body
Your cat is claiming you as a member of her family when she rubs against you, leaving her scent behind. Accept this gesture by allowing her to claim you. If her cat head bonks, nuzzle your face into hers and don’t move as she winds herself around your legs. To some extent, you can initiate this behavior yourself. If you headbutt your cat, you can extend your index finger towards her nose so she can rub her cheeks along your hand.
5. Don’t Forget to Bring Some Treats
By gently tossing a treat nearby, you can get the cat to associate your presence with good things. Bribery can be useful sometimes. If you come into contact with someone positively, even a small interaction can result in a treat.
6. Cat-Friendly Pets
If the cat seems uneasy, petting him briefly and watching his reaction will help you determine if he wants more. It’s best to pet cats along the cheeks, on the top of their heads, or under their chins. A long stroke down the back may be enjoyable to some cats, but it may be too stimulating for others. Give the cat a quick petting around the head if you are not familiar with its preferences. The best way to keep a cat interested in more affection is to never push him beyond his tolerance limit.
7. Take Care When You Speak
High-pitched squeals and baby voices may have enchanted dogs, but cats will not be enchanted. Make sure your voice is soft and comforting. Though cats do not like loud noises, the tone of your voice should be similar to that which you would use to calm an anxious child.
8. Have fun with the cat
It is in the cat’s nature to move. Cats possess excellent stealth and precision, making them excellent predators. Boredom and inactivity are frequently responsible for behavioral problems in indoor cats. Playtime walks, and exercise is essential for dogs, but these activities are also beneficial to cats.
It is important for cat parents to make sure their cats are active, stimulated, and have fun at home, but they are safest indoors. The natural instinct of cats is to pounce and stalk. If you want to ensure a cat’s playtime is successful, you play an important role. Tossing a toy to the cat or leaving a pile of toys isn’t enough. Cats play to learn, to succeed, and to have fun. This means stalking, pouncing, capturing, and rewarding. Playtime is not only a physical activity but a mental as well. Playing with an interactive toy allows the cat to focus on being a hunter by moving the toy like prey. A good way to strengthen your bond with your new cat is through interactive playtime. It helps him associate positive experiences with you and strengthens your bond.
The interactive toy is made using a fishing pole design. A variety of toys are available with different types of targets at the end, so match the toy with your cat’s personality.
For example, you can try moving the toy across the cat’s field of vision or away from it to trigger its interest. Don’t directly hold the toy in front of the cat’s eyes. Wait for him to make his decision before dangling it. Toys that move like prey make the natural predator of cats take over.
If the cat captures several prey items, the game will become rewarding. Try to play with him at least twice a day. When the cat is finished playing, reward it with a treat. You can also reward it with food if the play session precedes a meal. After capturing the prey, the hunter enjoys the feast.
An interactive play session is a great way to share the space and make a cat more comfortable about trusting you when he isn’t ready to be petted or close to you.
9. Cats shouldn’t be overfed.
The idea that food equals love is popular, and withholding food might make your cat hate you; however, Cornell University researchers found the opposite to be true. Three-quarters of cat owners who put 58 overweight cats on a diet reported that their dieting felines were more affectionate, purred more often, and sat on their laps more often. As a side effect of this adorable behavior, the cats also meowed and begged more. However, by week eight, both good and bad behaviors had abated for half of the animals.
10. How to Handle Negative Reactions
It’s an indication that he feels threatened if he hisses, growls, swats, or even bites. It’s probably because you moved too fast or got too close to them. Cats who react negatively to a new situation aren’t ready for the next step. Well-meaning people don’t always pay attention to cat body language signs that provide early warning. You have to be aware of the cat’s body language if you’re going to build a relationship and know when to back off before it reaches a point where the cat feels that its only option is to show aggression.
These are a few signs the cat wants you to back off:
- Vocal sounds
- Hissing or growling
- Looking away
- Moving away
- Curling up and wrapping tail tightly to the body
- Lashing Tail
- Twitching ears
- Flattened ears
11. Create a Successful Environment
In times of anxiety or nervousness, cats look for places to hide. You must provide options for hiding, whether it’s a box placed on its side or an open paper bag. Being able to have a safe hiding place allows the cat to remain in the area while remaining safe and inconspicuous. Hideouts allow cats to choose whether to stay put or venture out, a bit or all the way into the open. Do not overlook the importance of hiding places for cats. It all comes down to offering them a choice. More choice means more comfort for the cat.
In order to create a cat-friendly environment, elevation is another important factor. Up high, cats feel safe. As a result of its elevation, the cat has a better visual advantage to monitor its surroundings and watch out for potential threats. It is also less likely to be ambushed due to its elevation.
You can increase an indoor cat’s stimulation by increasing the environment. Offer fun and distraction opportunities. Offer toys for solo play as well as interactive play. Play with toys that dispense food so the cat gets rewarded for engaging in play. Keep scratching in mind as well. Keep a tall, sturdy scratching post nearby so that your cat can stretch and scratch easily. You can provide cats with horizontal corrugated cardboard scratching pads.
Bedding, food bowls, and litter boxes should be convenient and in safe areas. If the cat tries to eat, nap, or use the litter box, he should not feel threatened or nervous.
12. Don’t rush the process
It’s normal to want the cat to like you. Still, it’s worth the wait, so take it easy and don’t rush. End each session with a positive note. Build on each session as the cat’s comfort level increases. Go back a few steps if you experience a setback, and let the cat get comfortable again. Your hard work will begin to pay off as you begin to see little signs of trust developing over time. Basically, it’s completely up to the cat how much interaction he wishes to have with his litter box. If you let the cat set the pace, you’ll have a wonderful relationship in no time.
