Cats are such lovely creatures, so it is no surprise that they rule the internet. Cute cat videos instantly go viral and watching them is a guilt-free pleasure. Cats are amazing pets, so pay no attention to the haters. If you have brought your first cat home, you probably have certain expectations. Don’t be upset or alarmed if your new pet seems aloof or unfriendly in the beginning; this is bound to happen, especially if you adopted an adult cat. Kittens adapt to new people and environments pretty quickly, unless they come from a place where they were abused or neglected.
Earning the trust and affection of a cat takes time, so be patient; the experience is comparable to courting a princess and they are definitely worth it. Dog owners might call cats cold and unsociable, but that’s not true. Cats are a highly intellectual animal species, which is why they are not too quick to depend on a human. They will observe you, judge you, and then gradually open up if you are worthy of their devotion. Older cats may harbor severe trust issues if they underwent ill treatment in the past; they also tend to become indifferent if they have lived in a shelter or on the streets for too long.
If you want your pet cat to get close to you and love you unconditionally, here are some things that will help:
1. Give them Space
If the cat runs away from you or hides, let it be. Keep your distance and avoid eye contact to ease its anxiety. Let the cat get accustomed to the new home and unfamiliar scents at its own pace. Cats love exploring new surroundings, but they might hesitate to do so if they’re being watched closely. Do not interrupt their expeditions, and act like you’re too busy to notice what they’re doing. This grants them a sense of freedom, so they can be candid. If they have picked a place to hide, ensure that all the essentials are nearby, i.e. food, water, litter box, a scratching post, pet bed, etc.
2. Let them be in Charge
Never force your will upon a cat because they are strictly independent. Do not drive them out of a hiding spot, unless it is extremely necessary. Let them approach you rather than the other way around; otherwise, they might feel trapped and smothered. Cats prefer to be the boss, thus you ought to respect that. If a cat demands your attention, play along. If the cat is ignoring or avoiding you, turn away. Understand their needs and moods to cooperate, and they will surely appreciate it.
3. Set a Routine
Set a timetable for your cat, so it knows what to expect. Cats do not like surprises and unpredictable behavior. Establish feeding times, nap time, grooming time, and play time to make the cat comfortable. This way the cat learns that what time of the day it has to be on its own and when to look forward to interact with you. This helps the cat settle down and feel protected in their new home.
4. Get on their Level
If the cat seems shy or timid, you may heighten their fear by standing or towering over them. Sit or lie down near your cat to show that you consider them an equal. Slowly extend your hand to gently stroke or pat them. The cat will eventually accept you as a trustworthy companion; when this happens, they may lean on you or climb into your lap.
5. Study their Body Language
The cat’s body language can tell a lot about its mood or feelings. For instance, if the cat’s tail is fluffed up and their body is arched, it is ready to pounce and fight. It the cat’s tail is standing up, it is happy; if the tail is down between its legs, the cat is frightened. Understanding different signs and gestures will allow you to respond appropriately.
6. Don’t forget Play Time
Most young cats have a lot of energy, which can turn into aggression if not given the opportunity to utilize it properly. Cats with a lot of pent up energy may scratch and bite while simply being playful. If you live in a small and compact apartment, you may need to take your cat for a walk to provide sufficient exercise. Buy a bunch of cat toys that keep your cat busy and active throughout the day.
7. Provide a Calm and Relaxing Environment
Cats do not like crowds and noise. If you want your cat to feel at home and like you, do not expose them to loud sounds and strangers. Their bed, food/water, and litter should be kept in a place that is void of interference and distractions.
8. Watch your Tone
Yelling at your cat or scolding them will only make them despise you. Cats are pleased when their humans interact with them in a positive manner. They might not understand your words, but they are very good at perceiving tones. Addressing them softly and affectionately helps build a healthy relationship with them.
9. Reward them
If you want your cat to listen to you and perhaps learn a few tricks/commands, implement the reward system. If the cat obeys you or does something you like, show your gratitude by giving them their favorite treats. This is called positive reinforcement, which is very effective for training or taming a cat.
10. Touch them tenderly
Do not use rough hands on the cat because it is a delicate and sensitive creature. Cats that are rescued from abusive environments may not let you lay a finger on them because they are unfamiliar with a good or warm touch. Stick to light caresses and cuddles, so that they don’t bolt or attack.
Hope you learned some new information. Please leave your inputs in the comments!
Leave a Reply