What are good ways to bond with a cat?Start with hands-off playtime, like teaser toys.Talk to them during feeding or playing, so they associate the sound of your voice to pleasant experiences.Start slowly, and wait for your cat to come to you — no grabbing.
6 Surefire Ways to Bond with Your Cat
Even though cats are unpredictable and finicky animals, their lovers still want to cuddle with them.
It takes a lot of effort for cat owners and their feline companions to bond. While some cats make this easier than others, owners can use certain techniques to set the groundwork for a happy and fulfilling human-cat relationship. Here are some pointers for creating a sincere and enduring bond with your pet, whether you’re adopting a cat for the first time or trying to strengthen your bond with an already-existing feline tenant.
Give your cat space and take your time developing a bond with them. The most crucial step is to watch before acting, advises Dr. Ryane E. Englar, clinical education coordinator and assistant professor at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas “Playing it cool can be very difficult. Typically, we want to interact with cats as soon as possible by petting them, picking them up, and watching how they behave. But that’s the human way of doing things. Cats see the world differently than we do. ”.
Dr. Professor emeritus Nicholas Dodman of Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, an authority on animal behavior, concurs. “You cant force cats to do anything. You simply can’t win their affection, and approaching a cat you’ve never met before won’t go well. ”.
Englar suggests providing cats with a place to hide that is a little bit out of the way. “If they’re new to your home, they’ll need somewhere to process what’s going on,” she says. Englar refers to these “safety spaces” as vertical areas like cat trees or even something as basic as a cardboard box with an entrance and exit cut into it. These should be included in this out-of-the-way location. “Make sure the cat has a way out of the box,” she continues.
Understand your cat’s personality
Like people, cats can have a variety of personalities, and breed differences can also exist. The British Shorthair, European Shorthair, and Persian, on the other hand, are more independent and are said to be less concerned about human company. A Devon Rex, on the other hand, and some Oriental breeds (such as the Balinese, Oriental Longhair, Oriental Shorthair, and Seychellois Longhair) frequently enjoy human company.
Since some cats take longer than others to adjust to their new surroundings, it’s crucial that you avoid trying to force your kitten to be sociable. Being taken from their mother cat and having to adjust to a new routine, people, pets, and surroundings is a major life change for a kitten, so patience is essential.
Find out what type of personality your cat has with our Cat Character quiz created based on university research into cat personalities.
Let Them Come to You
Your cat will probably start investigating her new house and getting to know her new neighbors as she feels more at ease. While some cats warm up quickly, others might take weeks. Letting the cat decide when it’s time to begin bonding is crucial. Englar observes, “Cats determine when it’s OK to start making friends.”
A cat will begin to display bonding behaviors, such as bunting and kneading, when she’s ready. According to Dodman, “bunting is when the cat approaches you and begins to rub her forehead against you.” This is frequently accompanied by other affectionate actions like purring and snuggling up against you or on your lap. ”.
Englar continues, “Kneading is good behavior to look for as well.” “Kittens do this all the time, but in adult cats, it indicates that they feel extremely at ease and content in your presence.” ”.
According to Dodman, there is no set duration for this stage of the bonding process. While some cats [warm up] to you right away, others might require a little more prodding. It all depends on their personality,” he says.
FAQ
How long does it take for a new cat to bond with you?
How long does it take a cat to get used to a new one?