Cats can be difficult animals to get along with humans. Most cats are independent animals who don't need constant interaction with humans to satisfy themselves. To strengthen your relationship with your pet cat, you need to create a positive and safe environment for your cat, and teach him to make associations between you as the owner and things he already enjoys, such as food. You can have a great relationship with a cat as long as you have patience and a little effort, regardless of age.
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Method 1 of 2: Socializing a New Cat
Step 1. Socialize pet cats as early as possible
In order to form a close relationship with your cat, you must first make sure that he is comfortable with humans in general. The process of socialization is important for developing relationships with humans in the future.
- Introducing cats to people when they are between 2-7 weeks old can affect the cat's life in the future.
- Socialization that can be done, for example, is by holding a kitten and encouraging it to interact with other animals and humans. This form of interaction should be fun so that the cat will want to do it again in the future.
- Consider enrolling your cat in a kitten-only socialization class. Veterinarians usually have several referrals you can consider.
Step 2. Be patient with older cats
Do not immediately despair because you can still make him socialize. Positive forms of interaction can be beneficial and can be practiced at any age so that you can become friends with cats.
- Cats that previously lived on the streets (living wild without human companions) for up to 4 years can even be taught to socialize.
- Older cats need more time and extra patience to socialize. Some of the steps described in this article can still be used. However, you have to accept and be prepared, that the cat will need more time for him to accept you.
Step 3. Create a comfortable environment for the cat
Cats don't intend to socialize if they don't feel safe and comfortable. Create a calm, threat-free environment when you introduce your new cat to your home environment.
- You can start by placing the cat in a quiet room, in a place that makes him feel comfortable in the room. The bedroom is a great choice. Getting your cat to spend time there can help it get used to your scent. Let the cat explore the wider home environment slowly, so that he gradually begins to feel more comfortable.
- Provide cat furniture that is fun and comfortable to lie on (both on top of the furniture and in it). Cat trees are a great choice for cats who need a little security and a home of their own.
- You'll need to prepare drinks, food, a litter box, and a special pole that your cat can use to sharpen her nails.
Step 4. Keep your distance
You shouldn't always be behind or near a cat. By keeping your distance and being calm, you're showing your cat that you're not a threat, so she doesn't have to be afraid of you.
- This is especially important for cats who are older and are not used to spending time around humans. Paying too much attention to this kind of cat will only make your efforts unsuccessful. Let the cat come alone.
- You can watch television or sit and read while ignoring the cat. Spread cat food or treats for him around the room, then encourage him to interact and hunt for food. The cat will follow the treats that are spread and he will slowly become close to you. Do not move. Don't try to reach the cat or talk to it too quickly. Let the cat get used to being in the same room. The food you spread will make the cat create positive associations with you around the food.
- Let the cat come alone. Swing or toss toys to make you look more attractive. Don't pet it right away or the cat will freak out. Make yourself a non-threatening person in the early days of socializing before you try to pet him (only do it once). Don't push the cat or you'll have to go back and try to win its trust.
- Remember, cats need time to understand that you didn't mean to hurt them. The cat still doesn't know you. Show affection for him by trying to be patient at a time when he has not been able to adjust to his new home.
Step 5. Use a pheromone dispensing device to calm a frightened cat
This kit contains a calming cat pheromone that can help relax an agitated cat to feel relaxed and comfortable.
- This pheromone spreading trap is very easy to use. All you need to do is plug it into a wall socket, just like any other air freshener on the market. Then, check the appliance periodically to make sure the liquid inside has not run out.
- You can find this tool at almost any online and conventional pet store.
Step 6. Gently stroke the cat when it asks you to
Cats are so easily overstimulated. Your cat will become defensive or agitated if you try to show affection when she doesn't want it. Make sure your cat associates you with a gentle, desirable form of affection, not with anxiety.
- Gently pet the cat when she rubs her body against yours. If this happens, the cat is showing friendly behavior. Reinforce the connection the cat is showing by using this opportunity to pet her
- Cats like to have their heads and necks scratched. Cats also like to be stroked on the back, precisely at the point where the spine meets the tailbone. Stroking the entire back can overstimulated and stressed the cat, which could lead to scratching or biting.
- You can help your cat create positive associations with touch by offering him food after petting him.
Step 7. Pick up the cat when it is relaxed
Caress the cat as long as he seems to be enjoying it, then pick it up and put the cat in a bright place with sunlight or a food container. Doing this is an attempt to create an image in the cat that being picked up is a good thing.
- Don't force your cat to hug if she doesn't want to. Doing this could destroy the trust you have developed with him. This is especially important for older cats.
- Sometimes you have to pick up your cat even if he doesn't want to, for example when he needs to be put in a cage to be carried. Make sure you do this as gently as possible while calming the cat with a pleasant tone of voice, petting it, and even feeding it.
Step 8. If all this fails, seek medical help from a veterinarian
Anxious and frightened adult cats may need prescription medication to help their socialization process better. Consult a veterinarian if all of the above suggestions do not work.
You can also find a veterinarian who specializes in animal behavior to help in extreme cases. Ask your general veterinarian for a referral
Method 2 of 2: Building a Positive Relationship with Cats
Step 1. Make sure you are the one feeding it
Once your cat is comfortable with you, you can start a positive relationship. Food sources are a powerful motivator, and in your cat's eyes, you should be the person they associate with food. This will help your cat to associate your presence with something positive.
- Give 2-3 small meals a day directly instead of leaving large portions of food lying around. In this way, you can reinforce the association between food and yourself. If you leave dry food outside for, you can still give him small portions of wet food this way.
- Stay indoors while the cat is eating its food to strengthen the association between you and the food. You can also pet the cat while it eats.
- Providing high-quality treats can also emphasize the image in the cat's mind, that you are the provider of everything that is delicious and delicious. Use these treats to reinforce good behavior, for example if your cat rubs itself against your paw or shows you its affection.
Step 2. You have to make sure that the reproductive organs in the cat have been removed
This way, it will be easier for your cat to bond with you if his behavior isn't based on the instinct to mate with another cat.
Cutting reproductive organs is also important to limit the cat population. This is especially useful for cats who spend most of their lives outdoors. If the cat's reproductive organs are not being cut, contact your local veterinary clinic or animal lover's agency for a slaughter appointment
Step 3. Talk to your cat often in a soothing, non-threatening tone of voice
Your tone of voice and body language convey a message to him. Make sure the message is friendly and subtle.
Yelling at the cat (or other animal) will frighten him so he won't trust you. Even if the cat has made a mistake, try not to yell at it as much as possible
Step 4. Play with the cat
Once your cat is comfortable approaching you, swing a toy or string to invite her to play. Maybe your cat doesn't want to play with you all the time, so take the time when your cat wants to play to establish a friendship with her.
- Most cats love the catnip plant. You might consider buying a toy filled with these herbs to invite them to play.
- Playing with cats will be a successful process if the cat invites you to interact. For example, a cat may rub its body against your feet or climb your body. You can indeed invite the cat to play with a toy that looks flashy or a string hanging. However, if the cat doesn't want to play, it will ignore you.
Step 5. Keep the cat and litter box clean
Cats want clean fur and a clean environment to make them feel at ease. Clean the cat litter box regularly so that the cat doesn't use the dirty litter box. A dirty box often makes a cat feel unhappy and restless and makes it act up.
Even though your cat spends a lot of time grooming her appearance, you can also help her develop a bond with the cat. Try combing the cat's hair with a special cat comb. There are some cats that won't allow you to brush them, but others will enjoy the sensation. Combing a cat's coat has the added advantage of reducing hair loss, especially if the cat is a long-haired breed
Step 6. Take care of the cat's health
Your cat may distance himself and continue to avoid you if he has an untreated health problem. Make sure you check your cat's health at the veterinary clinic regularly. Call your vet if you notice any significant changes in your cat's behavior or health.
- Your cat won't know if you take him to a health check-up to keep him healthy. But actually, keeping your cat healthy is the best way you can show your cat that you love him.
- Cats may not like it when you put them in their crate to take them to the vet. However, if he gets to spend the rest of his life healthy with you, know that this can be a wonderful thing.
Step 7. Recognize the signs that show cat affection
Everyone knows that cats will purr when they are satisfied. However, you may not know that a slow blink of the eye is also a sign of acceptance and satisfaction.
Try blinking slowly to respond to the cat. Some people refer to this as a “cat kiss”. Your cat may recognize this as a sign that you are not a threat, but a friend
Tips
- Be patient. There are some cats that are more shy. Cats like this need more time to get used to humans. However, if you keep trying, the relationship you form with your cat will be worth it.
- While kittens begin to accept and even love you very quickly, older cats, especially street cats or stray cats, take a long time to come to love you. Even if the street cat or stray cat loves you, it will never be as submissive as the cat you raised as a child. If you're bringing an older cat home, you'll want to prepare yourself to be very patient in the face of his possibly cold and timid behavior -- this attitude can last a long time too.
