Many people, especially non-cat lovers, think that cats are unfriendly, cold, indifferent, and basically anything but affectionate. Although they tend to be less obvious than dogs, cats actually want to give and receive love. By giving your furry friend the attention he needs and knowing how to recognize and respond to his signs, you can learn to show your cat affection.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing and Returning Affection
Step 1. Always be there for your cat
Many dogs tend to react to any opportunity for attention by running, barking, and drooling as a sign of appreciation. Cats are more likely to want to determine the timing and form of their affection, although from time to time they may want to be coaxed by you.
- It's hard to show affection if you're not around. Therefore, be a cat “parent” who is always there whenever possible. Just sitting in the same room will give your cat an opportunity to show affection and signal when the cat wants affection in return.
- Talk to your cat when you spend time together. Whether your cat can actually learn to recognize your words or not, the act of speaking provides an opportunity for interaction that he can reciprocate in a way he likes.
- If your cat is forced to spend long periods of time alone, play with your cat before leaving the house, and provide an environment where the cat can entertain herself, such as placing toys and a high perch so she can see what's going on outside. Then, be sure to play with your cat when you get home.
Step 2. Let yourself have it
Even though most cats are happy to be without anyone, that doesn't mean they prefer to be solitary creatures. Cats who want to include you in their environment are actually looking for evidence that you accept being in their environment.
The cat's frequent cheek rub (or head smack) -often a full body stroke from nose to tail - is a cat's way of marking you with its smell. Cats secrete pheromones from glands inside their cheeks, and then use these scent markers to express their ownership of you. Just letting him bang his head on your body is an easy way to show affection, namely by receiving affection
Step 3. Appreciate that you have been chosen
Cats, like humans, love to shower their loved ones with gifts, although this gift could be a dead mouse placed on your pillow instead of a bouquet of roses. If you're lucky, your prize may be a favorite toy or plaything.
Cats that choose to sleep on or near you are usually also showing affection. Cats, like all other animals, are helpless in their sleep, and need to completely trust your love and protection in order to sleep near you. So, while you may not want to share the end of your bed with your cat, doing so will show your respect and affection
Step 4. Watch for signs of trust
In addition to showing trust by cuddling with you, cats can show affection through helplessness by stretching and showing you their belly and bottom.
- But be careful, many cats show their belly without actually wanting to be petted in that part. Watch for signs of interest in petting, or try gently petting the cat's belly and see if you'll be left without being scratched or bitten.
- Again, at this point, sometimes the best way to show affection to your cat is to let it show affection and receive it warmly.
Step 5. Be the first to get started, when needed
While many cats aren't shy about showing affection, others seem indifferent because they're waiting for you to show affection first-or at least waiting for you to put yourself in a position where they can receive the affection. Some cats really just want you to notice them first.
- Shadowing a cat can make him feel nervous; that's what predators do before attacking. Match your height to the cat's height. Sit or crouch down so that the cat is approximately face to face with you. When petting, instead of lowering your hand from above (like a swooping eagle), move your hand from the side or bottom, and slowly work your way up to the top of the cat.
- Don't chase a nervous cat. Many cats will be more likely to approach you if you ignore them. When your cat is really close, let him smell you before trying to touch him. If the cat's ears are moved behind its head, it means the cat doesn't like what you're doing to her, so try again by doing something else she might like.
- Always let the cat sniff your hand. If he stays away, don't pet him then. If a cat rubs your hand, it wants to be petted.
Step 6. Recognize the signs of affection
Some cats enjoy being petted, some can simply accept it, and others don't like it. The best way to find out is to pet your cat in a "safe" area such as along the back and watch his reaction. Snoring, for example, is a positive sign. Stroking a cat that doesn't want to or doesn't like it can cause a lot of stress and won't be considered affection.
- You can encourage a "head bump" by raising your index finger in front of his eyes at the same height, a short distance or even across the room. Most cats take this as a sign that you want to be petted and tagged.
- A "cat kiss" - a slow blink with sleepy eyes half closed - is a typical sign of cat affection and one you can easily reciprocate. You can also be the first to give a "cat kiss" and wait for your cat to respond.
Step 7. Play with your cat
As with any friend, sharing time together and having fun is a universal sign of affection. Cats love to play; find out what activities your cat enjoys most and spend time playing together every day.
- Most cats enjoy chasing and catching objects, so anything from a mouse toy to a wad of paper can be a fun toy. A ping pong ball glued to a string or a laser pointer spinning its beam on the floor (but never aiming it close to the cat's eye) can also be entertaining exercises.
- Cats love to climb and scratch, so consider placing an array of scratching posts, perhaps with a target or toy on top as a goal/challenge. Many cats also like to hide in objects such as cardboard boxes and pounce on moving toys.
- Keep playtime relatively short, and divide it up throughout the day. Don't force your cat to play or practice, otherwise playtime can quickly become unpleasant. Cats tend to get bored easily, so mix up play and routine frequently. But always pay attention to how your cat responds-every cat is different when it comes to how it likes to play.
- Spend time playing with your cat, not only to prevent possible injury-such as a choking hazard to a simple object like a leash-but also to train and bond with your furry friend.
- Catnip is completely harmless to cats, and cats really enjoy it!
Method 2 of 2: Showing Affection through Routine Care
Step 1. Take good care of your cat
If as the saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, the same can be expressed as a way to show affection for (and receive from) your cat.
- Talk to your vet about your cat's special nutritional needs, but in general, most cats need three or four small meals a day, preferably high-quality cat food. Some human foods are okay for cats, but some are not, so it's best to check with your veterinarian.
- Reward food responsibly. Take care not to give your cat too many calories, so reduce this part of her regular diet to balance it with the treat.
- Forget the bowl of milk. Cats have difficulty digesting cow's milk, and, conversely, should be provided with clean water at all times (that is, keep the bowl full of fresh water).
Step 2. Give your cat some personal space
Cats are often friendlier than people think, but cats are still happy to have space to themselves.
- Even if your cat likes to sleep on or near you on a regular basis, provide a soft, comfortable place that's slightly closed off to sleep and relax. Old (but clean) blankets, sheets and pillows can be used.
- Your cat's litter box should also be in a quiet, accessible place and should be cleaned daily. If you have more than one cat, add one more litter box (for example, three boxes for two cats) to help prevent feuds between cats.
Step 3. Take your cat to the vet as recommended
Your cat may not notice it right now, but there's nothing more visible as a form of affection than making sure your cat lives as happy, healthy, and long-lived as you can.
- The recommended grooming for your cat will vary according to factors such as age, medical history, doctor's preferences, but one or two regular checkups a year is common.
- From a young age, make sure you keep your cat vaccinated regularly.
- Check out the How to Take Care of a Cat article for detailed information on veterinary care and warning signs of cat disease to watch out for.
Step 4. Keep your cat groomed
It's true, cats are quite skilled at keeping themselves clean and looking presentable. But a little help from you, properly given, can be helpful and (at least sometimes) appreciated.
- Most cats will allow themselves to be brushed, if done slowly and using the right tools. Use a pin brush (a large, blunt-tipped comb) for long-haired cats and a slicker brush for short-haired cats. Comb as often as necessary to keep frizz down. There are also combs and special tools for more sensitive parts, such as the eyes.
- Combing can also be a good opportunity to check for fleas and pests on your cat.
- While it's not much appreciated, brushing your cat's teeth and/or taking him to the vet to have his teeth cleaned is also a good thing. The article How to Take Care of a Cat also has information on cat dental care.
Warning
- While many cats like rubber bands and hair ties, cats can eat them, which is dangerous. Avoid this!
- Make sure ropes and similar toys are played only when supervised. If swallowed, it can seriously affect the cat's intestines. If your cat does swallow it, don't pull it out of its mouth or buttocks.
- Don't bother the cat. If your cat starts showing teeth, hissing or moving her tail rapidly back and forth, step back and change your approach. Try again with something less threatening to the cat.
Related article
- Keeping Cats
- Choosing a Cat
- Cleaning Cat Ears
