How to Gain a Cat's Trust: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Gain a Cat's Trust: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Gain a Cat's Trust: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Gain a Cat's Trust: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Gain a Cat's Trust: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
Video: 10 Scientific Ways to Get a Cat to Like You 2024, November
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Would you like your new cat to be more friendly and trusting of you? Cats are naturally more independent and less dependent on your companionship. They also take longer to believe and respond much longer to bribes, such as treats. Let your cat decide how long it takes to befriend you and try to focus solely on making your cat feel safe and comfortable. When he is comfortable with his environment, he will learn to trust you.

Step

Part 1 of 2: Creating a Comfortable Environment

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 1
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 1

Step 1. Try to understand your cat's mindset

You can't force your cat to do anything, much less force her to trust you. Instead, the cat must be reassured that it can benefit from one action it performs. For example, he may be willing to take a nap if you offer him his favorite treat. Don't be offended if he refuses. Cats naturally prefer to stay withdrawn and have unpredictable attitudes.

Cats will have a harder time accepting you if you are loud and noisy. Cats don't like stress, fuss, or too much activity. Cats will accept you more quickly if you are calm and relaxed around them

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 2
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 2

Step 2. Allocate space and space for your cat

A great way to make your cat feel comfortable is to give your cat space. Nice and warm place to sleep, eat, play and pee. Another point is to search or look for information on cat racks in pet stores. This shelf can be nailed to the wall in a position to suit you and your cat's needs so your cat has a place to watch from above and feel safe.

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 3
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 3

Step 3. Give him space for security and for him to explore

There are times when your cat feels insecure, afraid, or anxious. Give him plenty of places to hide when he's scared, like the toilet or under the bed. It's okay to know where it's hiding, but don't force your cat out unless you have to. You should also make sure your cat has access to high perches (such as windowsills, furniture, or a high cat sharpener) and toys when she's bored and wants to play.

  • It's important to quickly create a comfortable and safe place for your cat. If you want to gain a new cat's trust, put him in a room where he can feel familiar with his territory without feeling overwhelmed.
  • You should also place the cat litter in a less visible corner of the room. The toilet should be away from noisy objects like dryers and he should feel protected when using it (two walls of the room will give him protection if the toilet is placed in the corner).
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 4
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 4

Step 4. Give him food and drink

Feed your cat regularly to make him understand that you are providing him with food and a home. When putting food away, talk to him sweetly so he can begin to recognize your voice and associate it with something positive, like eating time. When your cat comes to eat, step back and give him plenty of room. If you want to be with him, sit on the floor so you don't stand tall in front of him as this can make him feel intimidated.

Make sure your cat has easy access to food and drink. If she's shy, keep food and drink bowls close to where she's hiding so she doesn't feel too traumatized or stressed about having to go out all the way to access them

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 5
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 5

Step 5. Help your cat to relax

Your cat may have a hard time relaxing or calming down in a new environment. You can buy synthetic cat pheromone products (such as Feliway) that are sprayed into the room. This is a synthetic version of a chemical that mother cats give their kittens to make them feel comfortable and safe. These pheromones can reduce overall stress levels and make the new cat feel more comfortable more quickly.

You can also try to familiarize your cat with your scent. This will help him recognize you when you start making physical contact. For example, you could let your cat sleep on one of those old T-shirts with your signature scent

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 6
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 6

Step 6. Give positive encouragement

Your cat may be afraid of a new environment, even if you try to make it as comfortable as possible. Especially if your cat was previously abused or neglected. Never yell at your cat when you catch it doing something illegal. Maybe he's just exploring his new environment. Instead, use a soft, soothing voice to compliment him when you see him being nice.

If your cat still seems scared of his new environment, make sure you don't scare him. Never startle your cat or make sudden movements that startle her. Cats that have been abused are likely to be more afraid of this

Part 2 of 2: Encouraging Her to Make Contact

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 7
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 7

Step 1. Watch for signs that your cat is ready to make contact

Always let your cat come to you first, instead of you doing it. If you notice your cat looking tense and watching you closely (standing, tail tense, pupils dilated), do nothing. Sit quietly, preferably if you close your eyes. This will make you less of a threat in his eyes and your cat will get used to your presence. On the other hand, if the cat is ready to make contact, it can:

  • Stay in your line of sight after he's finished eating, instead of running away to hide
  • Take a few steps towards you
  • Sit close to you and clean up (which is a sign he's relaxed)
  • Sitting with his back to you (which shows he trusts you)
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 8
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 8

Step 2. Try to appear less intimidating

There are several ways to do this so your cat can feel more comfortable. If room allows, try to lie down. Position the body so that it is on the same level as him and not towering in front of him. Avoid eye contact as direct eye contact is a challenge or threat to the cat's eyes. Instead, turn your head aside and look away.

If you wear glasses, try to take them off because glasses lenses can make your eyes look bigger to a cat's eyes. And he felt threatened

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 9
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 9

Step 3. Let your cat decide when she's ready to make contact

Don't make him feel like you want to do it quickly. Eventually, your cat will start to trust and approach you. When this happens regularly, your cat will automatically touch his head to your hand or body. By sticking his head, his scent will stick to your body and this shows that he accepts you.

You can encourage him to approach you by offering delicious treats. Place your arms on the floor and spread some treats around you. Let your cat muster up the courage to come and devour this treat. Slowly bring the treat close to you so he can approach you without feeling threatened

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 10
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 10

Step 4. Create a great environment between your cat and your other pets

let them play and eat near each other. Of course, this is a different process because you have to start from a distance and slowly bring them closer every day. Of course it would be helpful to have someone else help you do this.

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 11
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 11

Step 5. Caress the ear or chin

When your cat signals she's ready for further contact (by touching her head to your body), you can pet her ear or chin. Do it slowly and start by sticking out one finger to stroke it. Do not make any sudden movements. As your cat becomes more and more trusting, you can try petting her chin.

Don't make him play rough because the cat doesn't like it

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 12
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 12

Step 6. Take time to play with your cat

When your cat starts to regularly approach you and purrs when you love him, you can stop lying around him. Sit down and love him. He may even start sitting on your lap, which shows that he really trusts you.

Take time to invite him to play every day. This will strengthen your bond with your cat and he will expect you to notice him. Studies also show that petting and talking to pets has positive effects on human health (such as lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing anxiety)

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 13
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 13

Step 7. Watch for signs that your cat needs space

This is especially important if you are rehabilitating a cat that has recently been abused or neglected. It could be that when you gently caress him, he suddenly bites you. This, along with his sudden clawing at you, could mean that your cat is overwhelmed with all the physical contact you make to love him. Give him time to calm down as he may be startled. Next time, don't pet your cat that long.

Never punish him by yelling or hitting him. Cats won't understand why you hurt them. Instead, you can leave it temporarily

Gain a Cat's Trust Step 14
Gain a Cat's Trust Step 14

Step 8. If your cat has ever scratched or bit you or you're afraid he might do it, it could be because he has a lot of energy to burn

So, try to always play with him at least once a day. A good time is before you go to sleep. This burns his energy and can help him associate the night with rest and sleep like you do.

Tips

  • Learn a good way to lift your cat so she will feel more comfortable with you when you do. But wait until your cat is more comfortable with you before picking him up or you'll have to start all over again from scratch.
  • If your cat makes a mistake, ignore him and leave him. If you punish him, your presence is perceived as negative and he feels anxious around you. To prevent him from making this mistake again, try to understand why he did it and provide another outlet for this attitude.
  • If you live in a cold area and your cat comes with you as she warms herself by the fire, this is a good time to try to calm her down. The possible hissing and popping of the burning wood frightened him. Whenever you hear it, make sure you calm your cat down. Also, don't let your cat out, especially if she's still in a stage where she doesn't really trust you and won't be returning home.
  • Once your cat is comfortable and allows you to pet him, never start with a higher position than him. Position yourself parallel to him, keeping your hands low too, place them under his chin and let him bring his head closer if he wants. Never keep your hands above their heads, as cats associate objects above their heads with birds and are more likely to attack your hands. Keep your hands around her head until she's more comfortable and can be stroked elsewhere. If you reach a point on your cat's body that makes him feel very uncomfortable and he hisses or does something else to you, this doesn't just mean he's uncomfortable because you're new to him, there could be something internal affecting that area that makes him feel uncomfortable. painful to the touch.

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