Naturally, cats tend to be more independent than dogs. Even if your cat's independence may make you appear arrogant or aloof, your cat can really love you. His affection will help improve and deepen your relationship with him. Depending on the cat's personality, getting him to like you and bond with you takes a lot of time and patience. But don't worry. The more your cat likes you, the happier she will be and so will you when she is with her.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Developing Positive Interactions with Cats
Step 1. Learn body language
As your cat gets used to you, it will show body language that shows that it likes you. Understanding this body language will help you gauge how comfortable he is with you. For example, he will head you by lowering his head and rubbing the top of his head against your head or other parts of your body. This is a sign that the cat has feelings for you.
- Cats have scent glands near their ears, so bobbing is a way to leave their body odor on you. He will also rub his cheeks against your body to mark you with his smell. Tagging you is one way to communicate that he likes you.
- To show that he likes you, your cat will make eye contact and blink slowly. Eye contact shows that he trusts you. Slowly returning the wink will show that you trust him too.
- Imitating your cat's body language, such as a gentle nod or a gentle wink, will strengthen your bond with her and show her that you love her.
- Other examples of his affectionate body language include snoring softly, massaging you with his front paws, sitting on your lap, and licking you.
Step 2. Provide lots of toys
Toys will keep the cat mentally and physically stimulated in your home. This type of environmental enrichment is a good way to get him to like you. Cats may choose certain toys over others, depending on their personality. For example, if he likes to chase things, he will like toys hanging from the top of a pole.
- If you have an adult cat or a calmer cat, he will choose a toy that doesn't require him to run, such as one filled with catnip so he can play with it while lying down.
- Make sure you change your cat's toys regularly so he doesn't get bored with his choice of toys.
- If you don't want to spend a lot of money on toys, you can also turn household items into toys for cats. For example, old tissue boxes or used tissue rolls and paper bags with detachable handles can be fun toys for cats.
- Remember the toys that should not the cat plays with, such as ribbon, string, or rubber bands, because he can swallow them. Swallowing this toy can trap it and bind to the cat's intestines. This can lead to serious health problems that require extensive veterinary care. Medical problems like this can be fatal.
- Also, be wary of toys that have small components, such as plastic eyes, that the cat can release and swallow.
- If you're not sure which toy is right for your cat, talk to your vet or visit a local pet store for advice.
Step 3. Schedule regular playtime with the cat
Cats tend to be very independent and can entertain themselves. However, he still needs regular interaction with you to bond and like you. Cats tend to be most active in the early morning and late evening, so it's best to schedule playtime with them during these times.
- If your work schedule allows, schedule playtime in the early morning and evening, with 5 to 15 minute play sessions. Keep in mind that an older or overweight cat won't be strong enough to play with it for long.
- Whenever you play with a cat, make sure your playtime is at the same time every day. This will give him something to look forward to, and will help develop and maintain regular, positive sessions to bond with him.
Step 4. Maintain a feeding schedule
You may not realize it, but feeding your cat is an opportunity to bond with it. In addition, it is very important for the cat to see you as a source of food. For this reason, it's a good idea to feed your cat at specific times each day, rather than leaving her food out for the rest of the day.
- Ideally, the main ingredient of cat food should be protein, such as turkey or chicken.
- Since many types of cat food are available at local supermarkets and pet stores, talk to your veterinarian to determine what type of food is good for your cat. Depending on your cat's age and health status, some foods will be better than others.
- How often you feed your cat will depend on its age. Kittens up to 6 months old should be fed 3 times a day. Cats aged 6 months to 1 year are enough to be fed twice a day. Cats over the age of one year should be fed once a day.
- Certain health problems, such as diabetes, can also affect how often you feed your cat.
- The amount of food your cat will eat will depend on several factors, such as size, activity level and age. While there is no “general” approach to how much you should feed your cat, there are some general weight-based recommendations for dry food: 2.5 kg (1/4 to 1/3 cup), 5 kg (3/8). to 1/2 cup), and 7.5 kg (1/2 to 3/4 cup).
- Talk to your vet about the amount and type of food to give your cat at feeding time.
Step 5. Give the cat a treat
Giving your cat an occasional treat can be a good way to get your cat to like you. Snacks should be a small part of a cat's diet (10% to 15% of their daily food intake) because they provide very little nutrition. A general rule of thumb for giving your cat treats is no more than 2 to 3 times per week.
- Cat treats are available at your nearest pet store and supermarket.
- Generally, do not give human food to cats. In fact, some human foods (such as grapes, onions, and raisins) are harmful to cats and should be avoided.
- Catnip is a great treat for cats.
- Snacks are usually useful when rewarding good behavior.
Step 6. Pet the cat
Petting is another great way to bond with your cat and get him to like you. Cats like to be petted near their scent glands: under their chin, behind their ears, on their cheeks under their whiskers, and at the base of their tails. Cats will love to rub these areas against you or furniture to mark their territory. He also likes it when you pet him in those areas.
- Keep in mind that cats don't want to be petted all the time, or for long periods of time, even when they seem comfortable and calm. If his body language indicates that he's overstimulated by petting (dilated pupils, hair twitching, and tail wagging like a dog), or if he's trying to get away from you, leave him alone. Let him determine how comfortable the stroke you give.
- As you pet it, run your hands over the areas your cat likes. You can even talk to him in a calm, gentle voice to make the process enjoyable for both of you.
- In addition to petting the cat, consider combing it, if it allows you. Combing your cat is a way for you to learn the areas your cat likes and doesn't like to touch.
Step 7. Have a quiet interaction with the cat
This can be especially useful if you have a timid or nervous cat. Keeping the interaction quiet and calm will help him get closer to you and become more comfortable with you. Examples of these quiet interactions include sitting quietly on the floor or reading a book on the couch when the cat is with you in the room.
Part 2 of 2: Avoiding What Cats Don't Like
Step 1. Don't pet the cat's belly
Knowing what your cat doesn't like will prevent you from doing things that could risk a bond with her. Unlike dogs, cats usually don't like being petted on the stomach. In fact, if you try to stroke his belly, he will instinctively show a defensive reaction by pulling out his paws and trying to bite you.
- In the wild, cats know that they can be predators and prey at the same time. The stomach contains the most important organs, so if you touch his belly when he doesn't realize your good intentions, his prey mentality will be provoked and he will do everything to protect that area.
- When a cat is on its back and showing its belly, it may feel very calm and comfortable in its environment. However, he may show a defensive attitude. Just to be on the safe side, don't misinterpret the cat's behavior when showing its belly as an invitation to pet it.
- While some cats don't mind petting their tummy, it's best to avoid this area and pet your cat only where she likes to be touched.
Step 2. Don't force interaction with your cat
As mentioned earlier, follow the cat's whims to find out how much it wants to interact with you. Forcing your cat to play with or trying to pet him when he doesn't want to be petted will make your cat less likely to like you. He may even be afraid of you because he doesn't believe that you will respect his desire to be alone.
- Just like showing your cat's affection through body language (such as purring and nodding), he can also show that he's had enough playtime and wants to be alone. For example, if he starts growling, hissing, or spitting, leave him alone until he calms down.
- Cats can also get tired from playing and they will stop on their own.
- Avoiding forced interactions is especially important if your cat is timid.
Step 3. Don't yell or punish the cat physically
Punishing a cat physically isn't effective because he won't be able to make the connection between his behavior and your punishment. Instead, consider giving him some alone time. When you give him some alone time, you can leave the room without talking to him or interacting with him. Before long, he will realize that certain behaviors will stop you from interacting with him (a negative outcome in his mind) and will stop the behavior.
- Physically punishing the cat will make him fear and wary of you.
- Instead of yelling at him, you can try giving him a firm "no" when he's exhibiting bad behavior.
Tips
- Be patient! Your cat will determine how much he wants and when he decides to be close to you, so don't rush and force the process.
- Keep in mind that not all cats like to be cuddled or picked up. Pay attention to your cat's body language to determine if he wants or likes to be cuddled.
- If there are several people in the house, know that cats will not bond the same way with every member of your family. He may like or bond with one person more than the other.
- While catnip can add to a cat's enjoyment of playtime, not all cats react the same way to catnip. Some cats will calm down, while others will be overstimulated and begin to play aggressively. Watch your cat to see how it reacts to catnip.
- If your cat doesn't want to be around you, consider talking to your vet or cat behaviorist for additional guidance on how to bond with your cat.
- When a cat pulls his face and looks down, he usually wants to have time to relax.
