Cats are popular pets and love to be a part of your home and family. However, cats need practice to make interactions between cats and humans easier, and you should also gain an understanding from previous owners of whether cats can relate to humans. With proper training, human support, and a great deal of patience, all cats can feel comfortable and happy in almost any environment.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Bringing the Cat Home
Step 1. Make room for the cat the first time you bring it home
Give your cat a day to explore the house. That way, the cat will get used to his new home and environment.
Step 2. Approach the cat slowly and carefully
Walk towards the cat gently. Pay attention to the cat's body language, whether the cat is showing signs of fear, anxiety, or is interested and curious. Each cat will react differently and show signs when it starts to feel comfortable.
Step 3. Pet the cat
Start by stroking the underside of the cat's chin. Continue by stroking his stomach and scratching under his chin.
Part 2 of 4: Making Friends with Cats
Step 1. Make the bond as early as possible, if possible
Cats will learn to socialize when they reach 2 to 9 weeks of age. If you keep or befriend a cat during this time, it will be easier to develop a relationship with the cat.
Make the interaction positive. Cuddle, praise, and play with the cat as much as she wants unless it threatens her safety or well-being. Avoid all situations that could cause pain or negativity for the cat. Show that you can be trusted and love him
Step 2. Let the cat approach you
Cats are independent and solitary animals if they so choose. Don't take it as a sign that the cat doesn't like you. If your cat decides to be in the same room as you, it means that she's curious about you, even if she doesn't approach you right away.
- Ignore the cat. When a cat you don't recognize walks into the room you're in, acknowledge its presence by looking at it for a moment, but after that, ignore it and don't make long eye contact.
- Don't stare at the cat. Prolonged eye contact is considered a threat to some animal species. When you look at a cat and it stares at you, look back at it and blink slowly a few times, then look away. By doing this, you show that you are not a threat to the cat.
- Try sitting or lying on the floor. Humans are very tall when compared to cats. As a result, we can intimidate cats when we stand or sit on furniture and approach them. To make yourself more approachable, consider sitting or lying on the floor while petting or playing with him. This can make the cat more comfortable.
Step 3. Play with the cat
One way to interact with a shy and curious cat is to play with it.
- Try using a stick. Sticks can be great for cats to play with because they can create some distance between you and your cat while interacting. If these stick toys aren't available, try using yarn or make your own with a piece of string tied to a long stick.
- Don't rough the cat. Humans are strong and large creatures from the point of view of a cat so that it can trigger their instincts as game animals. When we abuse a cat, we run the risk of scaring it or teaching it aggressive behavior.
- When playing with a cat, never touch, throw, pinch, or engage in any other behavior that is seen as a threat. Also, don't tickle your cat's belly, as this can trigger an attack response even if your cat is calm and kind.
Step 4. Give treats
Archaeologists tell us that cats were first domesticated because humans offered gifts of food or crumbs that encouraged cats to stay with humans. Giving the same food or treats can also help strengthen the bond between you and your cat even if it's a modernly domesticated one.
Do not give human food. Giving your cat human food can lead to bad behavior like begging, stealing food, or scavenging leftovers in the kitchen when you're not watching them. Plus, human food will make the cat's digestion bad and cause poisoning. Always provide food and treats made especially for cats to eat
Step 5. Let the cat sniff or lick
Animals have unique glands on the roof of their mouths that can help smell and identify humans and other animals. The sensitive area around a cat's nose can track different types of scent. This means that sometimes the cat will lick and sniff you to get acquainted. Licking can also be an “allo-grooming” behavior (behavior when cats lick each other to socialize) as a sign of affection.
- Don't hug him. Sniffing for a cat is an introduction. For example, when interacting with someone, you will be labeled rude if someone asks your name and you hug them instead. Don't hold or cuddle your cat when he's showing interest through a sniff.
- Don't move suddenly. Cats can be game animals in the wild and have the instinct to run away when a larger animal suddenly moves. Don't trigger this panic response, as cats will feel agitated and startled if they are around people.
Step 6. Do not stroke until prompted
Just because a cat is near you doesn't mean it's asking you to pet it. Pay attention to his body language and voice to see when you can pet him and give him attention.
- Be aware of the cat's begging behavior. Cats are animals that like to show that they are affectionate when they want food or petting. Below are some characteristics to note:
- Heading: Heading is the behavior in which a cat pokes our hands or feet when it wants our attention. Cats have scent glands on their chins and the top of their heads that they rub against the people they like and want to have.
- Body scrubbing. Cats that want petting often rub their bodies against our feet or roll their tails around their feet. You could say he stroked a human with his body.
- Sit on the lap. When a cat wants human affection, it will sit near us or on our lap by itself.
- Stretch the body. Some cats stretch while standing or lying on the floor as a sign that they are relaxed and encourage humans to pet them. Just remember that even if it looks like a cat's belly is not the place to start petting it.
- Chirping or barking. Cats don't make a lot of noise when communicating with other cats. However, cats have a complex voice “relationship” with their owners. Cats don't usually use direct lingual communication. However, cats do learn to use the right pitch of voice and pitch to communicate their desires and attitudes toward humans.
Step 7. Provide a safe place for the cat
Whenever you befriend a cat, make sure it has access to a safe and accessible place whenever it feels tired, confused, or scared.
- Do not pull or remove the cat from its safe place. When your cat gets into a safe area, he's letting you know that he's overwhelmed and needs rest. Removing a cat from its safe place when it is frightened can stop the cat from believing that it has a hiding place, which can lead to anxiety and bad behavior such as scratching or marking its territory.
- Don't corner the cat. Let him move freely throughout the house, even if you don't want to stop interacting. Remember that letting your cat go means that she will visit you again, not be afraid of you and reject your friendship.
Part 3 of 4: Befriending an Adopted Cat or an Outcast Cat
Step 1. Know the difference between an “outcast” and a “wild” cat
An “outcast” cat refers to a cat that is discarded and has socialized with humans. “Wild” cats refer to cats that socialize without human contact.
- Pay attention to the condition and appearance of the cat. Dirty or dirty looking cats are usually abandoned cats who have been neglected and have never learned how to clean themselves outside the home environment.
- Do not approach stray cats directly. Stray cats are born on the streets and grow up far from socializing with humans. In fact, these cats usually show no interest in human socialization, are wild by nature, and should be treated in the same way as animals such as foxes or raccoons which are notorious for having rabies.
Step 2. Store food outside
Discarded or stray cats like to scavenge. Therefore, these cats will accept cat food if offered.
- Put the food down when you see it. If the cat approaches you, remove the food. Store food in a safe and open place while using a soft voice to talk to the cat.
- Give him space. After unloading the food, step back at least 18 meters or more if possible so the cat won't feel threatened. If your cat is interested in the food, you may notice a nodding motion when your cat smells the food in the air.
- If the cat approaches, continue to talk to him in a soothing tone. Talk while he eats and pay attention to his body language. Does the tail move gently and casually or is it flat? Are the ears moving or are they still pointing backwards? If your cat's body language is characterized by a relaxed tail movement and ear twitching, it means that the outcast cat is paying attention to you and can be approached gradually.
- Make a routine. If you put food in at the same time each day, your cat will begin to expect this behavior and may even wait for you to take it out. After a few days, you will begin to be able to approach the cat while it eats. Try to reduce the distance by a few meters each time he feeds him. If you get to a place where the cat looks like she's trying to get away or doesn't want to eat, slowly back away a few feet until she starts eating again.
Step 3. Capturing the cat may be necessary
It is very important to ensure that stray cats are neutered to prevent an increase in the homeless cat population. Capturing the cats is often necessary in order to bring these cats in for surgery. This method is also a way to catch an abandoned cat for adoption or a doctor's examination.
- Cages can be rented at animal groups, usually for a refundable deposit. Store food in the back of the cage and place the cage in an area frequented by stray or stray cats. Check back every four hours or every morning after setting the trap to see if the cat has been caught.
- Feral cats can be very aggressive in a cage and will require special handling, such as gloves and blankets to cover the cage.
Step 4. Be patient
An abandoned cat usually behaves this way because it has been abused or abandoned by its previous owner. This means that he will most likely be afraid of humans.
- For abandoned cats, re-engaging with humans can be a lengthy process, depending on factors such as age, length of time in the human home, and the mistreatment received.
- An outcast cat will often be loyal to its owner, but because of the neglect and abuse it has experienced, but will be afraid if someone else visits your home. It's a good idea to tell the guest how to interact with the cat to avoid stress or misunderstandings.
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Cats
Step 1. Understand that cats can feel love
Even though their independence shows apathy and lack of affection, cats actually have the same chemical response in their brains when they have positive interactions with humans and other friendly animals, and can strengthen bonds with humans and other cats.
The love response is made of oxytocin, a chemical that the brain produces when we experience strong attachments
Step 2. Listen to the cat
Cats are smart enough to master vocalizations with their owners, if their owners pay attention.
- What sounds do cats make in response to activities such as eating? Indulging on the couch? Played? When he wants to sit on your lap? Pay attention to the cat's vocalizations to better understand what your cat is trying to say.
- Snoring can mean something else. Research hasn't confirmed why cats purr. We know mother cats do it when they feed their babies. We also know that cats purr when they are happy. However, cats also purr when trying to calm themselves, even during childbirth. When a cat purrs, pay attention to the context and this can help explain the purpose of the purr.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cat's body language
A tail pointing up means “Hello! I'm friendly." Tail pointing down means "I'm on the hunt or not interested in interacting at the moment". A look means “I don't know how I feel about you, and I might be a little worried”. A long, slow wink means “I feel comfortable around you. You are my friend''. Lying down and stretching means “I feel calm and want to be stroked”. Lying with your ears turned back and a rigid posture means "I'm so scared and will kick, scratch or bite if you get close".
There are some cat responses that are general and some are specific to each individual. Some cats puff out their chests slightly when they are being pampered or want some affection (usually associated with aggressiveness and fear). Some cats will hold you tightly with their paws while trying to get your attention to be picked up, petted, or fed (can also be a sign of unhappiness or aggressiveness). Be sure to pay attention to your cat and study its behavior
Step 4. Accept that the cat will be curious
The cat considers a closed door a personal challenge. He will try to enter because he is curious. Likewise with closets, drawers, wardrobes, and other closed storage areas.
- If the area is not allowed for cats to leave because it's dangerous for them, install a child lock or a round door leaf so he can't pull it open.
- If the area is harmless but the cat shouldn't go there unsupervised, try giving the cat regular time in the room under supervision so he can explore and understand it. This will satisfy his curiosity and prevent him from coming every time you open the door.
- Think of your cat when making difficult choices. Cats get bored easily and need stimulation that can satisfy their natural instincts. No matter where you live, the location of the furniture in the house, and the windows in the room can play an important role in creating a cat-friendly environment. Below are some considerations to think about:
- Do you live in a place where your cat can sit back or look out the window? Cats will find ways to sit by the window and look out, even at the expense of curtains and other necessary furniture in this room. Try to provide your cat with a window seat by using a board under the window or placing a table under the window so the cat can sit and rest.
- Can you arrange furniture and shelves to let the cat perch on top of the room? Cats in the wild like to climb trees when they want to sleep safely or feel threatened. Place a scratching post near a bookshelf or window. If near a window, place the board above the window where the scratching post can reach. Now, when your cat is feeling insecure and wants to go to sleep, she can climb to higher ground and feel more confident.
Step 5. Accept that the cat will climb on anything
Cats are active animals, especially at night, and will climb, run, and play around the house.
- Does the sofa you want have cat-safe materials? Thin and tearable materials such as microsuede or woven, and tearing materials such as brocade can be easily crushed by an active cat. Opt for something like duck canvas or velor, or buy a sofa cover for everyday use.
- Do you have a rake? Cats have scent glands in their paws and tend to scratch in frequently traveled areas to alert animals and others that they are in control of the room. If you see your cat scratching at something it shouldn't, place a scratching post in the area or consider managing the room so that it can be placed in an area that is frequented by people or near an open and closed door. You can also put double tips on the sides of furniture and so on to prevent cats from scratching them.
