How To Bond With Your Cat

Cats may be selective when it comes to who they regard to be their friends. For our part, as their guardians, we would want nothing more than to snuggle and play with them. What is the best way to go about doing that with a cat who is apprehensive? Here’s how to develop a strong friendship with your cat!

Give Your Cat Their Own Space

When you first meet a cat or welcome one into your house, you should take it gradually and offer them lots of room to roam about. While you may be tempted to take them up and hug them right away, your cat may have other ideas in mind. One of the best ways to help your cat feel more safe in your house is to provide him or her with a room that is exclusively theirs. A cat cave, or simply a cardboard box with cut-outs for the entrance and exit, would enough to keep your cat safe.

Try to Maintain Some Consistency

Cats, being animals of habit, find comfort in routine and regularity in their lives. It is tough for them to acclimate to a new environment in which there are several new sights, scents, and even tastes to discover and experience. Maintaining as much stability as possible throughout your cat’s transfer into a new home can aid in the smooth adjustment. To avoid having to adjust to a new diet, continue to feed your cat the same food that they were eating while they were at the shelter or rescue center.

Let Them Initiate Bonding

Allow your cat to decide when they’re ready to form a relationship with you. It is possible that some cats will be eager to get to know you right away, while other cats may need many weeks to establish any form of relationship. Here are some indications that your cat is ready to begin connecting with you:

Kneading
Bunting (rubbing your forehead with theirs)
Kneading Purring
Sitting near you or on you
Being affectionate

Recognize When to Take a Step Back

Knowing when to back off is also important in developing a healthy relationship with your cat. If you continuously attempting to start contact with a cat that is not interested in interacting, you run the danger of causing a bonding breakdown. The following are examples of signs that your cat does not want to interact:

Twitching tail, flattened ears, dilated pupils, and purring are all signs of a happy cat.

Yes, purring might be a sign that you need to take a step back from the situation. While purring might indicate that your cat is content in some situations, it can also indicate that your cat requires more room. As a self-soothing mechanism, cats purr. If you observe your cat’s purring is accompanied by other indicators of stress, such as flattened ears, you should maintain a safe distance from him.

Encourage Your Cat to Come to You

There are certain things you can do to make interaction between you and your cat more comfortable, even if you shouldn’t try to push it. We strongly advise you to give your cat some goodies on a regular basis. To begin, try presenting them to them with an outstretched hand. If your cat appears to be interested, place some snacks on your lap for him to enjoy.

It’s possible that’s all it takes to get your cat to sit in your lap! Another approach for making contact is to play with a gadget that doesn’t require your hands, such as a laser pointer. The presence of your cat in a space is therefore linked to a good emotion, such as that of enjoyment.

Expect Setbacks

It will take time for you to develop a strong bond with your cat, therefore patience is required. Expect setbacks and maintain an optimistic attitude. In no time at all, you and your cat will become the greatest of buddies! Next Article2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Parents

Three Secrets to Building a Better Bond with Your Cat

A veterinarian shares his insights on the thoughts and feelings of your kitty companion. Each product that we showcase has been picked and vetted by our editorial staff after being thoroughly researched and tested. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links on this page, we may receive a commission. Bringing a new pet into your house is an exciting and important occasion. Cats are notoriously difficult to adjust to, but you should begin to form a relationship with them as soon as possible, since this is beneficial to both of you.

For example, an older cat may want more space in the beginning, but you might begin showering attention on a tiny kitten straight away to help acclimate them to humans.
Over time, this will result in a stronger relationship between the two of you “he continues.
However, if you follow the cat’s example, you will be able to create a fulfilling and enduring bond.
a cat curled up in a woman’s lap

Establish a Routine

“When you first bring your cat home, establish a schedule for him. Routine is a cat’s best friend, especially for elderly cats “Venator expresses his thoughts on the subject. “Try to develop a schedule as soon as possible to not only strengthen your relationship with them but also to keep your cat healthy.” That include maintaining a consistent daily routine of meal time, play time, alone time (especially important if you work outside the home), and even time set aside for cleaning teeth, if necessary.

Serve Their Regular Meals and Treats

Food may be a powerful incentive for cats, so it’s critical to pick the correct food for your feline friend. In addition to being very nutritious, it should also be suited for their life stage and health requirements. Kittens, for example, should be fed kitten-specific food until they reach the age of one year. Older cats may require special diet to aid in the management of their urinary tract health, the reduction of hairballs, or the promotion of improved dental health. In the words of Venator, “feeding your cat is a proven method to establish a deep relationship with your cat.” In the words of the author, “Cats will immediately link their owner with something nice like tasty snacks or a satisfying dinner.” If anyone in the home has a cat allergy, there are dietary alternatives that can lessen the allergens found in a cat’s fur as well as the allergens found in its fur.

For example, if you adopt a cat and later discover that someone in your home has cat allergen sensitivities, feeding your new cat Purina Pro Plan LiveClear ($21.58, chewy.com), the first and only cat food shown to reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander, can help manage those sensitivities, says the expert.

Besides providing a nutritious meal for your cat, you’re also providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for them and your loved ones, according to the experts.

Enjoy Play Time Together

Games and activities are another excellent approach to strengthen a family’s closeness. In order for cats to be able to act on their natural hunting instincts, it is important to give toys and activities that allow them to express themselves. ‘It might be a simple object like an empty box that they can use to play hide and seek with, or a wand toy that helps them feel more confident and makes them look forward to spending time with you,’ Venator suggests. “By scheduling frequent playing with your cat, you will not only establish a healthy habit, but you will also develop a deep, loving attachment with your cat that will last for years.”

Signs of a Better Bond

Keep an eye out for these nonverbal signs from cats, which may often be more subtle than those from dogs: “In the event that your cat follows you and prefers to spend time with you, this is a clear indication that they are feeling attached to you. Aside from the cat resting on your lap or napping in locations where your scent is greatest, there are several other vital signals that you and your cat have successfully formed a link “Venator expresses his thoughts on the subject. “Headbutting and cheek rubbing are both basic feline habits that are acquired and displayed throughout the kitten years, which may seem strange to the inexperienced cat owner.

Is the cat trying to get your attention?

15 Fun Ways to Bond with Your Cat

Forming a bond with your cat is a vital step toward achieving a peaceful living situation. To bond is to establish a personal relationship between you and your furry buddy that is based on mutual love, trust, and respect. Bonding with a new kitten is the most straightforward process, but you may also form a deep attachment with a new adult cat. Try some of these entertaining activities to build your friendship with your cat: 1. Have a conversation with your cat. One of the most fundamental parts of bonding is the ability to communicate verbally!

2.
3.
It’s no secret that cats are creatures of habit, and they don’t appreciate being surprised.
This involves feeding your cat at the same time every day, playing with toys, and going on walks with your cat in your company.
Maintain consistency.
It is not acceptable to scold at your cat for being on the kitchen counter one day and then tolerate it the next.
5.

If you play with your cat using wand toys, laser pointers, or toys on strings, he will learn to equate you with having a good time.

Never, ever hit or otherwise penalize your cat.

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, helps them to learn.

Cats, like humans, like being lavished with attention.

As long as you are cautious not to overfeed your feline companion, providing him delectable treats is another method for him to form a favorable association with you and become more attached to you.

Give kitty massage a try.

The lower you are in relation to the earth, the less scary you appear to be to others.

11.Experiment with clicker training!

Clicker training is a method of communicating with your cat that will undoubtedly increase your relationship.

Make mealtimes a memorable occasion.

Instead of filling her dish and leaving her to eat alone, sit with her and pet her as she consumes her food.

Become familiar with your cat’s body language.

Cat body language might help you figure out what she’s trying to express.

Make him as comfortable as possible.

Provide a warm, safe, and loving environment for your cat. Allow your cat to sleep on your bed with you on occasion. What additional methods have you used to form a relationship with your cat? Please tell us! Share this post with your friends and save it to your Pinterest board!

5 Ways To Help Your Cats Bond With Each Other

It’s not always simple to coexist with a large number of cats. It is likely that your cats’ wildcat ancestors were lonely creatures that spent a great deal of their time and energy protecting their territory. In spite of the fact that your domestic cats live inside, where it is comfortable and safe, they nevertheless retain their wildcat territorial instincts. Of course, getting your cats to love and bond with one another isn’t a hopeless endeavor; we’ve all seen heartwarming photographs and videos of cats snuggling up to one another.

Image courtesy of Marnee Pearce on Flickr.
Making sure your cats don’t have to compete for resources such as food, water, the litter box, toys, scratching posts, and bedding is one of the most straightforward methods to keep them from feeling threatened in their territories.
If you keep all of your litter boxes in one room, for example, a more submissive cat may get quite anxious if a more dominant cat is resting in the doorway to the room.
2 – Recognize and reward positive conduct Whereas dogs are driven by the desire to make their owners happy, cats are motivated by the desire to benefit themselves.
On the most basic level, we encourage good behavior in our cats by convincing them that their good actions will be more beneficial to them than their bad behaviors.
Do you see them sitting next to each other without throwing a hissy fit?
Image courtesy of Houser Wolf on Flickr.

If your cats haven’t formed a relationship yet, though, playing with them together may result in further issues since you’ll be creating an environment in which they feel the need to fight over specific toys, which might lead to aggression.

Slowly include duel-cat play sessions into your daily routine, but keep a watchful eye on things to ensure that the playing remains enjoyable rather than competitive.

When cats are linked, they will produce a “group fragrance,” which you will be observing if you notice your cats rubbing up against each other in your presence.

Sharing fragrances helps your cats get more familiar with one another and, as a result, more comfortable in their surroundings.

Allow each of them to take a smell of the brush before brushing.

If she withdraws, hisses, or growls, accept her sentiments and don’t push her to say anything.

rather than this, continue to attempt every day, only brushing the second cat once the reaction is good or neutral, and so on.

When cats are content, they release “happy” pheromones that are spread throughout their surroundings.

Territorial cats can benefit from synthetic feline face pheromones such as ComfortZone, which can help them feel comfortable and relaxed in situations that might otherwise make them feel anxious and threatened (such as co-habitating with another cat).

5 Tips for Bonding with Your Cat with Blink & Carmelita

Cats in the city for the first time Blink and Carmelita can’t get enough of their humans, and it’s not just because they provide them with lots of cuddles and tasty snacks. In 2011, Blink and Carmelita made the transfer from their rural Pennsylvania home to their new home in Brooklyn with their human parents, Emily and Jillian, marking the beginning of their new chapter as city cats. When it comes to moving with cats, it may be stressful for both the animal and the person, but these two made it a priority to assist their fur babies become familiar with their new location and give their routine a boost by spending additional one-on-one time with each of them.

Follow Jillian and Emily’s five tried-and-true cat-human bonding strategies, whether you’re settling your cat into a new home or simply seeking for ways to reconnect with your cat.

Tip 1: Cuddle Time

Sleeping is one of their favorite pastimes, and resting on the sofa with their beloved felines is one of their favorite activities, according to these two people.

Tip 2: Channel Nature

Cats may not be the finest swimmers in the world, but many of them will go to the sink or bathtub to get a drink from the tap. In the wild, cats may be frightened of standing water due to safety concerns, such as the presence of predators or parasites. In the laboratory, cats may be wary of standing water due to their innate inclinations. If your cat appears to be interested in the tub (or sink), try turning the faucet on to a very light drizzle and see if they will lap up any water!

Tip 3: Plenty of Pets

Every cat is an individual, and they may like to be touched in different locations. Similarly, Carm enjoys a nice butt scratch, and Blink enjoys rubbing his head all over your palm in order to get some cranial scratching done. Find out what kind of petting your cat like the most and give them as many excellent rubs as you possibly can!

Tip 4: Treats, Treats, Treats

Giving your cat some delicious goodies is a guaranteed method to demonstrate your affection for them. Whether or not it is bribery, it is effective!

Tip 5: Feline Fashion

Making some tasty snacks for your cat is an excellent way to demonstrate your affection for them. Bribery may be involved, yet it is effective.

How to Bond With Your Cat (And Get Your Cat to Be More Affectionate)

Maintaining a cat’s health, happiness, and comfort is the first step in increasing its friendly behavior. Photo:ibjennyjenny Cats express affection in a variety of ways that are distinct from those displayed by dogs, which might be frustrating for those who were expecting for a cuddly, friendly kitty. Although some cats are quite friendly and would willingly cuddle up on a warm lap, others are adamant about not being handled, lifted up, or hugged at any cost. Here are some suggestions for bonding with your cat and experiencing feline nirvana with him or her.

4 Ways to Bond With Your Cat

Cats, like humans, take pleasure in certain routines. They enjoy the small, modest gestures that you make. “I make it a point to give each of my cats their own unique welcome when I get up or return home, simply to let them know I’m delighted to see them,” says Bartholomew Oliver, a cat rescue worker in the Atlanta region. Some of her cats prefer kisses, while others enjoy buttock scratching, among other things. However, Oliver explains, “whatever their thing is, that’s what they get in the hopes that it would make them feel loved and cherished.” In the words of the author, rituals are “a wonderful way to bond with your cat and convey how much she means to you.” Julia Williams, despite the fact that some people think her tiny cat rituals are ridiculous.

“They are rituals that I do with them on a regular basis, and I feel that my cats would miss them if they were to cease.” “They would be missed by me as well.”

2. Massage your cat.

Massage is a stress-relieving technique that we find beneficial – and cats agree. Cats are extremely anxious, and most people are unaware of this. There are certain dos and don’ts to remember:

Please use the palms of your hands rather than your fingers while squeezing
It is not recommended to use massage oils or lotions.

Maryjean Ballner, a registered massage therapist in the state of New York, has been providing massages to cats for many years. In her words, “Pet an animal and you’ve made a buddy for the day.” In just a few minutes of massaging an animal, you’ve established a buddy for life.” A furious tiger into a docile cat, according to Ballner, may be transformed by massage, as can a fearful cat be socialized by massage. That final one, in particular, makes perfect sense. The first nice touch that a mistreated or badly socialized cat may have ever had may be a massage.

3. Have a daily half-hour play session.

Cat toys provide an opportunity for you to have a more meaningful interaction with your pet. The throwing of a little ball or a crumpled piece of paper may send some cats sprinting across the room like cheetahs, while others are more timid and take their time. In the evening, if at all feasible, try to set aside 30 minutes for playing. It is another another ritual that will help to enhance your relationship.

4. Give your cat the gift of music.

Who knows what will happen? It’s possible that you’ll learn that your cat like music. Through a Cat’s Ear is a CD series developed by producer Joshua Leeds and pianist Lisa Spector, which is available on iTunes. According to the manufacturer, these CDs are “intended to alleviate tension in a hectic or unpleasant environment” and “offer sensory stimulation for your indoor cat.” Take a look at how these pair of inquisitive cuties reacts to music intended for cats:

What About Bonding With a New Cat?

So, you’ve recently acquired a new cat. Congratulations! The process of becoming acquainted with a new cat takes time, but there are several things you can do to expedite the process. The majority of people who get a new cat do so in order to have a companion. The problem is that cats have a reputation for being lonely creatures that aren’t very concerned with developing strong bonds with their owners, which is unfair. The good news is that, while a small number of cats may feel this way, it is entirely dependent on the cat.

Here are a few pointers:

Make your new cat feel safe.

Provide them with a private space where they may relax and feel comfortable.

In the event that you have an extra room, prepare it for them by providing everything they will require, including a litter box, food, water, toys, and bedding. Make sure that your other pets are not allowed to enter this area. You may just create a little space somewhere if you don’t have access to a spare room. Allow your cat to spend the first few days in here, making sure to check in on him or her on a frequent basis to aid in the bonding process.

Give them plenty of space.

If, after the first day or two, your cat begins to feel more at ease, you may let them to roam freely throughout your home, but always provide them access to their “safe area.” This is also one of the most critical stages of the bonding procedure. To avoid making your cat feel overwhelmed, limit your interactions with them to no more than once per few days. When you do, try to put yourself in their shoes and, rather than pressuring them to interact, let them to initiate the conversation. Massage can assist to reduce the tension that your cat is experiencing.

Play with them.

It’s time to start playing with your cat as soon as you believe he or she is comfortable. This is one of the most effective methods of bonding with a new cat. After all, if they were left to their own devices, they would do the same thing to their siblings.

Try to figure out which toys your cat like the most and use these toys at least once or twice a day to engage in playful interaction with him. Your cat will begin to equate being with you with having a good time.

Pet them.

Once your new cat has become accustomed to your presence, you may begin touching them. Grooming is one of the most sociable habits among cats, and when you pet your cat, you are engaging in a behavior that is quite similar (except with your hand instead of your tongue). This implies that it will make them feel comfortable while also plainly demonstrating your objectives to them. While you pat them, speak in a calm, soothing tone to reassure them.

Feeding time is bonding time.

Feeding your new cat is another excellent approach to establish a relationship with him. Choose a certain time of day for feeding and stick to it – your cat will rapidly become accustomed to the new routine. While feeding your cat, make an effort to pet and converse with them, since this will strengthen your attachment. During feeding, the idea is to make your cat feel unique and appreciated. Bringing a new cat into your home to live with your existing cats? Check out our post on preserving the peace in multi-cat households for some helpful tips.

Daniel E.

How to Get Your Cat to Be More Affectionate

If your cat is not naturally loving, there are certain things you can do to strengthen your relationship with them and make your interactions with them more enjoyable. Although your cat is unlikely to ever replace your dog as a continuous friend at your side, you should be able to give and receive affection from your cat at some point. Bonding will continue to be a problem as long as your cat is not comfortable and happy. One approach to elicit affection from your cat is to ensure that they have all they require to be healthy, happy, and comfortable.

Keep the litter box clean on a regular basis
Keep the drinking water fresh
Feed your cat high-quality cat food
Interact with your cat by playing with exciting toys
Provide chances for frequent physical activity.

Despite the fact that cats prefer to sleep in their own beds, you should get a cat bed or have soft bedding accessible for your cat to sleep on. Then try rubbing the bedding against your skin to see if it takes up any of your fragrance. The idea is that your cat will begin to associate the fragrance of your body with their comfortable resting place. When it comes to cats, fragrances rule the day. “Using marking scents, you will become acknowledged as part of their scent domain,” explains Jasmine Kinnear, cat behavior specialist and author of Every Cat Has a Story.

Finally, a scratching post will offer your cat with a safe and enjoyable location to scratch, which will keep them happy and prevent them from scratching the furniture.

Model Affection to Your Cat Using Your Voice and Touch

If your cat doesn’t meet you when you wake up in the morning, go locate them and say hello to them personally. If your cat is hiding, though, don’t bother them by waking them up. They will most likely emerge when they are hungry, and the sound of a bag of food rattling or the sound of the can opener will likely entice them to come out. Pet your cat when you are allowed to do so, and chat to them regularly so that they become acclimated to your presence. In addition to the fact that they will have already formed a good association with you and food, you will make your cat more comfortable in your presence by petting them gently and speaking softly to them.

Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett, a cat behavior specialist, advises readers to “remember that your cat has been alone for hours and will be looking forward to socializing with you.” Cats, like other animals, are creatures of habit, and this is no exception.

It is possible that your cat may become accustomed to your proximity and your touch and will begin to enjoy it and reciprocate your affections. What can I do to make my cat like me? Try playing with a wand toy created specifically for cats to see how well you get along. Photo:Mimzy

Bonding With Your Cat Through Food

Because your cat will be content when you are feeding them, mealtimes are an excellent opportunity to offer your cat some attention.

Make sure the food is in your cat’s dish, and while your cat is eating, softly and unobtrusively pat them
Repeat this process with each meal. When your cat is fed, he or she may come to associate the pleasant feeling they experience with your touch as well.

Bonding With Your Cat Through Toys

In the event that your cat is averse to being picked up, consider playing with them instead:

Toss a wand toy in front of them for them to tug on
Sitting on the floor, if they appear to be at ease in your presence, place them in your lap as you move the toy. As soon as your cat becomes accustomed to your presence while they’re playing, you’ll have more opportunity to pick them up and put them in unfamiliar territory

Sure, it won’t be quite as satisfying as being able to hold and snuggle your cat like a puppy, but it will serve as a type of physical connection between you and your cat. The author of a blog article on the issue adds, “Cats display affection in so many ways, and you might even not see some of the more subtle ones,” according to Johnson-Bennet. “Your cat does not have to be a lap cat in order to be cuddly,” she continues. Despite the fact that she may prefer to sit close to you or even a few inches away from you, this does not rule out friendly behavior.”

Your Secret Weapon for a More Affectionate Cat: Treats and Catnip!

When your cat comes out of hiding and gets close to you, give them a tasty gift to show your appreciation. As previously said, the goal is to teach your cat to link you with pleasant sensations, and they may even begin to seek you out in order to receive additional goodies. Catnip is another option. Simply put, most cats are obsessed with catnip, and it can help them become more sociable and friendlier as a result of their addiction. “Catnip has been shown to be a natural mood booster,” writes Hill’s Petin in a recent blog post.

She may also roll, paw, or massage her face in the area where the catnip is being produced.

Next, while your cat is rolling around and savoring the fragrance of the herb, slip in some light patting for good measure.

It is NOT acceptable to attempt to pet a cat in the manner of a dog to make them more loving with you.

Do You Know How to Pet Your Cat?

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t pet a cat in the same way you would a dog. “I’m sure you’re already aware of this.” Veterinary specialist Dr. Marty Becker states, “Cats are quite particular about where and how they prefer to be stroked.” “Rubber that lovely place between the eyes, or massage them along the spine,” says the author of Scratching Between the Ears. If your cat begins to bang their head on your leg, this is a good indication. Dr. Becker cautions, however, that “avoid the belly and the base of the tail.” When their stomach is threatened, many cats become susceptible, even though you are not a threat to them.” For her part, Johnson-Bennett advises against belly massages for cats, saying that doing so will “prompt a protective response.” Some interesting “cat hacks” from Lifehacker on how to make a cat to like you more may be found in the video below.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Cat to Be More Affectionate

If your cat isn’t interested in cuddling with you, you could feel unappreciated. However, keep in mind that some cats — perhaps even the majority of them — do not express their appreciation in this manner. In reality, Johnson-Bennet explains, “what you may perceive as a cat acting aloof is actually your wonderfully crafted partner being ready for anything.” This does not imply that your cat is aloof or unresponsive when you call her name. Rather, it indicates that she is concentrating on what you are calling her.

Fox, “don’t force” your cat to be more loving when it comes to encouraging him to be more affectionate. Instead, he recommends that you “accept your cat for who she is and relate to her on her terms, caressing and grooming her when she wants,” according to the author.

References

Julia Williams is a writer who lives in the United Kingdom. “Rituals can help you develop a stronger bond with your cat.” Canidae, published on January 30, 2015
Kinnear, Jasmine. Every Cat Has a Story: True Stories Exploring the Spiritual Connection of Felines With Their Beloved Owners is a collection of true stories about cats and their owners. CCB Publishing, 2007. pg=PA143 v=onepage q f=false
Johnson-Bennett, Pam. CCB Publishing, 2007. 143. pg=PA143 v=onepage q f=false
Johnson-Bennett, Pam. Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat — Not a Sour Puss is a book about how to think like a cat. Pam Johnson-Bennett, Pam Johnson-Bennett, Penguin, 2011. “Cat Myth: Cats are fearless and self-sufficient.” Cat Behavior Associates is a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of cat behavior. “The Effects of Catnip on Your Cat,” according to the article. Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Becker, Mary, DVM
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, June 13, 2019. “5 Ways to Turn Your Kitty Into a Lap Cat.” “5 Ways to Turn Your Kitty Into a Lap Cat.” On April 6, 2015, Michael W. Fox, BVetMed, MRCVS, PhD, DSc, wrote an article for Vetstreet. “Can a cat that is not affectionate, but who is extremely active and inquisitive, be trained to be more affectionate?” says the author. The Washington Post published an article on June 20, 2000, titled

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This page was initially published in 2012, however it is still being updated on a regular basis. It was last checked for correctness on May 1, 2020, and it was updated on May 1, 2020.

How To Bond With Your New Cat, According To Experts

Photograph courtesy of Ryan Pierse/Getty Images News courtesy of Getty Images With any new furry buddy you adopt, whether it’s a cat, dog, or other small animal, it’s crucial to establish an emotional relationship with them right away. Animals do, in fact, have personalities, ideas, and emotions, according to scientific evidence. To that end, just like you would with a new human friend, you should spend time getting to know your new animal partner, building a trusting bond, and learning more about their individual character.

Cats have a reputation for being distant, emotionally unavailable, and uninterested creatures, and this is frequently true (unless, of course, food or catnip is involved).

“Cats are really concerned.

“They discover the one person in whom they can place their faith, and that person becomes their universe.” If you’ve recently acquired a kitten, an older cat, a stray cat, or even a timid cat, you may be wondering how to establish the greatest possible relationship with your new pet.

1

Scientists have discovered that humans can’t help but snuggle and gawk at newborn animals — such as kittens — because they resemble us of human infants with their wide eyes and infant-like characteristics, according to their findings. Fortunately, the most effective technique to establish a bond with your kitten is to, well, basically treat them as if they were a baby. If you’re connecting with kittens, DiGenova recommends handling and holding the kittens, as well as allowing them to gaze at you and look into your eyes.

She notes that simple actions such as cuddling and caressing them as you watch Netflix might help children become more outgoing and nice with others.

2

Although it may be tempting to lavish attention on your cat, DiGenova advises that if you genuinely want to bond with a newly acquired adult cat, you should give them some space. As she says, “if you adopt a cat that is four months old or older, you should let them make the decisions.” “Initially, all you want to do is hold them when you first bring them home from the hospital. However, if you are able to resist and let the cat to come to you when they are in need of love, as well as enable them to demonstrate their want to communicate, the relationship you develop will be far stronger.” Cats, like people, require time to themselves.

You should allow your cat time to acclimatize to their new habitat and surrounds, as well as you, if you want to strengthen your relationship with them.

3

If your cat is not in the mood to be petted, held, or touched in any way, he or she will communicate this to you through their nonverbal communication. In an interview with Pet MD, Dr. Ryane E. Englar, an assistant professor and clinical education coordinator at the University of Kansas College of Veterinary Medicine, explained that signs of an unhappy cat include “flattened ears, an aggressively twitching tail, and super dilated pupils.” The bottom line is that by respecting the boundaries of your new feline buddy, they will feel more comfortable around you.

4

According to DiGenova, “hiding is essentially a type of enrichment for cats,” which means that it is essential to your cat’s overall well-being and mental health. As a result, be sure to offer your new cat with a cozy space of their own. “If you’re going to keep your cat in a spare room, I usually recommend setting up a cat carrier with a comfy bed, toys, and catnip. Assume they are thinking about their safety in that cat carrier, “She goes on to explain that this is particularly important for timid or frightened cats.

5

Generally speaking, lowering one’s self to the level of another is a terrible thing. “Get down on her level and sit calmly, allowing her to approach and welcome you at her will,” Abigail Geer, the co-founder ofMino Valley Farm Sanctuary, wrote in a 2013 piece for Care2 that “the lower you are, the less scary you will come across.”

6

When it comes to building trust between you and your cat, DiGenova recommends the following steps “Maintain a consistent daily routine. Routine is crucial for all cats, but it is especially vital for elderly cats. Try to establish a routine for feeding them and putting them to bed at the same time every day.” In fact, consistency is so vital to a cat’s health that according to a 2011 research, even healthy cats will seem unwell if their habit is disrupted. As a result, when you adopt a new feline companion, try to create a pattern as soon as possible in order to not only bond with them but also to maintain your cat healthy.

7

In an information sheet, the Human Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) describes what it is and what it does “Even if your cat is extremely scared of you, spending time in the room with them while you chat, sing, or read aloud can help them become accustomed to you being in their environment. Just having your laptop in the room and surfing the internet for a time will assist the cat realize that you’re safe and sound.” Developing trust with a cat begins with understanding their boundaries and not overwhelming them in their new home.

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Maybe the preconception that your cat will love you more if you offer them goodies is just a little bit accurate. When you initially bring home a new cat, DiGenova advises that you “ensure that you are the source of nothing but pleasant and tasty things, such as nice food.” For shy cats that still prefer to spend the most of their time in their carrier, she recommends just feeding them some tuna and walking away.

“Your cat will know that if they see or hear you, they will receive something delicious that will not startle them,” she explains.

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Animals are sentient animals that can detect whether you’re putting out any effort to help them feel happy and secure in their environment. As a result, you may need to make special arrangements for cats that have special requirements. In order to make your cat’s house pleasant, DiGenova suggests that you install cat steps to help them go onto your bed or increase their food dish so that they can eat without straining their joint muscles. Furthermore, “consistency is vital,” particularly for cats with handicap and blind kittens in particular.

For this reason, if you have a dog and you’re adopting a cat that was previously abandoned, make certain that your cat has vertical territory “a cat tree or a book shelf, for example.

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“Cats are predators and prey at the same time, but they are more confident when they believe they are in the role of predator. Because you’re not approaching the cat with your hands or your body, utilizing a wand toy might be a good method to make them feel better about themselves “DiGenova says further. In addition to being interactive, wand toys are a wonderful method to increase their self-confidence and make them look forward to spending time with you. Most importantly, bear in mind that cats are individuals with distinct personalities, and that it is essential to keep this in mind while determining the best approach to bond with your feline companion.

Why don’t people understand the glory of cats?

Cats and the people who care for them are a misunderstood species. That’s what I discovered when I wrote “Why cats never became man’s best friend,” in which I explained how the newly sequenced cat genome indicates that, when compared to dogs, domesticated house cats are only partially tamed. The response on Quartz’s Facebook page was overwhelming. The post generated roughly 1,700 comments, which was more than any other post on Quartz’s Facebook page has received in its entire history. What was it that sparked this outburst of emotion?

On the surface, dog owners appear to be less sensitive than those who care about their pets.
So, what is it about cat people that makes them appear so sensitive?
Studies have shown that cat people are more prone to anxiousness and moodiness than the pro-canine crowd, according to the findings.
Whether intentionally or unconsciously, the media and society appear to take pleasure in rubbing this uncertainty in their faces.
However, on one issue at least, the cat people are not as insane as the caricature would have you believe.

And this may help to explain why cat owners appear to have such a strong emotional attachment to their cats.

How cats domesticated themselves

Photographed by Flickr user Lauri Rantala (This image has been cropped; the original may be seen here: Although house cats share genetically with their wild counterparts, they nevertheless have a significant genetic advantage over dogs, as recently discovered by a recent sequencing of the cat genome(paywall). Cats and wild cats are quite different creatures, and the contrasts between them reveal a great deal about the history of human-cat relations. In the Library of Congress’ Harry Whittier Frees collection Cats dressed as humans were funny back in 1914.

Approximately 9,000 years ago, as grain production spread over the Fertile Crescent, scientists believe wild cats began encountering humans more frequently as they targeted the rodent populations that flooded granaries after harvests, according to their findings.
Our modern-day house cats are descended from the progeny of those who possessed genes that permitted them to live in the vicinity of people for extended periods of time.
Reuters/Pilar Olivares, Reuters Domingo Pianezzi, a Peruvian surfer, rides a wave at the San Bartolo beach in Lima, accompanied by a cat named Nicolasa, a surfer’s companion.
House cats have become tamed, although only to a limited extent as a result of human selection in breeding (pure breeding began only 200 years ago).
For a domesticated animal, cats exhibit amazing self-control in comparison to practically every other domesticated species.” “Most people travel where they want, when they want, and, most importantly, they pick their own companions,” Bradshaw wrote in the Post.
Because house cats continue to breed with wild populations, their hunting abilities have been largely unaffected by the introduction of domestic cats.

They have not developed in a way that makes them more reliant on people for sustenance, in contrast to the majority of dogs.

In pop culture, dogs are heroes, cats are zeroes

This photograph by Flickr user Hannes Engelbrecht (which has been cropped; it is accessible at to cats’ remaining wildness could have something to do with the way they are often represented. One of the most vehement sources of animosity for cat people is a dog-cat rivalry that is stoked by the media and popular culture, and which nearly invariably favors dogs. Compare and contrast Garfield, theCheshire Cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, Azreal, Lucifer, Tom, Si, and Am with Lassie, Toto, Air Bud, Benji, and Max.

Cats, by a long shot.
However, the media is persistent in reviving these norms (including my own: dogs, as my previous title suggested, are “man’s best buddy,” while cats, as my previous headline referred, are “man’s best frenemy”).
In fact, according to a recent study(paywall), news stories about dogs are more likely to be picked up by the media than stories that are not about dogs.
Occasionally, all of the above are true.

Meowing martyrs

Suzi Duke is a Flickr user. (This image has been cropped; it is accessible at) Pope Gregory IX brings you this message. This whole “hating on cats” thing isn’t all that unique, you know. Pope Gregory IX, who said in 1233 that the Devil appeared in the appearance of a black cat during Satanic masses, is widely regarded as the actual originator of the notion. The Catholic Church tortured and murdered cat owners all throughout Europe on the grounds of witchcraft. Because keeping cats may result in your being burnt at the stake, people began to butcher domestic cats, a tendency that was exacerbated by the widespread belief that cats were responsible for the Black Death, which began devastating Europe in the mid-1300s.

It wasn’t just Catholics who had a soft spot for cats, though; during Queen Elizabeth I’s coronation ceremonies, a cat was burned alive (which was really entertaining!).

Cats continue to be subjected to torture and persecution, which does not appear to be the case for dogs. To provide an example, individuals could say the following about certain dog breeds—such as pit bulls or poodles, for example—but not about dogs in general:

Dogs, the people-pleasers

In light of this, it’s hardly surprise that cat lovers have grown tired of debating the widely held belief that dogs are more charitable in spirit than cats. Furthermore, this prejudice is unjustified from a scientific standpoint. Remember that dog genes have been moved about for millennia in order to meet the wants of humans. People have been burning and brutalizing cats for thousands of years. But dogs have been at their sides doing everything from retrieving ducks to hunting foxes to eliminating enemies of the Hun, to mention a few of the talents they were bred for.

Again, house cats are mostly a product of natural selection rather than artificial selection—you could say that they domesticated themselves.

Dogs have been raised to satisfy people since they were originally domesticated between 11,000 and 16,000 years ago, when they were first tamed from prehistoric wolves.

According to Mikel Delgado, a biologist at the University of California, Berkeley who also works as a professional cat behavior consultant, the absence of mystery may have something to do with why people in Hollywood, the media, and the general public are more predisposed to bond to dogs than cats.

On the other hand, it is believed that dogs behave on their own whims and are capable of expressing feelings that people recognize as being familiar.

‘They were fed so that they could wrinkle their brows, and we bred them further so that they would mimic our own facial expressions,’ she explains.

A bond of mutual respect

Peretz Partensky, a Flickr user (picture has been cropped; image is also accessible for communication purposes). The result of millennia’s worth of dog gene tinkering, humans have established the gold standard for what activities elicit affection from a companion animal. In fact, according to Bradshaw in this National Geographic interview, canines now naturally regard people differently than they do other dogs. On the other hand, from a genetic standpoint, cats are less hardwired to interact with humans than dogs when they first come out of the box.

Scientists are baffled as to what conduct signals affinity for people in particular.

Cats, on the other hand, are significantly less dependant on their owners than dogs.

As a result, mutual reliance is more balanced than it is with dog ownership; both the pet and the pet owner must try to understand one another, negotiating emotional and physical demands in a manner comparable to that of human companions, according to Bradshaw.

In the meanwhile, it implies that when cats show and receive affection, it is not always in exchange for food or because their DNA is built to do so. It’s most likely because, like people, they are motivated to express themselves.

Cat people: more neurotic than dog people?

Yves Herman for Reuters Cat people, on the other hand, are unique. Although it shouldn’t come as a surprise, just as cats and dogs have distinct personalities, so too do the humans who identify as their guardians. One of the most well-known studies of recent years was conducted by University of Texas psychologist Samuel Gosling and colleagues in 2010. They looked at the personality traits of people who identify as “dog people” and “cat people” among survey respondents from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.

The researchers discovered that cat individuals are also far more creative and intellectually interested than dog people.

According to Delgado, their research also indicated that while both cat and dog owners appear to like their pets, cat owners “may have a somewhat more uneasy connection with their pet than dog owners.” Perhaps this has something to do with the ferocious determination with which Quartz’s cat people readers assert that their cats actually adore and rely on them.

The feline mystique

Photograph courtesy of Philippe Halsman and the Library of Congress Salvador Dali with three flying cats are shown in this 1948 picture. What is more startling, however, is what was found in the comments area at the conclusion of Delgado and Reevy’s poll, in which pet owners of both categories were invited to share their thoughts on their preferred animal. A lot of cat enthusiasts waxed lyrical about their cat’s originality, expressing things like “my cat is the most intelligent.” When it came to dog owners, Delgado found that they tended to either laud their pet’s loyalty or make broad generalizations about alldogs (e.g., “I adore dogs” or “dogs are sweet!”).

Dolly, Boris, Buddi, Cuddles, Snowy, Salem, Isis, George Hubert, and Noodle are just a few of the hundreds of other cats that have been lauded in often TMI-detailed detail.

Because of cats’ independence, lack of transparency, and self-sufficiency, when people ultimately achieve harmony with their feline companion, they have overcome enormous natural obstacles to establish a relationship of mutual respect between them.

Why cats—and not dogs—won the internet

However, it does not appear that cat people are the only ones who respect this independence. It has been cats, not dogs, who have long ago ruled the World Wide Web, creating the LOLCat craze and assisting in the growth of Buzzfeed into a media behemoth. Starting at the very top of the page, clockwise from left to right: Photo courtesy of Flickr user Cherrysweetdeal (micklpickl) (Clancy Ratliff’s “London looks”). Images have been edited for clarity. Clearly, the viral popularity isn’t fueled by a particular breed of pet; according to Gosling’s research, just 11.5 percent of respondents identified as cat lovers, while self-proclaimed dog people account for nearly half of all respondents.

Of course, videos of dogs go viral as well.

No one posts videos on YouTube showing how obedient, nice, or guilty-looking they are; these are all things that are expected of them.

Cats, on the other hand, are just there to be; the captions write themselves when they do.

Dog-shaming, on the other hand, is a one-note joke that capitalizes on the mischief of dopey dogs.

To put it another way, cats outperform dogs on the internet exactly because they are misunderstood—or, to put it another way, because they are so much more difficult to comprehend than dogs are.

Man has created a creature that is more likely to listen to him than to Nature as a result of breeding his own best buddy.

Cats have prevented this from happening, and they continue to choose to adore people. You don’t have to be a cat person to appreciate what they’ve done. This week’s featured image is courtesy of Flickr user cloudzilla. The image has been cropped and sharpened to make it more appealing.

How to Bond With Your Cat