Cats can be independent creatures, and building bonds with them may require patience and effort. Here are some tips that may help you get a cat to like you:
- Give them space: Let the cat approach you on their terms. Avoid chasing or cornering them, as this can make them feel uncomfortable.
- Use a soft voice: Speak to the cat calmly and gently, and avoid making loud or sudden noises, as this can scare them away.
- Offer treats: Give the cat a special treat, such as a small piece of cooked chicken or tuna, to create positive associations with you.
- Play with them: Playtime is a great way to bond with a cat. Use toys like a laser pointer or a wand with feathers to engage them in play.
- Offer to groom: Brushing or petting a cat can help them relax and feel comfortable around you.
- Be patient: Building a relationship with a cat takes time. Don’t rush it; allow the cat to approach you when they feel comfortable.
Tips on How to Get a Cat to Like You
Let the Cat Come to You
Allowing the cat to approach you on their terms can help build trust and positive relationships. Cats are naturally curious but can also be cautious, so avoiding forcing them to interact with you is important. Instead, make yourself approachable by sitting or lying down near the cat and letting them come to you. This can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in your presence.
Use a Soft and Gentle Voice
Speaking to a cat softly and gently can help them feel relaxed and comfortable around you. Cats have sensitive hearing and can be easily startled by loud or sudden noises. You can help create a peaceful and welcoming environment by speaking to them calmly and soothingly. This can also help to build trust and make the cat more receptive to your presence. So, if you want a cat to like you, try using a soft and gentle voice when interacting with them.
Offer Treats
Treats can be an effective way to get a cat to like you. Treats can help create a positive association with you and can also be a great way to reward good behavior. For example, when offering treats to a cat, make sure to choose something they enjoy, such as a small piece of cooked chicken or fish.
Avoid giving them too many treats, which can upset their stomach and lead to weight gain. You can also use treats to help train your cat, such as teaching them to come when called or to use a scratching post.
Play With Them
Playing with a cat can be a great way to build a bond with them and get them to like you. Cats are natural hunters and love to play, so providing them with toys and engaging them in play can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and the cat. Some popular toys for cats include wand toys with feathers or strings, balls, and laser pointers.
Use gentle movements when playing with your cat, and avoid being too rough or aggressive. You can also vary the type of play you engage in, such as chasing, pouncing, or batting, to keep your cat interested. For example, regularly playing with your cat can help build a strong bond and create a positive relationship that will last a lifetime.
Groom Them
Grooming a cat can be a great way to bond with them and get them to like you. Brushing or petting a cat can help them relax and feel comfortable around you. It can also help to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
When grooming your cat, use a soft brush or comb and avoid pulling or tugging on its fur. You can start by gently petting them and then progress to brushing or combing their fur. This can also be a good opportunity to check for any signs of fleas or ticks and remove loose hair or mats.
Respect Their Space
Respecting a cat’s space is important if you want to build a positive relationship with them. Cats are independent creatures who enjoy having their own space and alone time. If a cat seems uncomfortable or wants to be alone, respecting its boundaries and giving them the necessary space is important.
Avoid forcing them to interact with you or invading their personal space. Instead, please wait for the cat to approach you on their terms. This helps build trust and create a positive relationship over time. Cats are sensitive to their surroundings and can become stressed or anxious if they feel their personal space is invaded. So, be patient and give your cat the space they need to feel comfortable and relaxed around you.
Be Patient
Being patient is essential when trying to get a cat to like you. Cats are independent creatures who may take time to warm up to new people or situations. It’s important to be patient and allow the cat to approach you at their own pace. Avoid forcing them to interact with you, as this can cause them to feel scared or anxious.
Instead, please provide them with a calm and welcoming environment and allow them to approach you on their terms. This helps build trust and create a positive relationship over time. Remember, building a bond with a cat takes time and effort, but the rewards of a loving and affectionate feline companion are well worth it.
Activities to Do With Your Cat
Play With Toys
Playing with toys is a great activity to do with your cat. Cats are natural hunters, so interactive toys that allow them to engage in predatory behavior, such as chasing and pouncing, are especially effective in keeping them entertained and exercising. Wand toys with feathers, strings, or toys attached to them, laser pointers, and balls are all popular toys that many cats enjoy.
Use gentle movements when playing with your cat, and avoid being too rough or aggressive. You can also vary the type of play you engage in, such as chasing, pouncing, or batting, to keep your cat interested.
Teach Your Cat Tricks
Teaching your cat tricks is a great way to bond with them and provide them with mental stimulation. While many believe cats cannot be trained, this is not true. Cats are highly intelligent and can be taught many tricks using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Some popular tricks to teach your cat include:
- Sit: Use a treat to lure your cat into a sitting position and reward them with the treat when they do so.
- Shake: Hold a treat before your cat and encourage them to reach out and touch your hand with its paw. When they do so, reward them with the treat.
- High-five: Similar to the shake trick, but instead of touching your hand with your paw, encourage your cat to lift and touch it.
- Roll over: Use a treat to lure your cat onto its back and reward them with the treat when they roll over onto its other side.
- Come when called: Use a treat or their favorite toy to encourage your cat to come to you when you call their name.
Provide a Scratching Post
Providing a scratching post is an essential activity, according to MSPCA-Angell. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that helps them to stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and keep their claws healthy and sharp. In addition, cats may resort to scratching furniture or other household items without an appropriate outlet, which can be frustrating for their owners.
When choosing a scratching post, look for one that is tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out on, sturdy enough that it won’t tip over, and covered in a material that your cat enjoys scratching, such as sisal rope or cardboard. Place the scratching post in a prominent location where your cat likes to spend time, such as near a window or in a living room.
You can use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage your cat to use the scratching post. Place treats or toys on or around the post to attract your cat’s attention, and praise them when they use it. You can also gently guide your cat’s paws to the post and make a scratching motion to demonstrate how to use it.
Give Your Cat Puzzle Toys
Giving your cat puzzle toys is a great way to stimulate and entertain them mentally. Puzzle toys challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills and encourage them to use their natural hunting instincts to determine how to get to the reward. Many types of puzzle toys are available for cats, including treat-dispensing balls, puzzle feeders, and interactive toys.
Treat-dispensing balls are typically made of hard plastic and have a small opening where treats can be placed. As your cat plays with the ball, treats are dispensed through the opening, rewarding them for their efforts.
Puzzle feeders are similar to treat-dispensing balls but are designed to hold more food. Therefore, your cat must work to figure out how to get the food out of the feeder, providing them with a fun and engaging way to eat their meals.
Interactive toys, such as puzzles with different compartments that your cat can manipulate to access treats or toys, also provide great mental stimulation. These toys require your cat to use problem-solving skills to determine how to get to the reward.
Create a Cozy Spot
Creating a cozy spot for your cat is a great way to provide them security and comfort. Cats love having space to relax, sleep, and feel safe. There are several things you can do to create a cozy spot for your cat:
- Choose a quiet location: Cats prefer quiet, low-traffic areas where they can sleep undisturbed. Choose a spot away from loud noises and busy areas of your home.
- Provide a comfortable bed: Cats love soft, cozy beds where they can curl up and nap. Choose a bed that is the right size for your cat and is made from soft, comfortable materials such as fleece or cotton.
- Add blankets and pillows: Once you’ve chosen a comfortable bed, add some blankets and pillows to make it even cozier. Cats love to snuggle under blankets, so provide a few layers to burrow under.
- Make it warm: Cats love warmth, so add a heating pad or warming blanket to your bed. Just make sure that it is safe and doesn’t get too hot.
- Add toys and scratching posts: To make the cozy spot even more appealing, add some toys and a scratching post nearby. This will provide your cat with entertainment and a way to keep its claws healthy.
