How to Get a Cat to Like You: Bonding Made Easy

Published December 29, 2020
Cat greeting owner with affectionate licking

Ever wonder how to get a cat to like you? Every cat is different, and sometimes it takes a lot of work to get a cat to like you. Pet parents need to understand cat greetings to get to know their feline buddy. The general rule is to respect your cat's individuality.

How to Get a Cat to Like You

Cat lovers need to start with their new best friend's environment. Every cat needs a litter box, a place to sleep and rest, a scratching post, and a food station. After the essentials are in place, it is time to work on your relationship. How you greet and communicate with your kitty makes a big difference.

Let Your Cat Come to You

Not every cat may want to jump in your lap. Some cats like to be near you but from the cat cave. Cat lovers decrease anxiety and stress if they respect their new feline friend and give him space. Pet parents may think a snuggle is on the agenda, but a headbutt from your cat takes time.

Communication

Observe your cat's behavior and in a journal and take notes about when your cat approaches you. Pet parents need to communicate with their kitty by offering high-value treats when a play session ends on a high note. The tasty snack may win a cat's affection. Positive reinforcement is the number one way to win your cat's trust.

Human Emotion

Cats can easily read human emotions, and any negative energy trickles down to your companion animals. If you hesitate before petting a cat, they may not trust you. If you are fearful, a cat may sense that and think twice before offering a friendly purr or headbutt.

Body Language

How you approach a cat can make or break the relationship. Pet parents may find this difficult, but the best way to win your cat over is to ignore him. Let the cat come to you. It does not take long for a cat to warm up to a family member when they know it is safe to initiate a greeting. Your cat offers many body postures to show they trust you.

  • All legs are relaxed
  • Lying flat on their back
  • Visible belly
  • The tail is held up straight, and the tip is slightly bent

Stay Calm

Never startle your cat and stick to predictable behavior when you both are in the same room. Your cat needs to know what to expect when around family members. Pet parents with a calm demeanor anytime they're in the room with their feline buddy increases the chance of a kitty greeting. You gain a cat's trust after they know for certain they can safely approach you.

Cat Greetings

If you want to greet your cat properly, there are some easy ways to communicate how much you love him. Always act calm and quiet around your new kitty.

  • If you gaze at a cat and he offers a slow blink, you need to blink back.
  • Offer your feline buddy anything that smells like you when you leave the house and when you return, and there may be a party.
  • Take one finger and let your cat sniff it, and if he pushes into your finger with his nose, consider this a cat handshake.

Let Your Cat Call the Shots

The best technique to win your cat over is to offer him the opportunity to greet you on his terms. A cat can read a pet parent's mood and energy, keep every interaction positive, and get rid of any baggage before you initiate a play session. All pet parents need to learn appropriate cat greetings and stay calm. You need to earn your feline's love and respect.

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How to Get a Cat to Like You: Bonding Made Easy