Purrrfecting Your Relationship With Your Cat In 9 Steps

Does your cat greet you warmly when you come home and enjoy snuggling on your lap in the evenings? Or are they more independent and prefer to interact on their own terms?

Some cat breeds, such as Siamese and Persian, are known for being more affectionate and enjoying lap snuggles than most other breeds. Other breeds, like the Tonkinese cat, are cuddly and vocal in their displays of affection.

Even if your cat is currently more independent and prefers solitude, there are still ways you can establish a strong, long-lasting bond with them.

Here are 9 different ways you can form the purrrfect relationship with your cat.

1. Socialization and your Kitty

When you first bring your new cat home, give them time to adjust to their new environment by letting them explore and get used to new sights, smells, and sounds at their own pace. It's a good idea to keep them in a single room with all of their necessary resources for the first few days, then slowly introduce them to the rest of the house and other pets. This will help them feel more comfortable and at ease in their new home.

To build a strong bond with your cat, it's important to introduce them gradually to being touched and handled by you and other family members. Avoid forcing them into any interactions, and if you have children, make sure they understand not to grab the cat, as this can harm the relationship and frighten your furry companion. Gradually allowing your cat to become comfortable with being touched and handled will help build a strong, trusting relationship.

2. Satisfying your Cat's Needs from Day One

To help your cat feel safe and in control in their new environment, it's important to provide them with easy access to food, water, and other necessary resources, away from other pets. Make sure to have one of each resource for every pet. This is especially important for items like litter boxes, scratching posts, and high perches. Providing your cat with everything they need will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed, which can encourage their social side to come out.

3. Learn to Speak Cat

It's important to pay attention to your cat's body language to understand its mood and behavior. The position of their tail, eyes, and ears can give you clues about how they are feeling. For example, half-closed eyes, forward-facing ears, and relaxed whiskers can indicate that your cat is feeling relaxed and content. On the other hand, a cat showing signs of stress or anxiety may have their ears back, tail twitching, or whiskers tense. Saying 'I love you' to your pet feline is as simple as looking at them and blinking slowly, but be careful not to stare directly at them for too long since this is seen as a threat to cats, causing them to likely turn and run away from you.

4. Let It Happen Naturally

To build trust with your cat, it's important to let them make the first move and initiate interactions on their own terms. Avoid trying to grab or force them to sit on your lap, as this can make them feel uncomfortable and frightened. Instead, try offering a treat or other reward to encourage them to come to you, and make sure to give them the freedom to leave when they start to wriggle or try to get away. This will help your cat feel more comfortable and willing to snuggle up to you in the future.

5. Where To Pet Your Cat - Learning Their Favorite Spots

When your cat feels happy and content, they may purr and become more receptive to being touched and stroked. In general, cats enjoy being touched and stroked around the base of their ears, their cheeks, and under their chin, as these areas contain facial glands that produce pheromones. Cats may be less receptive to being touched or stroked on their belly, tail, or back. Although a cat may sometimes lie with their stomach exposed, this does not necessarily mean that they want to be touched there, and doing so may result in a bite or scratch. It's important to pay attention to your cat's body language and respect their boundaries when interacting with them.

6. Make Time for Your Feline!

Cats are often most active at dawn and dusk, which may be inconvenient for you if you are trying to sleep or relax at these times. However, it is natural for cats to have an increase in activity during these times, as this is when they would typically hunt in the wild. To avoid disturbing your cat's natural instincts and to establish a bond with them, try to schedule playtime for a couple of times throughout the day rather than at dawn or dusk. Just 10-15 minutes of playing with their favorite toy can help tire them out and create a routine that you both can enjoy.

7. Be Approachable

To encourage your cat to approach you and build a positive relationship, try sitting with their favorite cushion or blanket nearby and wait for them to come to you. The blanket or cushion will have your cat's scent on it and will help them associate you with positive experiences. You can also try enticing them closer with a treat; once they have sniffed your hand, they may be more inclined to come closer and explore. It's important to avoid moving too quickly or startling your cat, as this can make them anxious or hesitant. Instead, try to create a calm and relaxed environment and take your time getting to know each other.

8. Helping Your Kitty With Grooming

Once you have developed a close bond with your cat and they are comfortable sitting on your lap, you can try grooming them to strengthen your bond and help them maintain their cleanliness. Regular grooming can help prevent their coat from matting, reduce shedding, and distribute natural oils over their skin and coat. This will not only benefit your cat's appearance and overall health, but it can also be a bonding experience for both of you. Just be sure to use a gentle touch and pay attention to your cat's body language to ensure they are comfortable with the grooming process.

9. Nurturing The Bond With Your Cat

Forming a bond with your kitty is simpler than you may have thought. Simply give them space when they need it, provide them with everything they need to feel pampered and comfortable, and offer treats and playtime as rewards for good behavior. With some patience and love, you can help form a strong bond with your feline friend. In other words, your kitty will have you wrapped around its paw in no time!