Pet owners often look forward to the time they get to spend with their pets. Finding time to spend with pets can be challenging for owners with busy schedules due to work, family, and social commitments. Yet it’s very important to do so.
People tend to think that cats are more standoffish and independent than dogs. So, you might not think it’s important to work on getting along with your cat. But if you do a few simple things, like play with your cat and pay attention to what it needs, spending more time with it can lead to a better relationship that will last a lifetime.
Continue reading to learn more about how to bond with your cat.
Give Them Space
Take it slow and give your cat space if you want to get close to them. Before you jump right in and demand cuddles, it’s important to watch them and see what it is they like and dislike. Each cat is different and will have its own personality, so even if you have owned one before, you’ll need to this with every feline you adopt.
Most of the time, when people see a cat, they want to pet it, pick it up, and see how it acts around them. However, this might be a bad idea; the cat might hate it, and then you’ll have to work on building up trust again. Not all cats are cuddly and affectionate; some want their own space and don’t like being picked up and cuddled all the time.
Whether they’re cuddly or not, it’s best to give cats a place where they can hide that isn’t too busy, especially if they’re new to your home. They’ll need a place to retreat to and decompress – also, this out-of-the-way place should have “safety spaces” like cat trees or even something as simple as a cardboard box with a cut-out entrance and exit. The calmer they feel, the easier it will be to bond with them – and having their own safe space is a critical part of this process.
Try To Stick To What They Know
Cats, perhaps more than any other animal, are creatures of habit. They will have set routines and will like things done a certain way. This is why things could be difficult when you’re bringing a cat home for the first time – particularly a rescue cat or one that’s being rehomed. It’s not that the cat is unfriendly; it’s just that everything has changed, and it’s hard for them to understand what is happening.
Even something as seemingly normal as changing their food can be an issue. As such, find out what they were eating before you adopted or bought them, and stick to that. If you want to try new foods, do it gradually over time, little by little. This steady approach is best in general; their stomach can adapt to their new diet, and you’ll have a happier pet.
Of course, if you find your cat isn’t eating at all, it’s best to take them to a vet to be checked out. For instance, this veterinarian in Normandy Park is an example of the kind of vet you should look for in your own local area. An experienced vet who knows cats will be able to determine if your furry friend is refusing food due to illness or is simply suffering a case of low appetite related to anxiety due to moving into a new home.
Let Them Come To You
Your cat will probably start exploring their new home and meeting their new neighbors as soon as they feel more at ease. While some cats immediately jump into socialization with humans, others could take weeks to warm up. The secret is to allow the cat to decide when it’s the right time to begin connecting with people. In other words, cats choose when it’s time to start making friends – you can’t force it on them.
A cat will begin displaying bonding behaviors such as kneading and bunting when it is ready to get closer to people. Bunting is when the cat approaches you directly and begins to touch your forehead. This is often coupled with additional friendly actions like purring and sitting on your lap or close to you.
Ultimately, this stage of the bonding process has no set timeframe. Some cats are quick to warm up to you, while others can require a little more coaxing. It all depends on their personalities – so be patient and don’t take it personally if they’re slow to come to you. The time will come.
Know When To Back Off
Understanding your cat’s body language is essential to preventing bonding hiccups. Look for several body language hints that suggest a cat might not be at ease and that you should back off. Flattened ears, a tail that twitches violently, and dilated pupils are some of these signs. It’s probably not a good idea to reach out and pet your cat if you see any of them.
Furthermore, a cat’s purring can be a sign of agitation sometimes. It’s odd because purring often indicates that a cat is content, yet occasionally, they’ll utilize it as a coping mechanism. Therefore, it’s important to give a cat some space if it’s purring but still appears anxious.
Final Thoughts
It takes time to develop a bond with your cat, so don’t expect to be best friends right away. Plus, remember, you might not always be taking the right path. You can still progress when a setback occurs. All you need to do is get back up, pull yourself up, and keep trying. You’ll get there in the end. Whatever the case, never force bonding with your cat – they need time and patience.
