How to Befriend a Cat

How to Befriend a Cat

Understanding Cat Friendship

If you would like to befriend a cat, there are some things you should know about cat friendship.

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It is harder to become a friend to a cat than it is to a dog because you must adapt to the cat to gain its trust, whereas the dog will adapt to you. So do not go into it with expectations that your cat will somehow magically turn into a dog and start running to you excitedly to play fetch in the park. That will never happen. It is up to you to be OK with this.

Once you have adjusted your expectations, you will see that having your own calm, beautiful cat friend around will indeed be a joy. It will just be a more lazy one.

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Becoming a friend to a cat takes time and love. However, as many cat lovers will agree, your efforts will be worth it.

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Read also: How to make Homemade cat treat

How to Start a Friendship With a Cat

Depending on the life history of the cat you wish to befriend, starting a friendship may be easy or hard.

Cats that are used to being around people and being approached and petted will become your friend easily and quickly.

Cats that have had less than stellar relationships with humans will be anything from more timid to downright hostile.

So it is best to always be patient with your first pet. If the cat knows you are the one feeding her she will likely be more open to your approach. Just wait until the cat is sitting or lying nearby and approach slowly. Take as long as it needs. A skittish cat or a feral cat will not be afraid to run away if you get too close. If this happens, don’t chase, just stay put for a while and then try another time. For feral cats especially, you may need a lot of time and patience.

A good sign to know if a cat trusts you is when the cat lets her belly show to you. The reason for this is that by lying on their side and showing their belly cats put themselves into a vulnerable position. Sometimes skittish cats will lie down and show you their belly when you are some ways away but the moment you start approaching again, they’ll either split or get into a safer position. So it is best to take your approach toward them very slowly.

For first contact, it’s best to just stretch out your arm and put your hand out to them near the side of their face. If the cat does not seemed alarmed, you can pet the cat. Cats love having the sides of their face and their heads massaged, but again, for skittish cats and feral cats you will have to take things slowly.

Read also: Vitamins for hair loss in cats

Tips and Games for Bonding With a Cat

• When you make the bed, allow the cat to be part of the process. You can cover the cat with a sheet and race your hand above it so the cat can play attack, and then do the same thing with the cat on top of the sheet but your hand below it. Just let the cat walk all over the bed as you try to tuck in and straighten the sheets and blankets and see what happens. All of this will make the whole process take longer so if that is going to frustrate you, just skip this game. But cats love it and it can be fun for you too, if you are careful to avoid sharp claws that is.
• Leave an empty bag or box out for your cat to explore and play in.
• Tie a long string to the back of your pants and walk steadily around, trailing the string. You can tie a light toy to the end.
• A stick with a string or feathers at the end makes a great toy for cats.
• When you first come home make it a point to look for your cat to greet her and give her some affection even if she hasn’t come out to greet you first.
• Pay attention to the body language of your cat so you can learn how she communicates with you. If you ignore her, you’ll never learn. Your cat is also learning from you and your daily habits.
• When the tail is up the cat is showing you she is happy.
• When the cat is crouched down flat, compact and quiet the cat may want attention.
• When the cat looks at you and blinks slowly, that is a sign of affection, as is purring, of course.
• The “me-” part of “meow” is the welcoming part. The “ow” part is the more assertive, strong part. Cats can “meow” in a wide range of variances. You can figure out what they want by their tone, and body language. Cats will show you they want out or want food or want attention. At least, it’s usually one of these three. Sometimes they just want to interrupt you.

You know your cat has bonded to you if she tries to sleep next to or on you.

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