How to Get a Cat to Like You: 5 Vet-Approved Steps
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As a pet parent, you already know that cats are mysterious creatures. While they seem aloof, independent, and like they could care less whether they are around a human or not, you can make friends with your feline pal.
It will take time, and you have to be patient, but you can soon make your cat like you. If you’ve been wondering how to make the aloof creature in your home be your friend, or at least like you, we’ll give you six simple steps below to help you with that and more.
The 5 Simple Steps to Get Your Cat to Like You
These steps are pretty simple, but you may have to repeat them over and over to get your cat to trust and like you. The time will come; you just need to be patient and follow the tips below to succeed.
1. Watch Your Body Language
The first thing you want to do when trying to get a cat to like you is to watch your body language around the cat. You want to make the cat feel comfortable because it will run and hide if it senses any tension, anger, or fear in you.
Try crouching down on the cat’s level, using a calm voice, and greeting the cat. Putting yourself on the cat’s level makes you less threatening and intimidating. Don’t try to reach out and touch, pet, or grab the cat, as that will make it hide or try to avoid you. Additionally, avoid staring at the cat; cats unfamiliar with you may perceive stares as a threat.
2. Let the Cat Come to You on Its Terms
As much as you would love to just scoop the cat up in your arms and give it a big old hug, you could get bit, clawed, and scratched for your efforts. Cats are independent creatures and like to do things in their own time.
Don’t scare the cat by trying to pick it up or touch it before it’s ready. Instead, let the cat come to you. Sit very still and let the cat sniff you gently. Lay your hand on the floor, and when the cat does decide to sniff you, try to pet it gently.
Make sure to take it slow, or the cat will dart away, and you’ll have to start all over again. No sudden movements and taking it slow are the keys to success when getting a cat to like you.
3. Stay Positive and Calm
Remember, the best way to get a cat to like you is by staying positive and calm. Staying calm keeps the cat calm, and staying positive also helps you. This isn’t something that will happen right away, so you need to be in it for the long haul if you want the cat to like you.
For example, if you’re sitting on the couch on your laptop and the cat hops up next to you, stay calm and resist the urge to reach over and pet the kitty. If the cat wants to be petted, it will let you know. If not, try to be content with the cat just being in your vicinity, as that’s a significant accomplishment for a cat that has been skittish before.
Make no sudden movements, and let the cat lay beside you or come to you when it’s ready for the best results.
4. Use Treats Wisely
While it may be tempting to constantly give the cat treats to get it to come closer, and in hopes that it will like you, it’s best to use the treats wisely and strategically instead. Use the treats to get a shy cat to come closer. But mostly, you should use the treats to reward the cat for not running when you pet it or coming when you call.
Soon the cat will associate the treats with the positive experience of being around you. This is a better way to get a cat to like you than forcing the feline to let you hold it.
5. Know When to Stop
Once the cat seems to be getting used to you, you can start playing with it a little at a time. It’s best to use toys (rather than your fingers) for this stage of the game, as you don’t want the cat to get rambunctious and scratch you. A short play session is a great way to bond.
However, if the cat darts away or bats your hand away during play, it’s best to let the cat go and try again another time. The cat will let you know when it wants to play; when it’s tired of the games, it will walk away.
Conclusion
Pet parents want nothing more than for their feline pals to like them, cuddle with them on the couch, and sometimes nuzzle their necks. However, if your cat, or a new cat, isn’t ready to be petted, held, or played with, it’s best to follow the steps above to try and get the cat to like you.
Remember, it’s essential to realize that these steps may have to be repeated several times for the results you’re expecting. Each cat is unique, so it will make the call when it decides to like you and accept you as its friend. There’s no rushing it, so take your time.
Featured Image Credit: Koldunov Alexey, Shutterstock
