There are many reasons why so many of us have and love cats; not only can they help reduce stress and anxiety, but cats are also notorious for being independent and mostly low maintenance.
When bringing a cat into the home, it’s normal to want to build a strong connection with them, so here are some ways in which you can form an unbreakable bond with your pet. The following tips from a seasoned lover of feline should help you bond with your cat and make cat ownership well worth the effort.
Give Them Space
If you have recently brought a kitten or adult cat into the home, you need to take things slow and give them the space they need. Unlike dogs who may follow your every wish and command, cats see the world differently and will need time to adjust to their new surroundings before coming to you. While it’s normal to want to scoop your feline up and provide lots of cuddles, this can do more harm than good initially. You cannot force a cat to do anything, no matter how hard you try.
Let Them Initiate Bonding
As your cat starts to settle into your home, they will begin to feel more comfortable and relaxed. While some felines may feel at home within a matter of hours, others can take weeks to feel happy in their space. The rule of thumb is to let your cat decide when it is the right time to begin bonding. Cats are fiercely independent animals, meaning they choose on their terms when it’s right to start making friends. You will know when your cat is ready to start bonding as they will begin bunting and kneading.
Provide Treats
Just like with any other animal, cats love treats. In some cases, bonding with your feline can be as simple as providing treats and food. Make sure you purchase toys that your cat can play with too. As well as giving treats to your cat, make sure they’re following a balanced diet that is packed with protein sources from meats like chicken, turkey, or beef.
Know When to Step Back
As a cat owner, it’s your job to analyze your feline’s body language so you can understand how they’re feeling. If your cat isn’t comfortable with you, they may have flattened ears, or their tail may start to aggressively twitch. If you notice these signs, it’s best not to reach out and cuddle them, as you could end up with a scratch!
Be Patient
Learning to bond with your cat will take time, so instead of feeling disheartened that they aren’t behaving as you want, it may take more time for your cat to feel relaxed and content in your presence. As things begin moving in the right direction, you will notice a huge difference in your cat’s demeanor. And if you’re working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, you have more time to build a connection with your cat.
Having a cat in the home can reduce stress levels, boost cardiovascular health, and stop feelings of isolation and loneliness. To form a bond like no other with your feline companion, there are lots of tactics you can try out today which may help and we hope that the ones we have here suggested help you and your cat get used to each other and building the relationship that every cat owner knows is better than any other.