Cats can be rather aloof creatures at times, often preferring to keep their own company or slinking out of sight.
This can of course be frustrating for the affection-starved owner who just wants a hug and a squeeze.
Given the standoffish traits present in most felines, you might have assumed that ‘bonding’ wasn’t really a thing.
But it most certainly is! And being able to bond with your cat isn’t just about enhancing your pet’s life – it’s about enriching yours too.
With this in mind, let’s look at how you can strengthen the bond with your cat.
Whether you’re a seasoned owner who wants to strengthen an existing bond, or an absolute beginner looking to establish one, what follows should be of some help.
To start with, you’ll want to have a proper understanding of cat behavior.
Understanding Body Language and Vocal Cues
Body language and vocal cues are the primary means of cat communication. Coming to grips with these is therefore crucial.
Body Language
Negative emotions like fear and anxiety are signified by back arching, the puffing up of the tail and hissing.
Positive emotions such as trust and contentment are accompanied by nuzzling, a soft purr and a slow blink of the eyes.
Recognizing these signs will help you respond appropriately to your cat’s needs while providing reassurance.
Vocal Cues
You should also try to understand your cat’ s vocal cues.
Is your cat incessantly meowing near the food bowl? He’s probably hungry.
Is he hiding more often and showing signs of restlessness? It could be a sign of distress or illness.
By being attentive to these cues, you’ll be able to provide the best care possible.
Remember that understanding cat signals such as body positions and vocalizations is kind of like learning a new language.
Become fluent and you’ll be well-placed for building a stronger bond!
Making Your Home a Cat Haven
Cats regard their living spaces with much importance. It’s not just a home, it’s their kingdom and they’re the sovereign rulers.
This is why creating a safe and comfortable cat friendly environment is integral to bonding.
Get it wrong and you’re cat is going to become stressed – not ideal for bond building.
But how do you turn your home into the perfect palace? Let’s start with the basics.
Find the Right Feeding, Sleeping and Litter Box Locations
Ensure your cat has a clean litter box in a quiet area, a comfortable spot to sleep as well as fresh food and water.
Be sure to keep these in consistent places – cats are creatures of habit after all!
Provide Scratching Posts
Furniture and furnishings ruined by feline claws is often a flash point between cats and their dispairing owners.
However, remember that cats need to scratch. It’s a natural behavior that allows them to stretch, mark their territory and keep their claws healthy.
So instead of scolding them for scratching furniture, provide scratching implements such as a scratching post.
Some cats prefer vertical posts, others horizontal.
Offering different options lets your cat decide, reinforcing their sense of control over their environment.
You’ll also be able to avoid the daunting task of clipping your cat’s nails.
Provide Hiding Places
Hopefully, your home will have nooks and crannies in which your cat is able to seek refuge.
If your abode doesn’t have many hiding spots though, consider providing cat beds, boxes or even cat tunnels.
These safe spaces provide your cat with a retreat when they want some alone time or need to take cover.
Include Toys and Playthings
Try to make your home a playground. Cats love to play and toys simulate the hunting experiences they instinctively crave.
Wands, laser pointers, balls or even crumpled paper can turn a typical day into a fun-filled extravaganza.
Plus, interactive play sessions are a fantastic way for you two to bond.
Building Trust through Routine and Consistency
Cats by nature, are creatures of habit, finding comfort in the familiar, the predictable and consistent.
So how best to cater for these needs?
Establish Consistent Feeding Times
Consistent feeding times not only keep your cat physically healthy but also provide emotional comfort.
The act of providing food is a primary display of care that can resonate deeply with your feline friend.
Establish regular feeding times and stick to them.
With every meal, you’re not just filling their belly – you’re also nourishing the trust between you.
Ensure Undisturbed Sleep
Cats sleep a lot, averaging around 15 hours a day. So try to respect your cat’s need for undisturbed shut-eye.
Resist the temptation to stroke your cat while he’s asleep and ensure there’s a cozy, quiet place for him to rest.
Then try to limit loud noises during rest periods.
Consistency in Action and Response
Try to be in consistent in your actions and reactions. If you don’t want your cat to scratch the sofa, don’t laugh it off one day and scold them the next.
Consistent responses help your cat understand boundaries and expectations, reducing stress as well as confusion.
Hold Regular Playing Sessions
Regular play sessions satisfy cats’ hunting instincts while keeping them mentally stimulated and physically fit.
Be consistent with playtimes and remember to let your cat ‘win’ by catching the toy now and then.
This will make the play more satisfying for your furry little killing machine.
Bonding through Play and Interaction
Quality play time and gentle interaction are vital elements of feline-human bonding.
Here’s how to ensure they’re part of our cat’s everyday lives.
Understand the Feline Personality
Firstly, understanding and accepting the independent nature of cats is crucial.
Cats often enjoy spending time alone and might not always seek interaction.
So respect their need for personal space and don’t push for interaction when they show signs of discomfort or walk away.
Engage Your Cat Through Play
As mentioned, engaging in regular play sessions is an excellent way to strengthen the bond with your cat.
Interactive toys, balls, or even simple chasing games can stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts and offer a fun way for both of you to engage.
Keep Each Other Company
Quiet moments of companionship are also significant. If your cat enjoys sitting on your lap, make the most of these moments of shared tranquility.
If not, just being in the same room engaged in separate activities, can be a positive shared experience.
Make Time for Grooming Sessions
Grooming sessions can also enhance your bond. Many cats enjoy the sensation of being gently brushed.
In the feline world, grooming is much more than just a cleanliness routine – it’s a social activity that strengthens bonds and expresses affection.
Thus, cat grooming techniques such as brushing are ideal for establishing a connection.
This activity not only helps maintain the coat but also provides an opportunity for interaction, thereby boosting human cat trust building.
Talk to Your Cat
Finally, speak to your cat – talking can be surprisingly effective. Although they may not understand our words, cat’s often sense our mood through the tone (and volume) of our voice.
Speaking softly and gently can express your affection and make your cat feel comfortable and loved.
The Importance of Respectful Handling
Respectful handling is a fundamental component in establishing a trusting relationship with your cat.
Cats are sensitive creatures and the way you interact with them can really have an impact on your relationship.
Gentle Touching
Unlike dogs, cats typically prefer gentle strokes over heavy or firm petting.
Lightly stroking the areas around the cheeks, chin and base of the tail tends to be pretty enjoyable.
Be careful about petting vulnerable areas such as the belly though. A lot of felines don’t appreciate being petted in these regions.
Respect Your Cat’s Boundaries
If your cat indicates discomfort or irritation during an interaction then stop.
Should he attempt to move away to escape your clutches, it’s probably time to keep your hands to yourself!
Don’t try to force an interaction either. This can cause a lot of stress to felines.
Safe Handling
When picking up your cat, make sure one hand supports their chest and the other supports their hind legs.
Never pick up a cat by the scruff or underarms and always ensure your cat feels secure when being held.
Again, not all cats like being picked up. If your cat vocalizes or squirms when you pick him up, put him down.
Training Your Cat and Improving Communication
Training your cat provides an opportunity to enhance communication and strengthen your bond!
Unlike dogs, cats may not respond to training methods focused on obedience.
But they certainly respond well to positive reinforcement methods and are capable of learning behaviors.
Thanks to positive reinforcement in cats, it’s perfectly possible to teach your cat how to come when called, to sit and even do high fives!
Here are some basic cat training tips.
Come when called – Start by saying your cat’s name and when they look at you or come towards you, reward him.
Gradually, he’ll associate his name with a positive outcome and respond by coming to you.
Sit – Hold a treat above your cat’s head and move it slowly back over his head.
Most cats will naturally sit down to follow the treat with their eyes. When they sit, say “sit” and give them the treat.
High five – Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your cat.
A lot of cats will paw at your hand to get the treat. When they do, say “high five” and open your hand to give them the treat.
Patience and Persistence in Building a Bond
Building a bond with your cat takes time persistence and patience.
Because of their independece and occassional aloofness, the process may be slow and gradual.
This isn’t of course to say your cat won’t warm up to you immediately.
But in most cases, earning trust and affection takes time and patience.
So how long does it take to bond with a cat?
Follow Your Cat’s Pace
Some cats may start showing signs of trust and affection in a few weeks, while for others, it could take months.
Just like people, every cat is different. The key is to respect their pace and not rush them.
A bond that is given time to develop naturally is often the strongest.
Don’t Get Discouraged
There might be days when you feel like you’re not making any progress.
Nonetheless, even if you don’t see immediate progress, know that your consistent efforts are not going unnoticed.
Overcoming cat bonding challenges requires a gentle determination and an appreciation of feline personalities.
Just remember that your cat is learning to trust you more with every gentle pet, with every respectful interaction, with every tasty treat.
Try to remember these three Ps: Patience, Persistence and Positivity.
So keep going – the bond you’re striving to create is closer than you think!
Video – How Do I Improve My Bond with My Cat?
