Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting to know your cat
• Part 2 of 3: Connecting with your cat
• Tips
• Warnings

Bonding with a cat can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Cats have a limited understanding of human behavior, despite being domesticated. This can make it difficult to show affection to your cat. However, many owners are able to maintain happy, healthy relationships with their cats. If you understand your cat's body language, respect her boundaries, and show her affection on her terms, it should be possible to form a strong bond with your feline friend.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Getting to know your cat

1. Learn the body language of cats. To bond with your cat, you need to be able to read her emotions. The first step is to learn the basics of cat body language.
   • A confident cat moves with wide-open eyes, slightly arched back, head forward, and tail up. If you see your cat walk in like this, she is probably in a good mood and now is a good time to communicate with her.
   • When relaxed, a cat will stretch on her side or her back. Her ears will be raised, whiskers held aside, and her paws can stretch out for satisfaction. She is likely approachable at times like this, but be careful when petting them. Cats place themselves in a slightly exposed manner when relaxed, and may view physical contact as an attack attempt.
   • If your cat has put on her fur, arched her back, her ears flattened, and her pupils dilated as she swings her tail, she is acting aggressively. For whatever reason, she feels threatened and needs space. Don't try to interact with your cat until she calms down.
   • When your cat is anxious, she will try to make herself small by curling up and wrapping her tail around her. Her limbs will be positioned so she can run when needed, her pupils will be enlarged and her ears bent to the side. If your cat is acting like this, you shouldn't touch her; she is nervous and needs space.
   • When a cat is on the defensive, her ears will be flat, her teeth may be visible and she will lie on one side showing her paws and nails. A cat will lash out quickly when she shows this behavior and you should give her room to relax. If she's acting aggressively, chances are she'll scratch you.
2. Use your eyes to convey that you are not a threat. Cats communicate with humans through eye contact. Unfortunately, many people don't realize this and often accidentally intimidate cats by staring. Know how to show your cat that your intentions are kind.
   • A common complaint about cats is that they are attracted to people who don't like them. People who don't like cats tend to ignore them. Since cats hate staring directly (as it is an expression of threat), the cat will feel less threatened and will approach to explore.
   • Lie near your cat when she is relaxed. Look at her until she looks back, and when she does, slowly close your eyes a few times and open them again. Wait for your cat to do the same.
   • If your cat turns away, that's a good sign. It means she doesn't see you as a threat or see any reason to intimidate you. If she doesn't turn away, stop staring so she doesn't think you're trying to challenge her. It may take a few tries at a slow blink before your cat is comfortable enough to look away after eye contact.
3. Get a sense of your cat's personality. Unlike dogs, cats are not very dependent on humans. While a relationship with an owner can be an important part of your cat's life, it is not as intense as it can be with a dog. Cats differ among themselves in the amount of socialization they require. To bond with your cat, you need to be able to understand her personality.
   • Some cats show a lot of affection and often want to be with their owner. Other cats, on the other hand, can spend hours a day in a shelter. Don't pressure your cat to contact you if she doesn't want to. Cats are very independent and their personality will not change.
   • Likewise, the amount of desired physical activity also varies between cats. Some cats love to play and crave activity, while other cats show no interest in toys. Again, don't apply pressure. While certain behaviors such as scratching and biting can be unlearned, the basis of a cat's personality remains virtually unchanged over time. However, you should encourage your cat to exercise for 5 to 10 minutes a day to maintain a healthy weight.

Part 2 of 3: Connecting with your cat

1. Allow your cat to get used to changes slowly. Cats don't do well with change. If you do have to make an adjustment to your living situation, do it gradually.
   • If a new person moves in with you, let your cat meet them a few times before making the move. Make sure your cat is comfortable with the new person and that he or she respects and understands your cat's boundaries.
   • If you move in or move in with someone else, take the cat with you to visit the new home a few times if possible.
   • Introductions to new pets should be slow. At first, keep your cat separate from new pets, allowing interaction only through a door. After a week of door play, you can allow supervised personal interaction. If there is a fight, keep calm. Changes can be difficult and it can take a few weeks for relationships to stabilize.

Tips

• When you pet and play with your cat, you can speak in a soft voice. This indicates that you are not a threat and teaches your cat to associate your voice with positive experiences.
• Treats and food are a great way to lure a cat out of its shell. While you shouldn't be overfeeding, giving a treat can lure a cat out of her shelter and encourage her to reach out to you.
• Talking or any other form of verbal communication is a great way for your cat to get to know you. While you pet him or her and talk or sing softly, this will help him or her relax and calm down so that he or she feels a little more comfortable with you.

Warnings

• Cats don't respond well to punishment or discipline. Never punish or hit a cat as this can cause your cat to become frightened and scared of you.