How To Bond With Your Cat - Do's & Don'ts Of Interacting With Cats

How To Bond With Your Cat - No matter if you have brought a new kitty home or if you have a cat at home who you would like to bond with, then here are a few things you should do (and should not).

Spending time and bonding with your cat is one of the most heart-warming parts of being a cat parent.

And though cats are infamous for being aloof, they are also known to show love at unexpected times which warms people's hearts.

With busy schedules and constant distractions, it can be hard to find the right time and the right activities to spend that quality time with your cat.

But building a bond with your cat can bring various benefits to both you and your pet.

From eliminating boredom for both you and your cat to providing the much needed daily exercise - spending time with your cat is an essential part of pet parenthood.

“Bonding With Pets Can Also Help Relieve Stress”

To do so, here are a few things you cant try to bond with your cat and spend quality time:

Do’s and Don'ts To Bond With Your Cat :

Do Activities Your Cat Likes

To bond with your cat, you first need to find activities and games that your pet enjoys. Spend time to figure out the things your cat likes.

For instance: not all cats enjoy catnip, so you can start by giving your pet - toys infused with catnip to see if they prefer it or not.

Similarly, you can provide your cat with different types of cat toys to discover their favourite toy and playtime activity.

Do Not Force Your Cat

A key point to remember when building your cat’s trust is to never force them to do any activity. Let them be the ones to initiate affection or any interaction.

And if they do walk away after playing with you, don’t try to force them back in. 

The time that cats or kittens take to bond with their pet parent differs but a few signs you can look out for that show your cat is eager to interact are:

• Kneading with their paws to show comfort or happiness
• Rubbing their head against you which is called Bunting.
• Sitting near you or on you as a form of security.

Do Give Them Their Own Space

To make your cat feel comfortable and at home, provide them with their own space where they can rest and nap. This is especially important if you have brought a new kitty home. 

Giving them enough space to adjust also helps in building trust with their new human parent. A cat tree or a cat bed placed at a cozy spot in your home is the perfect place for your cat.

Don't Rush Through Playtime 

Cats are creatures of habit. They love when things are the same way and are not big fans of change. To provide them comfort to get used to things, try and stick to a schedule.

For instance: set a particular time or a sign that indicates it is playtime. And during this time make sure you have a focused, no-distraction play session with them. 

Do Reward Them 

While overfeeding treats can cause issues for your pet, cat treats as a reward once in a while during playtime or after a training session is a simple way to bond with your cat.

Rewarding your cat with their favourite treat after spending time with them will also help with a positive association. But remember to never go overboard with the treats.

Don’t Rush The Process 

Bonding with your cat, especially if you have a new kitty at home, is a long process.

So, it is essential that you stay patient through this part of your cat parenting journey.

It is also wise to be prepared for scratch attacks and other setbacks when trying to bond with your cat.

But remember, you just have to gain their trust and build a bond to become your cat's favourite hooman.

Happy Pet Parenting!

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