Most cat owners want a feline friend that shows them affection, at least now and again. Cats are known for being more aloof than dogs, but that doesn’t mean yours won’t come to you for cuddles and pets. It just takes raising them in the right way. If you have a new kitten or cat and you want to make sure they grow to be more affectionate toward you, use these seven tips.
1: Look After the Cat’s Health
It’s unlikely a cat that’s in pain or in poor health will show you affection. To ensure your cat is as comfortable and happy as possible, you must put its health first. That means looking out for signs of illness and taking it to the vets for regular check-ups. Don’t forget its vaccinations! If you need an affordable walk-in clinic, easyvet.com is an excellent choice.
2: Lots of Physical Affection
To receive physical affection from your cat, you must give it – as often as possible. A cat who has been stroked and played with from a young age is more likely to grow into a happy and affectionate cat. So, set aside enough time each day to focus on only your feline friend.
3: Spend Time in the Same Room
If you struggle to stroke your cat at first, then a good solution is to simply spend more time in the same room. Whether your cat is aggressive or anxious, spending time in each other’s presence will show your cat that you are not a threat. Over time, this will lead to being able to give your cat snuggles and pets.
4: Be Gentle When Petting
A quick way to turn your cat against affection is to pet it too heavily. Instead, be as gentle as possible while petting, especially early on. You might find that you can be a little rougher over time, but it’s better to err on the side of caution in the early days. Try to learn your cat’s body language to help determine when your furry friend is happy with pets and when it is not.
5: Use a Soft, Low Voice
Loud noises will upset most cats and make them anxious about those around them. When hanging out with your cat, use a soft, low voice that is as calming as your touch. It will help them feel far more relaxed around you, leading to them giving you plenty of affection back.
6: Lots of Playtime
Most cats don’t play fetch, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want playtime! Invest in some cat-friendly toys to see what they like to play with the most. You might find their toy of choice is a simple piece of string.
7: Ensure Everyone in the House is Friendly
It’s hard for a cat to settle into a household and become affectionate if someone doesn’t treat them well. Due to this, it’s important to ensure everyone in the household treats the cat nicely. It’s OK if someone doesn’t want to pet the cat all the time, as long as they respect it and treat it with kindness.