Building a lasting bond with your cat is easier than most people would guess. Cats can be very aloof and it’s not uncommon for cat owners to view bonding as a major and potentially impossible undertaking. Yet, while cats are definitely more independent than dogs, this couldn’t be more wrong! Cats are totally open to bonding, but they require a certain level of trust before they let their guard down. Here are few tips to help cat owners like you strengthen the bond you share with your feline companion.
Make time for playtime
Undoubtedly, one of the best (and most entertaining) ways to bond with your cat is to play with her. Doing so will cause your cat to associate you with having fun. Who doesn’t want to be fun?! Playtime stimulates your cat mentally and physically, so expert recommend at least 5 to 10 minutes of playtime each day to keep your cat happy and healthy. A laser pointer or a toy on the end of a long wand can make this really easy. Hot tip: if you have playtime at night it could have the added benefit of tiring your cat out so that she is encouraged to sleep!
Know your cat’s personality
Taking the time to observe and understand your cat’s personality and behaviour is crucial to building a strong bond together. As you can imagine, bonding with a lap cat versus an independent cat requires very different steps and varying levels of patience. Getting to know your cat will allow you to properly cater to her needs, and she will surely take notice!
Pet your cat
This one is easy. Just pet your cat. There’s not much more to be said here other than doing this every day will make your feline friend love you, whether it’s a quick pat on your way out the door or a longer cuddle session on the sofa.
Brush your cat
If you want to bond with your cat and take it a step further than simply petting her, try brushing her. Cat’s love being brushed! Like petting, brushing makes cats feel safe and comfortable. But unlike petting, it has the bonus of keeping your cat’s skin and fur healthy and clean. Brushing also provides an excellent opportunity for you to look out for bumps, scratches or bruises that your cat may have picked up outside.
Never yell at or hit your cat
Cats don’t respond to punishment as well as dogs do. They won’t learn anything from it, and yelling or hitting will only make your cat dislike or fear you, which can be detrimental to forming any kind of lasting relationship. Instead, most cat experts will tell you that timeout in a small room alone is the best way to punish a cat and get your message across without destroying your bond.
Be the food giver
Alongside play time, feeding your cat is probably the easiest way to strengthen your relationship. That said, simply leaving food out there is a lost opportunity for true bonding. Instead, let the act of you giving your cat food be something that you experience together daily. Your cat will look forward to it and will eternally see you as the almighty giver of food whom she must please.
Be patient
Last but not least, be patient with your cat as you get to know each other and attempt to build a lasting bond. Depending on your cat’s personality, building trust and learning to relax around you can take a varying amount of time, especially if your cat is a rescue. But, in the end, a loving relationship with a sweet, furry friend is totally worth the wait and effort.