Cats make awesome pets, and you always see them with their owners during trips to the local pet clinic. However, bring them home does not automatically mean that they will love you automatically: you need to gain their trust, just like how you do with people. If you have owned a cat before, you already know how hard it is for them (and for you) to adjust: the first few weeks are filled with pawing, scratching and biting. So, what are some sure fire ways to gain your cat's trust?
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The usual: feed it regularly
Of course, having a feline friend comes with a cost: food, water and shelter. The best way for a cat to trust you is to, of course, raise it and give it food. Although this sounds obvious, it actually paves the way for a few scenarios, like the following:
- Your cat will know that you're the human giving it food, so it will depend on and stick to you.
- It will negate possible hostilities. Some animals wouldn't dare bite the hand that feeds them.
- Giving it food will simply make it trust you.
Remember though, feed it with food that is made for it or something that it likes.
Never scare it while eating or during litter box sessions
If you terrify a cat during it's toilet time, it will most likely never use the litter box ever again, given that you made the act of using it terrifying. This in turns creates another problem – in some cases, it even makes the cats lose their trust on their owners. Leave the cat in peace: you wouldn't want anyone to barge in the bathroom while you're in the toilet right?
Aside from the litter box, the same concept applies when it's eating. An eating cat is a vulnerable cat – despite being lenient while eating, they are actually alert while doing so.
Never pursue, instead, let it come
Cats like playing “hard to get”. Come to them and they will run away, while letting them be will make them seek your attention. Ever wonder why cats love getting into the faces of people that ignore them? Well, it's because they never perceive them as a threat. Don't get in your cat's face all the time, as it may render them indifferent to you. Just lie on the couch, watch television or play the games, your cat will come to you eventually, sitting on your lap, belly, chest or even the face.
Don't play rough with it
Play fighting is natural in some animals, such as cats and dogs. You'll always see puppies and kittens mocking fights. As a human, you should never, ever do this. Why? Well, playing rough will certainly hurt you. Aside from which, your method of rough play could make you hurt her. Instead of play fighting, why don't you play fish pole games and the famous laser pointer method?
Lastly, watch its body language: when cats hiss or look at you closely with a scared expression in their eyes, don't chase them around. Some cats will allow you to pet them, but be sure to do it gently, in order for them not to retaliate. Fun fact: you'd know if your cat fully trusts you if it lets you rub its belly!