Cats are magnificent creatures, and they can be the most lovely pet companions for us. However, building a great relationship with a cat can be quite challenging. What are some simple ways to connect with your furry friend? Keep reading for our tips!
Cats want respect
If you want to build a meaningful relationship with a cat, you need to learn how to show it respect.
Cats are independent but very loving
Cats are not as domesticated as dogs, and they have a strong sense of the self. This is why they may seem difficult creatures to bond with, but with these next tips, we will show you how easy it can be to make a cat feel comfortable.
Pet a cat the correct way
Petting a cat seems like a simple task, and it is – when you do it the right way. Before you pet a cat, hold out your hand so they can sniff you first. That’s part of how cats get to know you! If that goes well, you can try a gentle pet. Cats love when you pet their head and neck, while, for the most part, they actually don’t like it when you touch their belly. That’s a particularly vulnerable place of their body, so they typically feel nervous about someone touching it.
Understand the cat’s body language
Knowing why cats are doing specific movements is fundamental for improving your relationship. So, for example, a cat is lying on its back and exposing its belly to you. Does it mean that it wants to be petted as dogs do? Not necessarily. By showing you its most vulnerable part, the cat is saying that it feels comfortable and safe around you. But be careful: if you go for a pet, the cat could get scared, and you might end up being scratched!
Learn how to hold a cat
There are correct ways to pick up and hold a cat – and sometimes the correct way is not to. Not all cats like being held, and you should respect each cat’s personal boundaries. When not on a surface, cats don’t feel safe; the best way is to make a cat feel secure is to hold it very close to your body, so there’s less fear of falling.
Make sure the cats have plenty to play with!
Cats are active creatures, and they love playing – it’s important to respect their need for mental and physical stimulation. Unfortunately, we’re busy people and cannot spend all of our time staying in with our furry loved ones. But leaving a cat 24/7 alone with nothing to do is a recipe for disaster! Make sure that when you leave the house, your cat has lots of toys: jingle balls, catnip, a cat tower to climb, etc.
Care, attention… and toys!
Communicating with a cat and treating it in accordance with its nature is how you show respect. And respect is the key ingredient to building a loving and satisfying relationship with cats. They need care, attention, and toys to play with – explore our website to find out fabulous and useful items for your cats!