How to Bond with Your Cat

How to Bond with Your Cat and Nurture Your Relationship

Have you been having difficulty figuring out how to bond with your cat? Does your cat run and hide when you come around? Maybe you experience this when visiting a friend that has a cat. Perhaps your cat behaves this way when you have guests come over. 

Well, good news!  According to behaviorists there are some techniques that you can do to minimize being on the receiving end of a cattitude or even the stink eye.  A cat’s body language can be a great gauge for how to read your cat’s mood. 

Reading Signs to Know How to Bond with Your Cat

Signs Your Cat is Looking for Love 

Here are some tell “tail” signs that your cat is ready for interaction:

• Tail shaped like a question mark

• Pupils shaped like slit or almonds

• Ears pointed forward

• Walks up to you

Signs Your Cat Needs Space

Here are some signs that let you know that your cat may want you to back off:

• Round pupils

• Tail moving back and forth

• Ears wide or back

• Cat moves or strays beyond your reach (we've all seen this, haven't we?)

Learning to read these signs really does help and reminds us to respect a cat’s boundaries and space. 

What Not to Do

Cats are a much less forgiving animal and may become resentful of being handled when they are not ready to welcome it.  When this happens, they may hide when you come around.

Cats do not appreciate direct eye contact either.  While dogs respond well to this, cats do not.  This may cause fear or even aggression in the cat. 

Some Behaviors to Try to Bond with a Cat

Human See, Human Do

Consider taking the mimicking approach with your cat, or the cat in your life whether it be a neighbor, friends or family members that you visit frequently.  Yes, that is right, mimic or “copycat” the body language that it displays.  If the cat is steering away from you then do the same.  Over time and with repeated respect on your part, the cat will grow more and more comfortable with you.

Blink it Off

Studies have shown that a slow blink motion is helpful.  So, by narrowing your eyes in a slow manner you will trigger a similar response back from the cat.  Really, as silly as this sounds, try it.  Search “slow blink cat” on YouTube.  This action releases a hormone called oxytocin (or oxytocin flow).  This hormone is released in cats during interaction with humans when cuddling and bonding. 

Give Space

As with other humans, it is also important to respect a cat's personal space.  Allow the cat to get used to your presence first.  Then incorporate some of the other tips that are mentioned in this blog.

Everyone Loves Food

Food can be a particularly great ice breaker.  You can do this by giving the cat his or her favorite meal, waiting for him or her to eat and then lightly pet him or just sit close by and observe.  You can also offer a favorite treat or use treats as a reward while you pet the cat or just as a reward to the cat for sitting nicely near or next to you. 

Quiet Down a Bit

Remember to speak softly.  This can calm a cat and encourage it to stay close to you.  I am sure you have seen this work with humans and dogs as well.  Cats are no different here.

Pay Attention to the Scratches

Find the cats favorite touch spot.  If he or she loves ear scratches or butt scratches, then, oblige him or her.  Kitty will most likely begin greeting you as you arrive or walk into a room.

We hope these tips help with your future cat encounters or in the current relationship that you have with your cat.  Feel free to comment with some of your experiences or tips that have worked or not worked for you.  We love feedback because what you share may in fact help another reader.