Ideal friend: how to please a cat
Cats have a reputation for being pretty tough clients. They seem aloof and uninterested for the most part (until you show up with snacks or doused in catnip), and if you’re unhappy with them, the consequences can be brutal.
The truth is that cats are not as difficult to win as you might think. You don’t need bribes or clever tricks up your sleeve, just a few helpful hints and tips to get cats to like you.
What the Research Says
Research proves that cats have similar social traits to humans and dogs. In the study, cats showed clear signs of attachment to people: proximity seeking, separation anxiety, and reconnection behavior. Moreover, cats have been shown to be capable of developing both secure and insecure attachments to their beloved parents or other caregivers.
Cats miss people when they are not home. When a caregiver returns after a short absence, securely attached cats exhibit a reduced stress response, while insecurely attached cats remain stressed and prone to behaviors such as excessive proximity seeking.
Of course, cats can be a little cold and indifferent, but earning a cat’s affection is a special pleasure. It’s like you’ve won a prize!
So, whether you’re meeting a new cat or just want to know how to get your cat to love you, don’t be afraid. We’ve put together these adorable cat tips to make you a hit with the feline crowd.
Tips on how to please a cat
When you meet someone new, there are corresponding stages of interaction that define almost every relationship. When you meet a new person, you wouldn’t immediately tell them your deepest darkest secrets. You would start with an introduction and gradually reveal more about yourself, building trust over time. This is a gradual process that builds over time.
It’s the same with cats. Your relationship will go through various stages until there is enough trust to become even closer. First, you have to establish trust, which can take time.
Here’s a list of things you can do to instantly become more attractive to cats and start gaining trust:
How to play with a cat
If you love cats, you may find it difficult to control yourself around them. You see a cute kitten and immediately rush at him, making high-pitched noises and standing in his bars, smothering him with kisses and caresses.
Stop! This approach will never end well for you. The biggest secret to becoming a hit with felines is to let them make the first move. Act cool and don’t come across as desperate for their attention.
If you are trying to please a cat, the first thing you need to do is admit that you are no longer in charge. Let your cat initiate the interaction and you will see your success with kittens skyrocket.
You’ve probably seen this in real life. A cat walks into a room and immediately decides to climb into the lap of the person who is allergic or doesn’t like cats. Cause? This person isn’t trying very hard to get the cat’s attention.
So, play it cool. Let the kittens come to you.
Be a cat
Imagine you are a cat for a second. How do you think you would feel if a huge man leaned over you and started touching and stroking you? Not so great, right? When you approach any feline, it’s important to take a moment to imagine how they would interpret you. Hanging over them like an ominous presence will not win you any prizes.
First of all, you’re huge. Secondly, they don’t know you. How can they be sure that you are trustworthy?
So how do you communicate with your cat? You build trust with cats in a way that they understand. Get down to their level as much as you can. At least try to appear less threatening. Definitely don’t sneak up on them or try to pick them up without introducing yourself to them.
For example, if you try to pet a strange cat’s belly, you won’t be surprised when your hand gets mauled, scratched, or bitten. A cat’s belly is a very sensitive area and you will need a trusting relationship before you can gain access to it.
In the animal kingdom, most meetings between cats begin with them sniffing and introducing themselves to each other. Reflect this by holding out your hand or finger for your cat to sniff. Most often, your cat will be curious and will approach your hand and sniff. If they move on to touching their cheek to your hand, consider yourself successfully introduced.
Now you can begin to have respectful friendships.
