Mary Allen
Cats are one of the most popular pets par excellence and many people absolutely love them. No wonder, because these wonderful velvet paws not only bring a lot of fun and adventure, but also love and affection. But not every cat is the same and friendships between humans and animals vary.
Of course, every cat fan would like to have a fluffy companion at their side who likes to cuddle, is playful and therefore nothing stands in the way of wonderful hours together. Mutual trust and affection play a particularly important role here.
Unfortunately, the relationships between humans and animals are often not familiar and intimate right from the start, and from time to time it happens that this relationship is anything but friendly. Many cats are initially afraid of their owners, and of course many factors play an important role. In this article, we provide advice on how to bond with your cat and strengthen it to create a loving relationship.
Don’t forget the experiences of the cat
Of course, every cat has its own individual experiences with people before it moves into its new home with you. Especially older cats from animal shelters or even those from the street have often not only experienced nice situations, but also had bad experiences with people and are accordingly afraid. If you want to bring kittens into the house, the bad experiences are usually not there. Small cats are therefore quite approachable and will arrive themselves after a very short time. Here the bond between humans and animals is worked on right from the start. Older cats generally need longer to feel comfortable in the new home and to trust the new owner.
The character of the cat is crucial
Of course, most cat owners want cats by their side, which they love as much as you love your velvet paw. Just like us humans, every cat is a creature of its own with individual character traits, preferences and habits. The character of the animals can often be quickly determined by the breed, so that you can find out in advance which pedigree cat suits you and which one would feel comfortable in the new home. If it is an animal from an animal shelter, the keepers usually know the character traits and individual needs of the animals and can help to find the right partner.
Breed examples including character traits:
Norwegian Forest Cat:
These particularly beautiful animals are not particularly well suited to being kept indoors, so problems could arise here. This is mainly due to the fact that these cats are still very close to the original wild form and therefore also have a strong hunting instinct. If the cats have no opportunity to act out this hunting instinct, to climb or run, they can quickly feel uncomfortable, which of course would not do the bond between you and your cats any good.
Siamese:
Siamese cats are particularly social, so that not only the human is very important, also conspecifics should not be missing in the new home, but this should not be the case with any cat. Siamese cats are known to be communicative, social and very affectionate, which applies not only to other cats but also to people. So please never keep Siamese cats alone. If you have a space problem, then it is best to contact an animal shelter, because there are always isolated cases of cats that cannot be socialized with others.
Persian cats:
Persian cats are considered to be particularly relaxed animals, who like to spend the day snuggled up with their cat buddies and do not have such a pronounced hunting instinct as other breeds. Additionally, Persians usually get along well with their owners. However, with these cats, it is very important to take good care of them. Persians, like Maine Coons, have longer and nicer coats that require daily grooming to prevent tangles.
Tips for building a bond between humans and cats
Of course, as already mentioned, all cats have very different needs, experiences and personality traits. Of course, you have to accept this right from the start in order not to jeopardize the trust of your loved one. We have some tips on how to strengthen the bond between you and your cats and would like to present them in more detail below:
Species-appropriate attitude
A species-appropriate attitude is of course particularly important. This means that you shouldn’t just go for quality food and make sure your cat doesn’t lack for it. Keeping at least two cats is also very important and ensures that the needs of other cats can also be met. Because a human can never replace a cat pal. Furthermore, it is always important to ensure that your darlings have a scratching post available, are given peace and quiet when they withdraw and can use opportunities to let off steam together.
Time
Always give your cats the time they need. That especially at the beginning. Many cats first have to feel comfortable in their new home, explore everything and find their way around. Pick up the new smells and see where their new place is. It is not uncommon for the new family members to hide and not dare to come out. This does not only apply to older cats, kittens are often anxious at first and look for a suitable place to get to safety. Now it’s time to be patient, give the animals the time they need to leave the hiding place. Eventually they will come of their own accord. However, you can stimulate interest with small toys, food and treats, but never overdo it, especially on the first few days. If you have children of your own, please make sure that they are not too noisy at the time and leave the newcomers alone for the time being.
Never impose
As already mentioned, cats need time. Most of them come of their own accord and the house tiger determines exactly when this happens. You should also always bear in mind that cats naturally also like to be petted and spoiled with affection. Some love to be hugged or held on their laps and enjoy this affection to the fullest. But even cats don’t always want to be touched. As with us humans, there are always moments when cats want to be left alone. Of course you have to accept that. If it is not respected, it can also quickly happen that your darlings extend their claws and show that the point has come where they do not want to be touched. So never shower your cats with your affection, especially not at moments when the velvet paws want to be left alone. Because that can quickly backfire and give your friendship a crack in the long run.
Always watch your cats
Your cat doesn’t always want to be petted as soon as it approaches you. You should therefore always keep a close eye on your animals to find out what they are trying to tell you at the moment. Often they are just hungry, want to get out or have another need. For this reason, it is always advisable to study and get to know cats’ body language better. Over time, however, it will no longer be a problem to understand your own velvet paws directly and act accordingly in the interests of the house tiger.
The right note makes the music
Of course, cats don’t understand our language and we don’t understand theirs. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a conversation. Always speak to your cats in a pleasant and calm tone, as this is particularly important for bonding. Tell your cat about the day and see how she reacts. Cats love it and some join the discussion meowing and purring.
Create free space
Like humans, cats need space. A healthy diet, a cozy basket, and a place of retreat as well as sufficient sleep are therefore particularly important for cats. In addition, cats like to be alone sometimes. So don’t disturb your animals when they are sleeping or retiring to another room. This doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t love you, it just means she’s looking for some space and needs some quiet.
Use grooming
Coat care plays a particularly important role in keeping a cat, of course due to the breed. When grooming together, several interests can now be optimally combined. By brushing you ensure a radiantly beautiful coat and that there are no tangles. Because then it either means that you have to cut them out or even shave them away. Many cats fear and fear these situations. Furthermore, you have time together that you can enjoy to the fullest. Be gentle and approach slowly in small steps. Many cats are unfamiliar with brushing and combing, so small steps need to be taken here as well, but cats should never be forced to brush. So don’t hold your darlings or fixate the little ones, but let your cats decide for themselves whether they want to be brushed or not. Gradually, your cat will enjoy this coat care to the fullest and associate it with you in a positive way, which of course will benefit the bond between you and your darling.
Discover common rituals
Both humans and cats are creatures of habit. Common rituals are therefore perfectly suited to further strengthen the common bond. In this way, cats know very quickly how their owners behave, for example when they get home from work or before they go to bed. Grooming in the evening, playing before going to bed or special rituals before feeding all give your cat security and trust.
Playing together
Cats love to play not only with their own kind, but also with people. Get some cat toys and nothing stands in the way of hours of play together. Cat fishing or intelligence games, for example, which you fill with small treats, are particularly suitable. Here the cats notice that the actions are being carried out by you and in turn bring this positive experience back into connection with you. In addition, cats not only want to be exercised physically, but also mentally. Always make sure there is some variety here so that you and your cat do not get bored so quickly. In addition, you should always consider the preferences of your house tiger in order to do them justice.
Important binding tips at a glance:
- Fur care for shared moments;
- leave space;
- Understand cat language better;
- play together;
- Species-appropriate attitude;
- No constraints;
- Ensure calm;
- Give the animals the time they need;
- rituals;
- talk to the cat;
- When the cats are sleeping, do not touch or pick them up.
Our conclusion
A friendship does not exist overnight. She needs to grow and be cared for, always putting the needs and well-being of the cats first. If you pay attention to your animals, follow a few rules and never pressure your cats, but always do them good, then a bond can develop between you that is something very special.
Then nothing stands in the way of a wonderful time and you will have found a furry friend that you can always rely on. Because even in the hard times of our lives, the cats always stay by our side to support us and give us love and comfort. So it always pays to focus on the cat, respect its needs and be patient.