How to make your Cat Love You

 Cats are enigmatic animals. What transpires in the mysterious yellow eyes? And when all we want to do is cuddle them, why do they flee? Whether you own cats or simply have a soft spot for your friends' pets, you've definitely had to overcome the difficulty of wooing a wary feline. The chances are that the cat isn't bothered by you specifically; rather, it's your behaviour.

According to Marilyn Krieger, a trained cat behaviour expert at The Cat Coach, "a lot of the time, the reasons for a cat's behaviour are because of what people do or don't do."

With the assistance of some professionals, we've put together a list of suggestions that will literally have cats eating out of the palm of your hand in no time.

1. Pay Attention to Body Language

A cat is more inclined to hide or avoid you if she feels fear. Making a new cat feel at ease is crucial when meeting her for the first time. Krieger explains that because cats are small creatures in comparison to us, it's crucial that they feel secure.

Feline Behavior Solutions' licenced feline behaviour and training professional, Dr. Marci Koski, Ph.D., concurs. She says, "The first thing I do when I meet a new cat is crouch down and greet the cat on her level. "Shrinking down makes you less threatening."

Checking your body language is also vital, according to Koski. Direct eye contact might be perceived as forceful or even scary, according to her. Including body language

Your best option? Be difficult to get. Koski warns, "Don't pay attention to her, she'll get to you in her own time."

2. Allow the cat to come up to you.

Cats can have the cutest little faces. But resist the urge to give Snowball a bear hug when you see him. Cat lovers frequently make this error, according to Krieger. "They'll approach the cat, corner it, try to pet it, and try to dominate it." She explains that in this case, the cat will either ignore your advances or run away.

According to Krieger, you should encourage the cat to come your way rather than charging it. "Sit or crouch down, then extend your index finger towards the cat.

Koski continues, "The next step is to let the cat sniff you." She says, "Either place your hand on the floor, extending, so she doesn't have to get too close." You can then start to pet or scratch the cat's head, but go slowly. Koski advises, "Make friends at the pace of the cat. If she goes away, let her go." The trick is to allow the cat control over the conversation and to give her room to unwind.

3. Pay attention to the cat's preferences.

Cats have a wide range of personalities and preferences, just like people do. If you're meeting a friend's or significant other's cat, you can ask questions; if you're adopting a new cat, you'll need to spend some time watching the cat to learn about her habits and preferences.

If you go slowly and establish trust, even a timid yet curious cat has the ability to become your best friend, according to Koski. By learning what that particular cat like, you can win the cat over. Krieger advises, "Whatever it is, then that's what you can do to encourage the cat to come forward. If the cat wants to be stroked, then you can brush the cat."

Koski offers some advice for basic petting: "Stick to these regions with a new cat. Most cats appreciate being massaged on the forehead, around the ears, neck, and cheeks."

4. Remain composed and optimistic

If you're a "dog person," you might be accustomed to having jumpy, animated interactions with animals. However, according to our experts, such sort of action usually makes cats flee. Koski advises against making any abrupt motions, sounds, or movements. The kitty will have greater faith in you if you can be more consistent in your behaviour, the author claims.

In addition to maintaining your composure, Krieger suggests acting in ways that cats would identify with getting what they want. Krieger advises greeting the cat with food or a treat and developing a practise of calling the animal by name. She advises, "Make everything positive so that nice things happen all around you."

5. Apply Rewards How to strategically win a cat's affection

This one is very simple: if you give a cat a good treat, she'll be more inclined to become friendly. This does not entail dousing the cat in treats all day, though. In order to encourage shyer cats to approach you and establish a stronger bond with you, Koski advises utilising cat treats carefully.

Remember that not all cats have the same preferences, so it's important to conduct your study if you want to form a lifelong bond. According to Koski, "some cats are not highly food-motivated, so you might have to look for a treat that they like." She recommends "simple cooked chicken breast, a small bit of stinky cheese, or tuna flakes" as an initial starter.

6. Play with the cat, but know when to put it down.

A cat may be open to playing once you have gently and slowly introduced yourself to her. Observe carefully and check with the cat's owner (if it's not your cat) before attempting to interact with the animal. Has the cat come up to you and let you pet her? Is she showing any evidence of being at ease? She might then be eager to play.

According to Koski, "a quick play session can be a terrific way to bond." Grab a toy with a wand and move it like a snake, bird, or mouse to give the cat a chance to relax her guard. Krieger also suggests wand toys, ball-and-track toys, and puzzle feeders for her clients' cats, all of which are mentally active.

Remember to respect the cat's space and avoid pressuring her to engage in play while you are playing with her for the first time. Keep fun brief, advises Koski. "If she wants more, she'll come to you!"