Win Your Cat's Heart: 9 Proven Steps to Build Trust

I have always loved cats but it took a lot for me to adopt my first feline. Reason being that they always hid from me whenever I approached them at a friend’s place.

Not willing to give up, I did some research and sought advice from cat owners close to me. Once I felt ready, I went on to adopt a cat.

In this article, I compiled all that I have learned into 9 tips on how to get a cat to like you.

Befriending an unyielding cat can be a bit frustrating. But these tips will give you a good start.

If you are ready, let’s paw in!

How To Get A Cat To Like You – 9 Important Tips!

1. Display The Right Body Language

The first tip on our list is all about your body language.

When you meet a cat for the first time, your body language has a huge role to play.

If the cat feels intimidated or afraid, she will most likely hide from you.

To avoid that, get down to a crouch and avoid eye contact with the cat.

In fact, pretend like the cat isn’t there. Cats tend to respond more to people who do not give them attention.

It’s just a matter of time before the cat will come along for a sniff.

This leads us to tip #2.

2. Allow The Cat To Make The First Move

Secondly, on how to get a cat to like you, don’t approach the cat if she has not approached you yet. Let her be the one to make the first move.

As you are sitting on the floor, cunningly observe the cat so you will know when he is checking you out.

Gently stretch out your hand on the floor before you. This should compel the cat to come closer and sniff you.

If he stays there for a while, sniffing your hand,  she probably wants to mingle.

You can then begin to pet her little by little. Just a tiny rub on the forehead, around the ears, nose, neck, and cheeks at a time will do.

Be careful not to touch her tail. Most cats don’t like that.

The pause in between will help the cat to relax and decide if she wants more.

If she remains still or comes closer, it means you should continue. On the other hand, if she moves away then she is not ready yet.

Give her more time.

3. Learn What She Likes And Doesn’t Like

Here’s another tip on how to get a cat to like you.

Now that the cat has shown interest in warming up, learning her likes and dislikes will boost your friendship.

Apart from observing the cat as you relate with her, you can also ask her owner what she likes and doesn’t like.

Brushing, rubbing at special spots on the body, cuddling, are different things a cat may like.

Tugging at the tail may not be so welcomed. So, find out what your new feline friend wants and stick with it.

This will cause her to like you more.

4. Don’t Act All-Excited

The fourth tip on how to get a cat to like you is controlling your excitement around them.

All around jumping and noise-making may work for some dogs but they will not work for a cat.

Your best approach is to stay calm and let the cat observe you.

When she is convinced that you don’t bite, she will come around.

Also, it will help if you addressed her by name when you both start interacting.

5. Use Treats

Yes, even a cat’s attention can be won with treats.

For the cat that you are trying to woo, offer her treats, or even cat food.

This should draw her closer especially if you have been calm all the while.

For the best results, ask the owner for the cat’s favourite treat and offer just that.

6. It Is Playtime!

Once the cat has given you enough green light then you can apply the 6th tip on how to get a cat to like you: play with the cat.

Get some cool toys like

wand toys,

ball-and-track toys,

or puzzle feeders to entice the cat to play.

Don’t be forceful though, take things slow. Follow the cat’s pace, continue playing only when you are sure that she is enjoying herself.

As you play with the cat, she cannot help but like you the more.

The above tips will help you bond with a cat that you meet at a friend’s place or so. Say you adopted a new kitten, here are more tips that you will find useful_

7. Respect Your Cat

While trying to bond with your new pet, there will be negative feedback at some points.

Hissing, biting, flattened ears, tail twitching, or a consistent stare at your hand are signs that your cat may not be enjoying your company.

When you notice any of these signs, give her some space. Don’t force yourself on your cat, it is okay if she doesn’t want to be handled or cuddled.

Gratefully, giving your cat her space when she needs it will increase her trust in you and cause her to like you more.

8. Overfeeding does not make a friendlier cat

As mentioned, offering a cat delicious foods and treats can endear her to you.

Nevertheless, you should watch the portions so that you will not overfeed your cat.

Overfeeding can lead to health problems

An unhealthy cat will lack the energy or willingness to bond with you.

Moreover, research shows that when cats are placed on a diet, they tend to be more available to bond with their owners.

My advice is that you feed your pet quality cat foods. Also, endeavour to feed the right portion based on her age, size, and activity level.

9. Let Your Cat Expend His Energy

As a predator, your cat is full of energy. One way you can get your cat to like you is by allowing him to express himself.

These tips will help:

• Give him ample space he can call his own
• Add in toys that he can play with
• Take him for a walk as often as possible
• Play with him regularly

Helping your cat expend energy will lead to a healthier and happier cat.

Pro tip: when seeking a cat to adopt, go for one that was properly socialized as a kitten. Some foster caretakers socialize kittens so that they are comfortable whenever they arrive in a new home.

Conclusion

Getting a cat to like you largely depends on your manner of approach and how well you understand the cat’s body language.

Whether you go visiting a cat owner soon or adopt a new cat, I do hope that the tips shared in this article will work for you.

We have now come to the end of our discussion on how to get a cat to like you. Trust you enjoyed the read.

Now tell me, have you had trouble getting a cat to like you? How did you handle the situation? Do you have other tips you feel should be included in this article?

Please let me know in the comments section right now.

Also, share this article with other cat lovers on your list, thank you!