Cats aren’t exactly the easiest animals to win over.
I would know because I experienced it as an owner first-hand.
Ralphie was not an easy cat to win over at all.
I would call him and he would ignore me.
I’d say hi to him after coming home from work, he’d pretend I didn’t exist by walking right past me.
I’d try to give him a treat and he would go lay down on the couch.
It was unbearable at times.
I’m just surprised I didn’t pull my hair out in frustration because if I let all the times Ralphie frustrated me get to me, I wouldn’t have any hair on my head.
And if he didn’t like me, the bond between us two wouldn’t have existed.
If you’re reading this article then you might be wondering how you can get your cat to like you or how you can get your cat to trust you.
So without further ado, let’s talk about how to get your cat to like you.
8 Tips to Get Your Cat to Like You
Deodorize the Area.
Cats aren’t fans of unfamiliar scents. They will scurry off if they are around something that is emitting a strange odor.
One way to eliminate unfamiliar scents is to use a pheromone spray. Two sprays are usually more enough to do the job. Another option that I like is to use a diffuser to constantly release a soothing scent for my cats.
Play hard to get.
Ignoring your cat can yield positive results.
If you’re always trying to cuddle your cat and get its attention, chances are it’s going to ignore you. Sometimes you have to turn the tables on your cat to get what you want and playing hard to get fits that mold.
I first discovered this when I started working from home and spending endless hours staring at my computer screen. After some time my cat had to get my attention and started walking all over the keyboard.
The “Michelangelo” Hand.
Hold your hand out limply and wait for your cat to come to you.
Cats don’t see very well up-close and that’s why they have whiskers to help them feel around. By holding your hand out limply, you will give your cat a chance to be acquainted with your touch.
Petting Safe Zones.
Every cat is different, but starting out in the areas where a mother cat would gently nuzzle her kittens is a great place to start.
That could be behind the ears or base of the tail. Doing this will also give your cat a chance to be acquainted with your touch.
Don’t block the exits.
Cats are aware of their social environments so you don’t want to scare them by acting like they can’t take their leave if they wanted to.
If they want to leave, let them. If you let them leave on their own, they’ll be more likely to come back to you.
The last thing you want to do is act like your cat is a prisoner.
Blink slowly, don’t stare.
Don’t stare your cat down. Don’t make it feel like you’re a predator hunting down its prey.
Instead, blink slowly. It will show your cat that you’re relaxed, friendly, and mean no harm.
Make playtime rewarding.
Keeping a cat engaged during playtime is crucial to getting it to like you.
One toy you could use is a laser pointer. You could point the light somewhere on the ground and cats, being the observant creatures that they are, will most likely follow it and chase it around.
You could go with a typical laser pointer like this one or, if you really want to have fun with it, check out this rotating laser pointer.
By doing this, your cat will see you as someone who is worth spending more time with especially when playtime comes around.
Feed your cat.
This one is obvious but it has to be included…
By feeding your cat, you establish yourself as someone worthy of its trust. If a cat knows that food is coming and that food is coming from you, it will be more likely to come to you and associate the positive feelings of being fed with you.
Key Things To Remember When Getting Your Cat to Like You
- Cats will make you earn their trust.
- Once you earn their trust, your bond with them will only become stronger.
- It is a learning experience to earn a cat’s trust because you will discover what works and doesn’t work.
- Enjoy the process of earning a cat’s trust and make it fun.
Video: How to Get a Cat to Like You
If you’re still completely lost on how to get a cat to like you, don’t worry! I have you covered. Just check out the video below and you should be good to go!
Final Thoughts On How To Get A Cat To Like You
Once you earn a cat’s trust, it will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
There is nothing more gratifying than feeling like you worked for something and earning your cat’s trust definitely fits the bill.
A cat that trusts you is a cat that likes you and a cat that likes you is a cat that will spend more time with you.
It’s a process, but it’s well worth it. And if you can get your cat to like you, believe me when I say that you have it made!
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