Adopting a new cat? Bond with her using trust-building tips, body language cues and playtime strategies to help her feel safe and secure.
Our cats are more than just furry presences. They are the graceful, constant heartbeat of our homes. If you’ve recently adopted a new kitty companion, start building a strong bond with her right away. When you give her understanding, time and space, she can form a deep, meaningful connection with you. Here’s how to bond with a new cat.
1. Start by giving her safety and security
When you first bring your cat home, provide her with a quiet room filled with basic necessities. These include food, water, a clean litter box, toys, and a warm, safe place to rest and sleep. Consider a soft dome bed, a cubby in a cat tree, or a comforting blanket.
Some cats will confidently stroll in and make themselves at home. Others need time and patience to adjust to their new surroundings. Most need time to transition from their former residence, whether it was a shelter, rescue, or another home.
For the first two to three days, give your cat time and space to decompress. Take note of her preferences, and don’t force or rush your relationship. Take it as slow and steady as your cat needs. Once she begins to feel safe and secure, she’ll be more receptive to interacting with you.
2. Let your cat come to you
As much as you want to snuggle with your new kitty, it’s best to let her initiate the interaction. No one likes uninvited or unexpected grabbiness.
Cats greet each other by sniffing noses. You can simulate this gesture by offering your pointer finger as a substitute nose for your kitty to sniff. If she feels comfortable and wants to continue the interaction, she’ll rub her cheek, chin and head against your finger and hand. If she’s unsure, she’ll pull away.
Give your cat time to assess the safety of the interaction. When she feels secure, she’ll return. You’re building trust by allowing her to control the interaction.
Cats show distinct preferences regarding how and where they like humans to pet them. Research shows that most cats prefer petting between the ears, on the cheeks and under the chin.
However, cats don’t like it when you touch the base or underside of the tail. They also dislike having their feet, legs or tummies touched. Heed your cat’s warnings and pet her in cat-approved areas.
Once she allows you to pet her or pick her up, stop when she signals she’s had enough. Over time, she may allow longer periods of cuddling or holding. However, if she prefers to sit next to you instead of on your lap, respect her preference. Consider it an honor when she wants to be near you.
3. Understand feline body language
Cats speak volumes through their body language. Sometimes it’s subtle; other times not so much. Understanding their signals is crucial to building trust. A cat’s eyes, ears, whiskers, tail, and body position communicate mood and emotional state.
For example, when your cat is calm, her face will be relaxed and her ears up. Her eyes may slightly close, and you may get a slow blink (blink back!). Her tail may be still and she might may purr. The picture of serenity!
However, when she’s fearful, agitated or angry, her ears will be flat and perhaps rotated slightly back. Her whiskers will lie close to her face and her pupils will dilate. Her tail may thrash and her back may arch. She might hiss or growl. Be respectful of her boundaries.
Cats also vocalize with us using a range of meows and purrs. A domestic cat’s vocal repertoire is extensive, with up to 21 distinct vocalization types. Cats rarely vocalize with one another except during territorial disputes or mating.
Meows are more common in feline-human communication, especially when cats seek attention, play or food. Tune in to her vocalizations. She’s not only talking to you; she’s adapting and learning how to communicate with you.
4. Play with your kitty every day
Play is important to the overall physical and mental welfare of your cat, and builds a closer bond between you. Set aside ten to 15 minutes twice a day for focused playtime. This means putting down your phone, turning off the TV, and focusing on quality time with your cat.
Research shows that cats who play more with their guardians, using a variety of games and toys, have a higher quality of life. Without play, cats can undergo behavior changes such as attention-seeking and excess vocalization. They can also become destructive, aggressive or reclusive.
When playing with your cat, offer toys and games that mimic hunting. These may include wand toys, balls, or catnip bubbles. Note which kind of toys your cat prefers, and rotate his toy menu often to prevent boredom. Your cat will learn to associate playtime with shared fun and excitement.
When learning how to bond with a new cat, remember that each feline is an individual. Every kitty has her own personality, preferences and quirks. Building a strong bond with her takes time, patience and understanding. Respect her boundaries and always give positive reinforcement. Enjoy the lifetime journey of love you create together!
Keep interactions with your cat positive
Make your time together positive. Speak calmly and kindly to your cat, add gentle handling and a dash of favorite treats. You can encourage your cat to like you even more by pairing good timeswith rewards, whether treats or praise. A word of caution though — don’t substitute treats for quality time and attention.
Maintain a regular routine
Cats thrive on routine. Establish specific times for feeding, playtime, grooming and sleep. Stick to those times as closely as possible. Keeping a dependable schedule teaches your cat she can rely on you, which helps build trust.
The post How to bond with a new cat appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
Read More...
