How to Make a Cat Love You

Treat your cat as an independent creature. While cats depend on your care, they have a strong need for independence and private space. Though cats enjoy being petted, they often aren't as fond of interacting with humans. If you balance playtime with giving them personal space, your cat will grow fonder of you.

• A common mistake among pet owners is treating cats like dogs. Remember, these two species are very different.
• Dogs have been domesticated to work alongside humans. In contrast, cats are solitary animals that help humans by eliminating harmful rodents on their own.
• Don’t overdo it with affection or feel frustrated when your cat hides from you. It’s part of their natural behavior.

Avoid using punishment. When a cat is punished with yelling or other harsh actions, it tends to run away. In general, cats don’t respond to discipline in the way dogs do. A cat won’t love you if you're a harsh owner.

• Never hit your cat, as this will only make things worse.
• Though spraying water at your cat is a common punishment trick, it will make the cat fearful and mistrustful of you.

Discover your cat’s favorite treats. Just like humans, cats have preferences for certain foods. Find out what they like and use those treats to reward good behavior instead of punishing them. Cats’ tastes vary, but small tuna cookies or cooked chicken are usually irresistible to them. Giving treats occasionally will make your cat love you even more.

• Do not give milk to your cat. Contrary to popular belief, dairy products are not good for cats.
• Avoid giving cats chocolate, candy, raw eggs, or raw meat and fish.
• Remember, treats should not replace a full meal for your cat.

Respect your cat's personality. While cats share common behavioral traits, each one is unique in its own way. Take time to understand what your cat likes and dislikes. Knowing and respecting your cat’s personality is key to winning its affection.

Learn and respect your cat’s body language. Just like humans, cats use body language to communicate their emotions, from trust to fear. Their posture carries important messages. For example:

• A curved back, fur standing on end along the spine, and extended claws indicate that a cat feels threatened. At this point, allow the cat some space.
• If your cat rubs against you, it may want to play.
• If your cat wraps its tail around you, it may be expressing contentment.
• If your cat tucks its tail under its body or between its legs, it might be feeling anxious or uneasy.

Listen to your cat's sounds. A purring sound indicates love and contentment. Screaming and hissing mean 'stay away.' The 'meow meow' sound is used to get attention, expressing emotions ranging from hunger to a desire for affection.

• Cats don’t meow to each other, they do it to communicate with humans.
• If a cat meows continuously, it might indicate illness and a need for a vet visit.

Avoid prolonged eye contact with your cat. While this is considered polite with people, for cats, it can be perceived as a threat. If your cat blinks while you’re around, it’s a sign of trust.

• The next time your cat blinks at you, try to mimic the gesture.
• By slowly blinking, you are showing confidence and openness, fostering a deeper bond with your cat.

When picking up your cat, lower yourself to their level first. Slowly crouch down before lifting your cat. If they can see you coming before being picked up, they’ll be less scared.

Keep your cat safe from danger. A cat will love you more when it feels protected and safe. Ensure your cat has a secure place to sleep, feels safe while using the litter box, has enough food, and is not threatened by others or other animals in the house.

• Make sure your cat cannot access harmful substances.
• Keep kitchen and storage cabinets closed as cats are curious creatures and might get into trouble.
• Equip your cat with a collar that has a breakaway clasp (in case they get caught) with contact details in case they get lost.

Feed your cat on a regular schedule. Cats are creatures of habit. Try not to change their feeding times too often. Reward your cat with treats when it behaves well, but don't let it interfere with their main meals. To make your cat love you more, avoid constantly changing the type of food they eat.

• Cats can be perfectly healthy eating dry food, canned food, or a combination of both.
• Most experts recommend feeding your cat no more than twice a day. In developed countries, one out of five cats is obese, leading to serious health issues.

Never mistreat your cat! When leaving the house, make sure your cat has enough food and fresh water. If you're away for an extended period, ensure someone can check on your cat, clean the litter box, and spend some time with them. A mistreated cat will not love its owner.

• Although cats are independent animals, they still require attention and regular grooming.
• If you're going on vacation, consider hiring a pet sitter to take care of your cat.

Clean your cat’s litter box regularly. Cats love cleanliness, and if their litter box is dirty, they’ll find another spot to relieve themselves. Add fresh litter daily and clean the box with soap and water often.

• Don’t suddenly change the type of litter you use for your cat.
• If you want to switch to a new litter type, gradually mix it with the old litter to help your cat adjust.

Brush your cat frequently. They love it! Regular brushing helps maintain their coat and skin health. Brushing also offers a great opportunity to spot any lumps, fleas, or injuries. It’s also a bonding experience that helps you grow closer to your cat.

• Avoid brushing against the direction of the fur growth, as this can make your cat uncomfortable and stressed.
• Always brush gently with long strokes, rather than using short, harsh movements.

Play with your cat. Cats love simple, inexpensive toys – use string toys to mimic the movement of a mouse. Make the toy move quickly like a mouse or flutter like a bird. Your cat will eagerly chase after it. Cats will adore owners who take the time to play with them.

• Encourage your cat to pounce on the toy, not on your hand!

Invest in a scratching post. Cats have a natural instinct to scratch surfaces around your home, like your furniture. However, they may prefer scratching certain objects, especially those with rough textures like thick carpets or woven mats. Your cat will love you more if you provide a proper scratching post for them indoors.

Get or make a “cat tree” for your cat; it serves as both a scratching post and a playground. Cats love climbing and playing with this type of toy.

Leverage your cat's love for food. Many cats tend to bond more closely with the person who feeds them than with others. If you have a busy household, make sure you're the one feeding the cat. They’ll get used to it and come to you when they’re hungry or it's time for dinner.

• The quickest way to a cat’s heart is through its stomach!

• These things take time. You can’t force a cat to love you.
• Scratch different parts of your cat’s body to find their favorite spots to be petted.
• Many cats enjoy being scratched under the chin.
• Recognize when your cat no longer wants attention, like petting. Some signs include: not purring, giving you a certain look, or simply getting up and walking away.
• Let your cat climb on you if they want, don’t push them off your lap.
• Give them treats a few times a week.
• If your cat doesn’t want to be picked up, don’t force it, as this will only make them more upset.
• If your cat hisses, leave them alone.

• If your cat hisses or raises its paws to scratch, do not touch them anymore. This will only make the cat angrier. Instead, leave the cat alone for a while and try again later.
• A cat that is injured or seriously ill may purr to comfort itself. This is not a sign of satisfaction, but rather the opposite. If your cat shows clear signs of unhappiness or defensive behavior but still purrs, you should consider taking it to the vet.
• Never grab or pull your cat's tail, as they do not like this.