Would you like to be the best friend of your cat? If so, you should know that, while it can be a fairly easy task, it requires time and patienceYou can't expect to gain a feline's trust in two days, especially if it has had few experiences with humans or some negative experience in the past.
Even so, I guarantee that after all the effort, the rewards will come in the form of sought-after caresses, purrs and shared playtime. For this reason, I'm going to explain how to earn a cat's trustWhether it's a cat that lives indoors, a shy, rescued, or even stray feline.
Give him security
Before talking about petting, it's important to make sure that the furry friend is going to live in a quiet environment y SafetyIt has to be able to camp to your heart's content, see and explore everything in your new home (except for dangerous objects and cables, of course) without being disturbed by other furry friends or people. Likewise, you should never force him to do anything; instead, let the cat set the pace of the relationship.
Furthermore, it is very necessary that he can go to a room by himself whenever he wantsIt must contain the essentials, which are toys, a scratching post, a bed, food and water, but also a piece of our clothing that carries our scent so that he starts to associate it with something familiar y positive.
Cats feel much safer when their environment is predictableThat's why establishing a daily routine of food, play, and rest. Feeding him at similar times every day, keeping his things in the same places, and avoiding sudden changes in the house reduces the Stress and makes it easier for her to start trusting you and her new home.
It is also essential to offer high places (shelves, scratching posts with towers, secure furniture) where they can observe everything without feeling vulnerable. Cats relax much more when they can control their surroundings from above, so these elevated spots function as authentic stress-relief shelters.
If your cat is particularly scared or anxious, it's a good idea to initially limit its access to the entire house and leave it with only a quiet room where it has everything it needs. Gradually, as you see it becoming more relaxed, you can gradually expand its territory so it doesn't feel isolated or anxious. overwhelmed.
Spend time
In order to gain their trust, it is important to dedicate all our time to them. possible time And be patient. It is essential to learn to interpret their body language Well that will be the way in which the furry will tell us what he wants and how he feels at all times.
Daily we have to play with himWhether with a rope or a ball, let them snuggle up close to you. Play, besides being an excellent way to expend energy, is a wonderful way to build a emotional bondUse interactive toys, such as feather wands or light balls, to stimulate their hunting instinct, always with gentle movements and avoiding sudden shocks.
The first few times, it's quite likely he won't come very close, but that's okay, we'll wait. Sooner rather than later, we'll be sure he'll want to be petted. You can start. offering candiesSpeak to him in a soft voice and respect his pace. Let him approach, smell your hand, and decide how much contact he wants.
Once he starts to tolerate your presence better, try petting him in the areas where most cats feel most comfortable, such as around the cabeza, the cuello and behind the earsStop every few seconds to observe its reaction: if it purrs, pushes your hand, or remains relaxed, you can continue; if it tenses up or moves away, it's best to stop and give it space.
Don't make noises
Cats can hear the sound of a mouse from several meters away. Their hearing is extremely acute, so if we shout at them or make loud noises, we will frighten them and the animal will not be happy. An environment full of shouting, slamming doors or very loud music undermines their confidence and reinforces the idea that humans are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
If he does something wrong, we don't have to mistreat him (In reality, mistreating an animal is prohibited by law, whatever the reason that leads a person to treat their, what should be, four-legged friend in this way), but we should say "NO" firmly but without shouting at the moment, wait a few seconds, and redirect their behavior with treats or toys. That positive reinforcement It is much more effective than punishment for educating him and, in addition, it protects the trust he is building with you.
Talk to him often in a calm tone of voiceIncluding your name and short phrases will help them get to know you. You can even combine your voice with slow blinkswhich in feline language is equivalent to a kind of "I love you" or "I trust you." If your cat responds with another slow blink or approaches with its tail held high, it's a clear sign that your presence is comforting. nice.
It is also advisable to minimize, as much as possible, stressful situations inside the house: abrupt introductions to other animalsVery noisy visits, constant furniture changes, or forced relocations. The more stable and calm their daily life is, the easier it will be for them to see your company as a safe haven.
If your cat is very fearful, you might consider using support products such as diffusers. synthetic pheromones Specifically designed for cats, these toys help create a more relaxed environment. While not a magic solution, they can be a helpful addition to reduce overall anxiety, always in conjunction with gentle handling.
Respect their personality and their past
Not all cats are the same. Some are naturally more sociable and confident, while others are more Shy o reserved. The stray cats or those who have been mistreated tend to show more distrustto move cautiously and take much longer to accept direct human contact.
The way your cat behaves today is influenced by its early socialization, circumstances in which he was born and their first experiences with humans. A kitten accustomed to contact from a young age usually adapts to a new home more quickly, while a semi-wild cat may need weeks or months before tolerating caresses or being held in arms.
That's why it's so important accept their way of being And don't compare him to other cats. Your goal shouldn't be to turn him into a cat he's not, but to provide him with the conditions so he can feel comfortable and confidently express his personality, even if he never becomes extremely affectionate.
Always respect their boundsDon't force him out of hiding, don't chase him to touch him, and don't force long interactions if you see he prefers brief but frequent contact. Giving him the option to decide when to approach you shows him that you control your own behavior and that you're not a pushover. threat .
Over time, many cats that initially appear aloof end up actively seeking their human's company, greeting them with their tails raised, kneading with their paws, or sleeping nearby. The human-cat relationship should be a peer relationshipBased on respect and mutual understanding. Only in this way can we both have a good coexistence.
When you manage to make your cat feel safe by your side, without fear and with the freedom to approach or move away as needed, that's when you can truly say you've earned their affection. confidence. and you have built a strong bond with him that will last for many years.
