Complete tips for getting along with a cat and strengthening your bond

How can a person get along with a cat? That is undoubtedly a very good question that may seem to have a difficult answer; however, as time goes by you realize that it is not actually that complicated, since it is just a matter of dealing with it. respect, patience y sweetie.

But of course, If this is the first time that you live with one, you may have many doubtsDoubts that I hope you can resolve by reading this special article in which I will offer you many tips for getting along with a cat, also incorporating what is known today about feline behavior, respectful driving y daily coexistence.

Understanding the cat

Before starting, it is important to first know what is a cat and what their character is like, since that way we can get an idea of how we should behave with himThe better you understand their worldview, the easier it will be for the bond to be positive and lasting.

Okay. The cat is an animal about which we have been told many things, several of which are half truths or even MythsIn the wild, when it could live peacefully in its natural habitat - fields, meadows - He used to spend the day alone but without straying too much from the members of what was for him his family, and less if it was a female. He slept many hours a day, hidden in his shelter, and at night he hunted mainly rodents and small birds. About two or three times a year, depending on the climate, he would look for a partner to have offspring.

The cat, loving and kind, was a good motherShe never left her cubs more than absolutely necessary. However, when the cubs reached two or three months old, the age at which they began to learn to hunt their own prey, she would send them away so they could fend for themselves. This might seem cruel to us today, but it wasn't at all for the nature of these felines, who didn't have time to be bored and needed to learn to hunt. survive on their own.

However, modern humans appeared and, with them, a permanent food source. Little by little he approached them, or more specifically their barns, places where they had corn and other types of cereals that attracted rodents. As time went by, these people they saw a companion in the cat, and it did not take long to take it to their huts or, later, to their houses, flats, apartments or chalets.

Although it had to go through a critical period, that of the Middle Ages, when it was said that it was a transmitter of the plague and that it gave very bad luck, currently and thanks to all those lovers of these animals that have been appearing and will continue to appear, now we can enjoy your companyToday it is also known that the human-cat relationship is reminiscent in some aspects of the relationship between parent and childDecisions, the home environment, and even human personality can influence the cat's emotional well-being.

Recent studies indicate that personality of people The people a cat lives with also have an impact on its behavior. Emotionally unstable or highly nervous people tend to live with cats that exhibit more nervousness. anxiety, aggressive behaviors o stress-related problemsIn contrast, those who treat their animals calmly and consistently tend to have more relaxed, confident, and stable cats. Understanding that a cat is not just an independent animal, but a sensitive being that reacts to our lifestyle, is key to getting along well with them.

The cat is not an "indoor" animal (with some exceptions)

No, it is not. Of course, it is well suited to living in a house, and certainly if it is bottle babies being very baby I'm not going to advise you to let him go for a walk because he might not know how to get back and you'll have to go looking for him (I'm speaking from experience), but if you've had him since he was two months old or more, it's likely that sooner rather than later try to leave or at least show curiosity about the outside world.

In less than two centuries we have put an animal inside a home that has spent much of its history (about ten thousand years) outside. The hunting instinct is in your genes, and that will manifest itself when you are very young: When he plays with a toy, what he is actually doing is perfecting his hunting skills in case tomorrow he can catch a prey; when you nail your nails into furniture, what you will do is mark your territory; when fight with a cat who does not know - and who has not been presented correctly - what he will do is tell him that he is not welcome in his home.

No friend, The cat is not a domestic animal in the same sense as the dog.It's not like a dog that will always follow you wherever you go and will almost always obey you. A cat has a special character, very similar in some ways to that of humans, but with that... wild dye that we still don't fully understand today.

For all these reasons, I think that only someone who wants to dedicate time to living with a cat can do so. understand their body language, respect your space (or its different spaces within the house), and do everything possible to ensure it can live happily within four walls. That means offering it freedom of movement Inside the home, options for exploration, high points, hiding places, and activities that channel their hunting energy.

When you can't go outside, it's especially important that the inside is rich in feline stimuliScratching posts, shelves, toys, quiet sleeping areas, a litter box in a private spot, and fresh water sources. Many so-called "behavioral problems" (scratching, marking, chasing, minor aggression) decrease as soon as the environment is better adapted to their needs. natural needs.

This is what you have to do if you want to get along with your cat

Now that we know more or less what a cat is like, let's move on to the main topic of the article: How to get along with a cat? The basic idea is respect their nature, adapting the living arrangement to their needs and maintaining clear communication through their body language and ours.

Understand their body language

Cats can't speak like people, so they can't tell us how they feel with words, but they can with... gesturesTherefore, depending on its tail, fur, and/or eyes, it will be telling us one thing or another. Learning to read these signs is essential for avoid conflicts and offer him the kind of contact he truly enjoys.

For example:

• Ears back, mouth open showing fangs, hair on endHe is very tense and could attack at any moment. In this case, Do not try to pet him or physically calm him downIt's best to give him space and reduce stimulation.
• Erect tail, closed mouth, sweet gazeHe's calm. If he approaches you, he'll probably ask for cuddles or climb onto your lap. Here you can offer him gentle strokes in areas they usually like, such as the head and the base of the ears.
• Is in front of you, looking at youIf his fur isn't standing on end, he's simply showing interest in something you're carrying—perhaps a can of food or a toy. He might also be assessing your emotional stateSo a soft tone of voice and calm movements will be more pleasant for him.
• Tail moving rapidly from side to side, body tense: usually indicates discomfort or excitementIt's best to stop playing or petting and let it walk away if it wants to.
• Slow blinking as he looks at youIt's a sign of confidence and relaxationYou can respond with another slow blink to reinforce that feeling of security.

It is also important to remember that most cats They don't like fixed and intense stares.They might interpret these actions as a challenge. Therefore, if you want to show them you're friendly, it's best to blink slowly or look slightly away while speaking in a soft tone.

Respect him

This is essential. Without respect there is nothing. A cat that does not live in a house where it can lead a life in the company of people who love it, can never be happy. For this, Never hit him, yell at him, stick your fingers in his eyes, or pull his hair or tail. A cat is not a toy, it is a living being that has feelings.

Furthermore, it is important not to use no physical punishment or yelling as a form of education. Far from understanding what it has done wrong, the cat will only learn to fear you and fendIf he feels cornered or scared, he is more likely to resort to scratching or biting, or to develop stress-related behavioral problems.

It is also advisable to avoid:

• Corner him to pet him when he tries to leave. That only creates distrust.
• Pursue it He'll run around the house trying to catch or hug him. The chase will be very threatening for him.
• Block his path when it wants to move. Constantly interrupting its wandering increases its stress level.
• Stare into his eyes If there is no trust yet; for many cats that is an uncomfortable challenge.

The golden rule is very simple: respect to be respectedIf you are consistent, calm, and predictable, your cat will learn that it is safe with you and that you are pleasant company, not a threat.

Play with him

Another thing you need to do to get along with a cat is play with him every day. You have to dedicate three to four sessions of about 10-15 minutes each day; In this way, you can burn energy and, incidentally, enjoy yourself.

It is important not to use your hands or feet as toysIf you let your cat bite or scratch your hands during play, you're teaching it that this is acceptable, and over time it may unintentionally hurt you. Instead, use cat toys such as feather wands, balls, mice, or interactive toys.

When playing with it, keep these points in mind:

• Don't throw it at the toyHe throws the toy on a trajectory away from the cat so that he can pursue him and hunt him downthus imitating the natural hunting sequence.
• Avoid games that end in constant frustrationLet him "win" and catch the toy from time to time.
• If it gets too excited, with snorting or very loud tail slapping, lower the intensity of the game or take a break.
• Adapt the type of toy to their personality: some prefer feathers in high, other toys that slide on the floor or balls that they can chase.

The game is not just entertainment: it's the best way to channel their hunting instinctto reduce stress and strengthen your bond. A cat that often plays with its human is usually a better cat. more confident and with fewer behavioral problems.

Let him be a cat

By this I mean you have to let it behave as it is, which means letting him get on the furniture, sleep with us - unless we have an allergy, of course - and that he can relieve himself (not only physiological, but also to keep his nails in good condition with the help of a scraper) In a quiet place.

Many behaviors that people find annoying are actually normal feline behaviorsScratching, cheek marking, sniffing everything, hiding when there's noise, seeking high or secluded places to rest… these are all part of their nature. Instead of trying to stop them at all costs, offer them suitable alternatives.

For example:

• Put stable scratchers near the furniture he usually scratches, to redirect that behavior.
• offer him high places (bookshelves, cat trees) from where it can calmly observe its territory.
• Reserve a quiet corner for the litter box, away from food and the constant flow of people.
• It allows it to have safe havenssuch as cardboard boxes, cave-like beds, or spaces under furniture.

Respecting his/her behavior is also part of "letting him/her be a cat". RoutinesCats like things to be predictable: a consistent feeding schedule, uninterrupted rest periods, and more or less regular play sessions. If you respect their sleeping, litter box, and eating times, they will feel much safer and more secure.

Reward him once in a while

We all like to receive gifts. The cat too. From time to time it is a very good idea to give him a can of wet food or a cat treat. You are sure to love it. What's more, with this you will get him to trust you more and that they associate your presence with pleasant experiences.

The awards are also useful for reinforce desired behaviorsFor example, you can give them a small snack when:

• It comes towards you voluntarily and allows itself to be petted in a relaxed manner.
• Use the scratching post instead of your furniture.
• He behaves calmly in new situations (such as visits or strange noises).
• It gets along well with another animal in the house.

Positive reinforcement works much better than punishment. If you want a behavior to be repeated, reward the cat right after that it does. There's no need to overdo it with the sweets: a small amount is enough, combined with soft words, caresses in her favorite areas or a little extra playtime.

Do not force anything

For example, he may not be a particularly affectionate cat, but not for that reason you have to force him to behave in a different way. We don't have to be selfish. One of mine does not like to be held, in fact, he can growl loudly if you hold him for more than a minute, but on the contrary he loves to be caressed while he is relaxed in his bed.

And is that you have to observe itThat way we'll figure out when she feels good and when she doesn't, when she wants cuddles and when she doesn't. Little by little, without rushing. I assure you the "effort" will be well worth it.

Often, when we try force contact (picking him up when he doesn't like it, hugging him tightly, petting him while he's fast asleep, or insisting on playing when he wants to rest) what we're doing is making the cat associate us with discomfort and stressOn the other hand, if we let him set the pace, he will come looking for us when he really wants our company.

Some practical guidelines to avoid forcing him to do anything:

• Don't pick him up without first making sure that He likes to be lifted upMany cats prefer to have all four paws on the ground.
• Don't lift it because of the neck skinEspecially if it's an adult. They usually don't like it at all and it can be painful.
• Don't take advantage while sleeps soundly to touch him if, when he's awake, he's already shown you that he doesn't enjoy contact very much.
• Don't scratch it belly, legs or tail If you see that she's uncomfortable, it's usually best to focus on the area of ​​the head and neckespecially in front of and behind the ears and under the chin.

Remember that each cat is located at a different point on the spectrum of sociabilitySome enjoy lots of cuddling and physical contact, while others feel better with shorter or more limited interactions. The goal is not to transform their personality, but adapt our expectations to what he really needs and can offer.

Respect their routines and private moments

For a cat, certain times of day are especially sensitiveIf we constantly interrupt them, they may try to avoid us or develop behavioral problems. Think about how you would feel if someone kept bothering you in the bathroom or while you were sleeping; something very similar happens to cats.

You should keep the following in mind:

• Using the sandboxWhen a cat uses the litter box, it feels vulnerable. It's not a good idea to stare, touch, or interrupt it. If it does so peacefully, it will continue using its litter box; if not, it may decide to find other, more "private" corners of the house to relieve itself.
• Food and waterWhile eating or drinking, he prefers not to be disturbed. Handling his food bowl, picking him up, or putting your hand in his food dish may cause him to react negatively or respond with a small scratch or bite.
• Rest and sleepRest is sacred for his physical and emotional well-being. Waking him on purpose, touching him insistently, or playing roughly with him while he is sleeping can increase his irritability.

A useful trick is to create a human-free zoneA place where, if the cat is present, the whole family knows not to disturb it. This could be a quiet room, a high corner of the living room, or a designated bed. If you always respect this space as its "inviolable refuge," your cat will feel much safer at home.

Be careful how you handle it

It's not a good idea to touch or hold a cat at willThey are quite independent animals that do not enjoy human contact unless they have previously consented. Trying to pick up a cat usually ends with a threatening hiss and, in the worst cases, a scratch or bite.

There are several basic rules for respectful handling:

• Under no circumstances should we to grab or pull the tail to a cat. The tail is delicate, helps it maintain balance, and is an important communication tool.
• We shouldn't hold it by the neck skinEven though we may have seen its mother do it when it was a kitten, an adult cat's body weighs much more, and for it, it can be painful and very unpleasant.
• Before picking him up, observe if approaches voluntarilyIf your dog rubs against you or appears relaxed, it's best not to insist. If it tenses up, lowers its ears, or tries to leave, it's best not to insist.
• If it is agitated (hissing, growling, has a whip-like tail and flat ears), it's best to do not touch itIn that state, he may react with redirected aggression, even towards the person trying to calm him down.

Handling the cat gently, avoiding sudden movements and respecting its signs of discomfort, will gradually make it see you as someone trustworthy and close, not as a source of constant invasion.

Quality of interactions over quantity

When it comes to cuddles and attention, every cat likes a little bit. different quantitySome might want to be on your lap all day, while others prefer a few minutes of touch and then back off. The most important thing isn't spending hours touching them, but that the interactions you have are... pleasant for both.

One approach that often works very well is to "less is more"especially at the beginning:

• Adopt an attitude passive and calmSit close, speak in a low voice, and let the cat approach you.
• When he comes, offer him your hand so that he can smell and rubOnly then does he begin to stroke gently.
• Focus on the areas where most cats like to be touched: forehead, cheeks, base of the ears and chin.
• Observe its body language at all times: if it stops purring, tenses up, twitches its tail vigorously, or turns to gently bite, it's time to stop.

When you respect his boundaries and stop petting him before he gets overwhelmed, the cat learns that has control over the interactionThis, in the long run, usually increases his confidence and makes him seek your company more, because he knows that with you his preferences will be heard.

Our personality also influences theirs.

The quality of your relationship with your cat depends not only on what he does, but also on What are you like?People who are very anxious, very impulsive, or who experience frequent mood swings can create a more stressful environment, and this is noticeable in the cat behavior.

Cats that live with very nervous or unstable humans tend to show the following more frequently:

• Aggressive behaviors (scratches or bites during play or when being handled).
• Fearful attitudes (They hide, avoid contact, and flee at the slightest noise).
• Signs of chronic stress (excessive licking, digestive problems, inappropriate marking).
• Tendency to be overweight if the response to stress is to eat more or move less.

In contrast, people who offer a deal coherent, calm and respectfulWith stable routines and little verbal or gestural aggression, they often live with cats. safer and more sociableIt's not about completely changing your personality, but about being aware that the way you speak, move, and react has a direct impact on how your cat feels about you.

Small changes like lowering your voice, avoiding shouting at home, moving more calmly around him, or establishing more regular schedules can make a big difference in their emotional well-being and therefore, in the quality of your relationship.

When there is more than one cat in the house

If, in addition to getting along well with your cat, you want to gets along well with other catsIt is important to understand that these animals are territorial and that sudden encounters often lead to problems. tension and fightsMost cats begin their relationships with other felines with defensive language: hissing, growling, staring, and rigid postures.

When a new cat joins the family, the ideal thing to do is to... gradual and controlled presentationIf they are released from day one, it is very likely that they will chase each other, attack each other, or that a conflict will arise that is difficult to resolve. However, if they are allowed to see and smell each other gradually, through physical barriers such as carriers or secure cages, they can get used to each other without so much fear.

During the first few days, it's normal for them to be tense and only able to focus on the other cat. The best thing to do is:

• Allow it to view with protection (for example, with the new cat inside a sturdy carrier) for short periods.
• If either of them gets too stressed (very loud meows, attempts to attack, repeated banging against the carrier), end the session and try again later.
• Do not force interactions or introduce food or treats until both are somewhat calmerFirst, they need to verify that the other person is not a threat.
• As the days go by, when they no longer snort or growl with such intensity, begin to offer positive reinforcement (rewards or wet food) when they are seen without tension.

Later, when the body language is friendlier (gentle looks, relaxed postures, absence of aggression attempts), you can open the carrier door and let the new cat come out to explore. without forcing himIt's normal to have some mild chasing or sporadic hissing, but if you know their language well you can calmly intervene before it escalates, for example by placing an object in front of them or making a small noise to distract them, without grabbing them directly to avoid redirected aggression.

This is very useful at this stage:

• Gently rub a towel over cheeks of both cats and exchange them, so that they get used to each other's smell.
• Place synthetic feline pheromones in a diffuser as an environmental support.
• Create positive moments together with good food or interactive toys when they are already in the same room.

The goal isn't for them to become best friends immediately, but rather that they tolerate without fear or aggressionFrom there, the relationship they develop will depend a lot on their individual personalities and that you continue to offer them a stable environment, rich in resources and respectful of their boundaries.

With all this information, you'll better understand why some cats seem distant and others very affectionate, why they sometimes react with scratches or hisses, and how you can adapt your behavior so they feel a little more comfortable with you each day. If you respect their pace, their preferences, and their nature, you can enjoy a very special relationship with your feline friend, full of small, everyday gestures that strengthen your bond and make you both feel more at home.

I hope you found this helpful. If you have any further questions, you know you can ask us.