Many people, especially those who dislike cats, think felines are aloof, distant, cold and anything but affectionate animals. However, even if they tend to demonstrate this in a less evident way than dogs, cats love to give and receive affection. If you give your furry friend the care he needs and know how to interpret what he is communicating to you by reacting appropriately, you can learn to show your affection for him.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Recognize and Return Affection
Step 1. Be available to your cat
Many dogs tend to take any opportunity to get attention, running, barking and drooling in appreciation. Cats are more likely to show affection at their own pace and on their own terms, although sometimes they may need some encouragement from you.
- It's hard to show affection if you're never with your cat, so try to be there when you can. Simply being in the same room will give your friend a chance to show affection and suggest that he wants to be reciprocated.
- Talk to him when you spend time together. It doesn't matter if your cat actually understands what you say or not, the moment you talk to him is an opportunity to interact and reciprocate in the way he prefers.
- If he is forced to spend some time alone, play with him before going out and arrange for him to have fun, perhaps by getting him toys and a tall scratching post from which he can watch what happens outside the window. Also, try to play with him when you get home.
Step 2. Accept his way of claiming that you belong to him
While cats have no problem being alone in most cases, this does not mean that they prefer to live alone. A cat who wishes to include you in their life is also looking for proof that you are happy to be a part of it.
The fact that it rubs its face - a movement that often continues with the whole body, from nose to tail - is a way of marking territory with smell. The cat releases pheromones from the glands in the cheeks and uses this scent on you to basically claim that you belong to him. By allowing him this movement, you can show your affection by accepting his
Step 3. Appreciate that you have been chosen
Cats, like people, like to shower people with gifts, although in her case it could be dead mice placed on a pillow instead of a bouquet of roses. If you're lucky, she might give you her favorite toy or trinket as a gift.
Falling asleep on or near you is also usually a sign of affection. Cats, like all animals, are vulnerable when they rest and, therefore, must fully rely on your affection and protection to sleep so close. So, even if you'd rather not share the foot of the bed with him, doing so will show your appreciation and love for him
Step 4. Pay attention to the signs of his trust
In addition to showing their trust by snuggling up next to you, a cat can transmit their affection by showing themselves vulnerable, i.e. by lying on the ground and showing their stomach and lower body.
- Realize, however, that many cats can lie down so that their tummies are exposed without any desire to be stroked there. Be on the lookout for signs of cuddling or try to gently pat your belly and see if it drives you away, without getting scratched and / or bitten.
- Again, sometimes the best way to show affection for a cat is to allow him to show his affection and accept it kindly.
Step 5. Take the initiative if necessary
While many cats are not reluctant to be affectionate, others seem more aloof, expecting this kind of manifestation to start with you - or at least put you in the right position for them to be able to express their affection. Some just want a little party first.
- If you physically hang over a cat, he gets nervous. In fact, it is typical predator behavior just before an attack. Therefore, lower yourself to its level. Sit or crouch so that you are more or less face to face with him. When you cuddle it, instead of lowering your hand from top to bottom (almost as if it were a swooping hawk), slide it sideways or underneath and gradually work your way to your upper body.
- Don't chase a nervous cat. Many cats are more likely to approach if they are ignored. When he gets next to you, get him to sniff you before you try to touch him. If his ears are tucked towards the back of his head, it means he doesn't like what you're doing, so start over and try something different he may like.
- Always allow your cat to sniff your hand. If it moves away, don't touch it at that moment. If, on the other hand, he rubs against you, he wants to be stroked.
Step 6. Recognize the signs of affection
Some cats love to be petted, others just tolerate it, while still others hate it. The best way to find out is to gently pat your cat in a "safe" spot, perhaps along the spine, and evaluate his reactions. Purring, for example, is a positive sign. By stroking a cat that does not want or does not like this kind of affection, you risk excessively stressing it because your gesture will not be perceived as a manifestation of affection.
- You can encourage him to brush by placing your index finger at eye level, a short distance from him or elsewhere in the room. Most cats interpret this gesture as an invitation to rub and mark the territory.
- "Cat kisses" - slowly blink your eyelids and leave them half closed with a sleepy look - are a typical sign of these animals' affection that you can easily reciprocate. You could be the first to give him a kiss in his own way and wait for a response from him.
Step 7. Play with your cat
As with any other friend, spending time together, having fun, is a universal way to communicate affection. Cats love to play. Imagine what he would prefer to do and spend a few moments of the day playing with him.
- Most cats like to chase and catch objects, so anything can be fun to play, from mouse-shaped toys to crumpled up sheets of paper. A ping-pong ball tied to a rope or a laser pointer with which to swirl the light beam on the floor (but never close to the cat's eyes) will be able to keep it moving, unleashing its fun.
- Cats love to climb and sharpen their nails, so consider a multi-level scratching post, perhaps with a toy or object hanging overhead that represents a target or challenge. Many like to hide, perhaps in a cardboard box, and then swoop down on a moving toy.
- Make sure the game doesn't last long and scatter all its items throughout the day. Don't force him to play or stay in motion, or you risk him hate these moments. Cats tend to get bored easily, so they often vary their pastimes and play habits. However, be aware of how he reacts. No cat is alike when it comes to playing.
- Stay with him when he plays, not only to avoid possible accidents - for example, the risk of him choking by ingesting a simple object, such as a piece of string - but also to keep him fit and bond with you.
- Catnip is completely harmless and cats really like it!
Method 2 of 2: Show Affection by Regularly Taking Care of Your Cat
Step 1. Feed your cat properly
If, as they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, the same is true when you have to show affection for your cat (and receive it from him).
- It would be wise to speak to your vet regarding their nutritional needs, but typically most cats need to eat three to four times a day, preferably high-quality food. Some foods intended for human consumption are also good for them, but others are not suitable, so it is best to consult your veterinarian.
- Be cautious when giving him some snacks. Be careful not to let him eat too many calories. Therefore, reduce your usual portions to balance your diet with snacks between meals.
- Forget the bowl of milk. Cats have a hard time digesting cow's milk, instead of which they should have clean water available at all times (so fill and change the water bowl at least once a day).
Step 2. Organize your own personal space
Cats are often more social than people they trust, but still enjoy having their own space.
- Even if your kitty loves sleeping on or near you on a regular basis, give him a soft, comfortable and secluded place where he can sleep and relax. Old (but clean) blankets, sheets and pillows will suffice.
- Likewise, the litter box should be placed in an accessible and quiet space, and cleaned every day. If you have more than one cat, add another container (three for two cats, for example) to avoid any "struggle for territory".
Step 3. Take him to the vet at the recommended frequency
The cat may not notice this at the moment, but what does it show more affection over time than doing everything possible to ensure a happy, healthy and long life?
- The veterinarian's recommendations on the care to be given to cats vary according to age, medical history and the choices of the veterinarian, but normally these animals should be brought in for visits once or twice a year.
- From an early age, make sure he gets all vaccinations and boosters.
- Read the article How to Take Care of Your Cat to get detailed information on veterinary care and warning signs regarding feline diseases to which you must be careful.
Step 4. Take care of its cleanliness
It would also be true, but cats are capable of keeping themselves clean and maintaining a well-groomed appearance. However, a little help from you, if offered in the right way, will be useful and valuable (at least sometimes).
- Most cats have no problem getting brushed gently and with the right tool. Try a wire-toothed brush if your cat has long hair, or a straightener if your cat has short hair. Brush it as needed so that the coat gets as little matted as possible. There are also brushes and special tools for the most sensitive areas, such as the eye contour.
- By brushing it, you will also have a great chance to check for fleas and ticks.
- Although little appreciated by the cat, it is also good practice to brush his teeth and / or take him to the vet for a dental cleaning. The article How to Take Care of Your Cat also contains information on the dental care of indoor cats.
Warnings
- Even though cats love rubber bands and headbands, there is a risk that they will swallow them. It is very dangerous. Avoid them!
- Make sure you only let your kitty play with wires and similar items under someone's supervision. If you swallow them, there is a risk that they will cause serious damage to the intestine. In these cases, don't try to get what you have ingested out of your mouth or butt.
- Don't irritate him. If it starts showing its teeth, blowing or wagging its tail quickly, back off and change approach. Try doing something the cat doesn't consider a threat.
