Along with dogs, cats are one of the most popular pet options in the US. As with all animals, cats are hesitant to trust humans, and it often takes effort on your part to gain their confidence. If you have a new cat or are thinking about getting one, building their trust is paramount to forming a healthy relationship. This is especially true for adult cats and rescues who have likely been hurt in the past.
If you want to know all the Xs and O's about building trust and rapport with your cat, you've come to the right place. We'll delve into why cats have trust issues and how to build a lasting bond with them.
Why Do Cat's Have Trust Issues?
The first thing to understand about cats is that not all of them have trust issues. Young kittens, for example, will trust almost everyone without question. However, if you're bringing an adult cat into your home, they're more likely to be apprehensive about you and their new surroundings. Additionally, adult cats that are new to you have previous experience and baggage that they sometimes bring with them.
If your cat is a rescue, for example, there's a good chance that they've been emotionally or physically hurt by humans before. Even if they don't have previous hurts, cats develop abandonment issues if they’re constantly passing from one person to the next. Therefore, it’s only natural that they have trust issues regarding humans. It will be up to you to break down those barriers and build a loving, healthy relationship with your cat.
Tips and Tricks for Building Trust With Your Cat
Now that you know why cats have trust issues, let’s dig into some ways you can gain their confidence. Building trust with them is crucial for training your cat and having them live a long, healthy life.
Routine is Key
Setting the tone with a consistent routine is crucial when gaining your cat’s trust. For the first several weeks or even months, you should stick to the same routine so your cat can get settled in. If your cat knows what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it, they’re less likely to be stressed by your actions. For instance, you should feed, water, walk, and leave the house consistently.
Eliminate Surrounding Stressors
By eliminating stressors and “triggers” that make your cat react negatively, you will start building a safe environment for them. If your cat feels safe and secure in your home, they’re more likely to feel safe around you. While it’s impossible to prevent all loud noises, you should keep vacuuming, ruckus, and other nuisances to a minimum. This is especially important within the first few days of bringing your new cat home.
Talk to Them the Same Way You Would to a Baby
In addition to removing outside stressors and noises, you should regulate how you talk to your cat. You should avoid yelling, screaming, negative tones, and other talking and noises your cat could perceive as unfavorable. Instead, speak to them as if they were babies and use soothing tones to keep them at ease. This will go a long way in building a healthy relationship based on love and care rather than fear.
Give Them Some Space
While cats have plenty of moments where they’re warm and cuddly, they’re introverted in nature and need alone time. They use this time to recharge and relax so they can return to you in good spirits. Therefore, you mustn’t pursue your cat wherever they go, and, instead, respect their need to be alone. As long as they’re safe and out of harm's way, there’s no reason to keep them in your sight 24/7.
Build a Safe Haven for Them
In addition to giving your cat their alone time, you could go so far as to build a safe haven for them. Cats love to perch on shelves, climb in cat houses, or simply have a place that feels like their own. By building a designated spot for your cat, they will quickly start to feel at home and like a valued family member.
Use Positive Reinforcement and Avoid Punishment
In the same way that using a soft, soothing voice is important, you should only use positive reinforcement with your cat. This is especially true for the first several weeks and months when they’re new to your home. Punishing your cat will only drive them away and could destroy weeks of hard work.
Dedicate Play Time
While you can’t force your cat to play with you, playtime is a great way to build a lasting bond. By at least giving your cat a chance to play with you by setting aside special time, you’re taking a step in the right direction. While you can’t force playtime, giving your cat the option of one-on-one time is important.
Keep Them Well-Fed
Above all things, your cat will learn to trust the hand that feeds it. By keeping your cats' bowls full and making sure they see you giving them food, they will learn to trust you.
Other Pets Could be a Pro or Con
If you have other pets or people in the house, it could be a pro or a con. For instance, other dogs and cats could make your new cat feel more at home or scare them off if they’ve had previous negative experiences with animals. It depends on how your pets and kids respond to the new arrival.
Understand Their Body Language
Finally, you must pay attention to and understand your cat’s body language. Since they can’t speak, cats use their bodies, ears, and tail to communicate their feelings. By paying attention to what their body language is telling you, you can understand their needs and how to help them.
Don’t Force Them to Love You
Just like you can’t force someone you have a crush on to reciprocate your feelings, you also can’t force a cat to love you. You can do everything in your power to make them feel safe around you, but love and respect will take time. If you keep at it, you will eventually build trust and love with a new cat through consistency and by following the tips in this article.
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