Socialization with people between 2 and 7 weeks of age sets the stage for the rest of the cat’s life. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Socialization includes holding the kitten and encouraging it to interact with people and animals. These interactions need to be pleasant for the cat to want to continue them in the future. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Consider kitten socialization classes. Your veterinarian likely has some resources for you to consider. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Even a cat that has been feral (living wild, without people) for up to four years can be socialized. [4] X Research source Depending on the cat, socializing an older cat could take more time. The steps described in this article still apply. If the cat is used to living with humans it will crave your attention, and usually ease into a routine.
Begin by putting it in a quiet room where it can get comfortable in the space. Your bedroom is a good choice. Spending time here will help your cat get used to your scent. [5] X Research source Gradually allow the cat to explore more of the environment as it becomes more comfortable. Give the cat comfortable and fun surfaces to lay on (and in). A cat tree can be great for a cat that needs a little security and a place to call their own. The cat should have access to food, water, a litter box, and a scratching post. [6] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
This is especially important for older cats that are not used to spending time around people. Giving a cat like this too much attention will actually do more harm than good. You must let a cat like this come to you. Sit and read or watch TV, ignoring the cat. Scatter treats or the cat’s food around the room and encourage the cat to hang out and hunt for food. [7] X Research source The cat will follow the treats and slowly get closer to you. Stay still. Don’t reach out or talk to the kitty at first. Let them get used to hanging out in the same room. The food is creating a positive association with you being nearby. Let the cat come to you. Dangle or toss a toy to make yourself more interesting. Don’t try to pet the cat right away, as you may scare it. Let your presence be non-threatening at first, then work up to petting the cat, even one pet at a time. Don’t push it, or you will need to start over winning your cat’s trust. [8] X Research source Remember that it may take awhile for your cat to know that you do not intend to harm it. It doesn’t know you yet. Show it your love by being patient when it is new to your home.
Pheromone diffusers are very simple to use. All you have to do is plug them into a wall outlet, like many commercial air-freshening products. Then, just check them periodically to ensure they haven’t run out of liquid. You can find these diffusers at most pet and online retailers.
Gently pet the cat if it rubs against you. When your cat rubs itself on your body, that is a friendly gesture. Reinforce the connection it is making with you by taking the opportunity to pet. Cats like to have their heads and necks scratched. They also like gentle pets on the back, right where the spine meets the tail. [9] X Research source Full-back strokes can be overstimulating and cause a cat distress to the point it may claw or bite you. Offering a treat after handling your cat helps it create a positive association with touch. [10] X Research source
Make sure you’re fully supporting your cat’s weight when you pick it up. [11] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020. Don’t forcibly hold a cat that doesn’t want you to. This could break the trust you have built up with them. This is especially crucial for older cats. There are times when you will need to pick up your cat against its will, for instance when you need to put it in a carrier. Be sure to do this as gently as possible, making sure to calm the cat with a nice tone of voice, petting, and perhaps even treats. Children should always be supervised when handling a cat. It’s a good idea to have children sit down before they hold your cat so there’s no risk of them accidentally dropping it. [12] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.
There are veterinary behavior specialists that may be able to help in extreme cases. Ask your regular vet for a referral.
Feed your cat two or three small meals a day, rather than leaving food out. That will reinforce the association between you and food. If you leave dry food out for your cat, you can still use small meals of wet food in this way. Stay in the room while your cat eats, to help strengthen the association between you and the food. You can also pet the cat while it eats. Feeding high-value treats will also reinforce that you are the provider of all things good and tasty. Use the treats to reinforce good behavior, such as if the cat rubs up against your leg or shows you affection. [14] X Research source
Spaying and neutering is also important to limit cat populations. This is especially important if your cat will live partially outdoors. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If your cat is not spayed or neutered, contact a veterinary clinic or your local humane society to set up an appointment.
Yelling at a cat (or any animal for that matter) will frighten it and cause it to distrust you. Even if your cat has misbehaved, try not to shout at it.
Cats love to play with tiny, fast-moving toys. [18] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020. Many cats like catnip. Consider buying a toy that contains the herb to encourage play. [19] X Research source Playing with your cat will be most successful when the cat invites you to interact with it. For example, it may rub up against you or climb on you. While you can sometimes entice a cat to play with a flashy toy or a dangling string, your cat may ignore you if it doesn’t want to play.
While your cat will probably spend a lot of time grooming, you may want to groom it yourself to bond with it. Try brushing the animal with a brush made for cats. Some cats will not allow you to, but others will enjoy the sensation. This will have the added benefit of lessening the cat fur in your house, especially if your cat is a long-haired breed. [20] X Research source
Your cat will not know that you are looking out for its well-being by taking it for check-ups. But, keeping it healthy is actually the best way for you to express your affection. The cat may not show you love while you are putting it in a cat carrier, but the healthy years you get to spend together should more than make up for that. Changes in your cat’s normal behavior, like a sudden lack of appetite or bathroom issues, could be a sign that something is wrong. [21] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.
Try slow blinking back to your cat. Some people call this a “cat kiss. ” Your cat may recognize this as a sign that you are non-threatening, and that you are a friend. [22] X Research source Avoid staring at your cat. Cats will sometimes interpret staring as an act of aggression. [23] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.
