Friends With Your Feline? 10 Steps to Create a Strong Bond With Your Cat

Felines often have the reputation of being aloof or standoffish. Hence, it’s not uncommon for people to think that creating a strong bond with a cat isn’t possible. But cats are fascinating and affectionate animals—if you find the right way to bond with them. You can’t use the same approach to bonding with a cat as you would, for example, a dog. But this doesn’t mean you can’t connect with your kitty! Below, Cat in a Flat dives into 10 great ways to strengthen your bond with your furry friend. 

1. Bond with your cat by learning to respect their boundaries

Like humans, felines don’t like having their boundaries pushed. While many kitties are quite social and your fur friend does miss you when you’re not around, this doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally need some personal space. One way to bond with your cat is by learning to recognise and respect their boundaries! For example, if you notice Mr Whisker retreating to a quiet corner or their favourite hiding spot, this may mean they’d like some time to themselves. You should never corner your furry friend or force them to interact with you. The best way to create a strong bond is by letting your cat approach you on their own terms.

2. How can I understand what my cat is saying?

How can I understand what my cat is saying? Learning how to communicate with your kitty is a key way to bond with them. But it’s not always easy to know what Mr Whiskers is trying to tell you! Pay close attention to your cat’s body language and vocalisations. How your fur friend meows or behaves can tell you a lot about what they’re thinking.

Positive communication

• A short or long meow may indicate that your fur friend is simply saying hello or is asking for something (e.g. wants to be fed).
• Gentle purring usually means your kitty is feeling relaxed.
• Slow blinking means you’ve formed a bond with your cat and that they trust you!
• Ears perked up and upright tail are both signs of a curious and happy cat. 

Negative communication

• A high-pitched meow might mean your feline is stressed or in pain. Always watch Mr Whiskers carefully and take them to the vet immediately if you suspect they’re sick or injured.
• Hissing and flattened ears indicate your kitty is feeling threatened and defensive. Give your fur friend space and let them approach you when they’re ready.

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3. Bond with your cat by providing stimulation

One of the absolute best ways to bond with your cat is by playing with them. Since you can’t always be around to interact with your fur friend, it’s important to provide them with plenty of alternative stimulation too. This includes toys for self-play (such as a roller circuit with light-up balls) as well as sturdy cat treesthey can climb and scratch. You can also place a cat tree or bed in a window so Mr Whiskers can comfortably bird or people watch. And if you’re gone for many hours a day and worried about your kitty getting enough human interaction and stimulation, consider hiring a cat sitter for at-home daily cat care. 

4. How do I establish a routine for my cat?

How do I establish a routine for my cat? Felines are creatures of habit, and creating a routine for your cat is a good way to bond with them. Aim to establish a schedule around your daily cat care. 

• Feed your cat twice a day—in the morning and evening. (If you have a kitten, they will need to be fed multiple times throughout the day.) 
• Play with your cat before and after meals. Try to schedule additional playtime around when your furry friend is most active—dawn and dusk. 
• You can schedule daily brushing or grooming and tooth care as well. 
• If your cat goes outside, establish a routine by letting them in and out at the same time every day. Remember to reward them when they come home!

Always try to do these at the same time every day. By establishing a routine you’ll help your furry friend to feel more comfortable and secure. 

5. Bond with your cat through positive reinforcement

Reinforcing positive behaviour is an important part of being an amazing paw parent. Not just because it curbs negative behaviours such as scratching the furniture or knocking things off tables, but because it’s a great way to bond with your kitty and enrich their daily life. Try to use positive reinforcement every day. Give your fur friend a treat if they come when you call, or after playtime, or when they use their cat flapproperly. You can even teach your feline tricks such as fetching a ball or walking on a leash! 

6. Is grooming important for my cat?

Is grooming important for my cat? Yes, grooming is important for your feline’s physical and emotional health. If you have a long-haired kitty, brushing out their coat daily or every other day will reduce matting and maintain coat health. But whether your kitty has short or long fur, regular brushing can be hugely beneficial and a great way to bond too. It helps remove loose fur, keep their coat shiny, and improve the health of their skin while providing a positive interaction for you both.

7. Bond by making sure your cat feels safe and comfortable

Building trust is an important part of bonding with your kitty. And you can strengthen this bond by ensuring Mr Whiskers feels secure in your home. Here are a few tips to help create a cat-friendly space for your furry friend:

• Ensure they have quiet areas and hiding spots they can go to when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
• Maintain consistency in your feline’s daily routine.
• Keep their litter boxes clean. A dirty toilet can be a major source of anxiety for cats.
• Introduce new members of the family (whether new pets or new humans) slowly and be patient with Mr Whiskers while they adjust. 
• Using calming pheromone diffusers like Feliway to help your fur friend feel relaxed and calm.

8. How can I spend quiet time with my cat?

How can I spend quiet time with my cat? Active quality time (such as playing with your cat) is important for bonding. But you should spend relaxing quiet time with your kitty too! Identify which times of the day your furry friend is most active and least active, and schedule quiet time with them accordingly. Quiet time can include actives like brushing your cat, petting them while they sleep on or near you, or putting on relaxing music and simply sitting in the same area where Mr Whiskers is. 

9. Bond by associating your cat’s name with positive activities

Another way to bond with your cat is to create a positive association around their name. Before engaging in an enjoyable experience such as eating, playing, or cuddling, call your furry friend’s name and reward them with a treat when they come. Even just verbally praising your cat is a great way to create a positive association with their name! 

10. How can I be patient and consistent with my cat? 

How can I be patient and consistent with my cat? Patience and consistency are the most important parts of building a strong bond with your cat. Respect your fur friend’s space, learn to understand their body language, create a consistent daily routine, use positive reinforcement, and spend quality time with them. When done with patience and consistency, over time all of these will add up to a strong bond with your cat. 

Not sure if your cat is bonding with you? If your kitty follows you around (including to the bathroom!), purrs, kneads, or headbutts you, grooms you, sleeps near or on you, and greets you with their tail held high, these are all good signs. It means you’re on the right track and your patience and consistency are paying off in a big way!