Q&A for How to Make Your Cat Love You

You can't force a cat to do anything so you need to convince him that inside is a great place to be. Do this by hiding cat food around the home so that he stalks around to find it (instead of putting a bowl of food down). Provide a calm environment with plenty of hiding places (cardboard boxes will do) and places he can perch up high to feel safe ( a cat tree) . When the cat approaches you, stroke and pet him, perhaps offering a treat so that he links you to pleasant things and then wants to spend more time with you.

You can slowly build up her confidence and trust by always being calm and gentle around her. Try lying on the floor with some treats scattered around you. Also, avoid making direct eye contact with your cat because this may make her feel threatened. Let her approach you. Do not try to force her to be more social.

It takes time and patience in order to build the cat's trust in you. Most angry cats are actually fearful and they attack because they feel unsafe. With this in mind make sure the cat always has an escape route out of the room, and you don't stand between him and the door. Also, avoid staring at the cat as this is a challenge to a fight in cat language. Instead, don't look at him directly and speak to him softly when in the same place. Talk to him when you put his food down, step back, and croon to him while he eats. Also, carry tasty cat treats in your pocket and drop them around you when he's about, to help him associate you with good things.

Yes. You can bond with your cat in lots of different ways. For example, you can gently groom her, such as by brushing her fur for a few minutes every day, or you can play with your cat a couple of times per day so that she will start to see you as a play partner.

It depends. Cats use their sense of smell, touch, and hearing much more than we do. Therefore, a cushion that looks comfy to you might smell odd to her, or your cat might just prefer the floor so that she can see who enters and leaves the room.

Cats are independent, free-thinking animals. If your cat is visiting another person’s house on a regular basis, they may be feeding him, giving him treats, and/or affection. If you do not want your cat to keep returning to someone else’s house, then you could try having a polite word with the home owners. Try saying something like, “I’ve noticed that my cat visits your house a lot. I appreciate your kindness towards my cat, but I am worried that he is confused about where he lives. I feed him well and give him lots of affection, so I would really appreciate it if you would stop giving him extra food and treats when he comes around.”