Q&A for How to Get Your Cat to Like You

You can pet your cat to show it affection, but don't force it. If your cat is whipping its tail back and forth or flattening its ears, it wants to be left alone. When you do pet your cat, avoid petting its belly or tail since cats generally don't like that. Instead, pet its chin or back.

Be patient and follow the steps in the article. She has been through a lot of change and uncertainty recently and its natural for her to be fearful of new people. Take care to avoid crowding her and avoid making direct eye contact, even though you are desperate to show her affection. By feeding her and giving her space, she will eventually learn you are no threat and start to approach you for a fuss.

Cats don't always understand the concept of play, so sometimes they have to be taught. See if you can work out what is frightening her. Is it that the toy moves quickly, rattles, or squeaks? Try different types of toys. Adding catnip can also help. Let her get used to the toy first by leaving it in her bed or somewhere she likes to sleep. Once she accepts the "still" toy, gently move it and praise her when she doesn't act scared. Gradually build up how quickly the toy moves, and then it should trigger her instinct to pounce and hunt.

It's most likely her claws that are catching on your jumpers. Have your vet tech or groomer show you how to snip the points of your cat's claws. Alternatively, learn how to apply soft claws shields to the cat's claws in order to stop the snagging. Do not have the cat declawed: this is painful and inhumane.

It sounds like the cat is reluctant to share a comfy sleeping space. If you've shouted at her to get off the bed in the past, then she may be fearful when she sees you. Try entering the room but completely ignoring her, no matter what she does. Go about your business and when it's time to go to bed, lure her off with an ultra tasty treat or with her dinner.

Be patient. One of the wonderful thing about cats is knowing they have minds of their own. So when she does decide to be friends, that is a huge compliment. You can't force a cat to like you, so persist in doing all the right things. In weeks, months, or years to come, she won't be able to help liking you.

This sounds like a scared, anxious cat who only feels safe under the bed. The key to resolving the situation is building his confidence and trust in you. Avoid staring at him under the bed, as this threatens the cat. Try lying on the floor and turning your head away. Have treats in your hand and drop them on the floor near you. Be prepared to wait a long time, so do this while listening to music or the radio quietly in the background. It can also help to put a garment with your smell on it under the bed to get him used to your scent. Do this a couple of times a day for as long as it takes.

Cats originated from desert areas and other very dry, arid places. Cats' kidneys are very efficient at recycling water for this reason. As a species, they did not evolve to deal well with lakes and rivers, so it's natural for them to be wary.

Cats are independent creatures by nature, and sometimes the best we can hope for is have the cat ignore us. While certain actions are guaranteed to frighten or alarm a cat so they become aggressive or run away, there is never a guarantee that the opposite will happen. Don't let this deter you from trying. For some cats it's time that makes the difference, so just keep going and see what happens.