Q&A for How to Get a Cat to Be Your Friend

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  • Question
    Why does my cat bite me whenever I play with it using my hands?
    Brian Bourquin, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Cats don't have great close-up eyesight, so it's easy for them to mistake your hand as something else, like a toy or moving prey. Avoid using your hands to play with your cat. Instead, use cat toys that your cat can paw at and bite on.
  • Question
    Is staring at my cat really a bad idea?
    Brian Bourquin, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, staring at your cat can come across as aggressive to them. However, blinking at them can actually be a nice way of saying, “Hello, how are you doing?" Just sitting there, looking sideways, and blinking at your cat is something they'll likely appreciate.
  • Question
    How can I bond with my cat if it doesn't want to play?
    Brian Bourquin, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes just coexisting with your cat is enough to bond. They might not be in the mood to play or be touched, but they may still be happy just being in your presence.
  • Question
    How do you tell your cat you love them?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Most cats find an overt display of affection (such as kissing or cuddling) distasteful. Instead, show your love by caring for your cat: groom her regularly, play games, feed her good food, and stroke her when she comes to you.
  • Question
    How do you know if your cat loves you?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Cats don't do anything they don't want to. So if your cat comes to you, rubs around your ankles, and purrs when you pet her, there's a good chance that she values your company and loves you.
  • Question
    How do I get my cat to come to me?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Try calling the cat's name as you put her food down. The cat will start to link her name with good things, and come to you. Do the same thing but use a treat as a lure.
  • Question
    How do you get a cat to come out of hiding?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Her confidence needs building before she'll believe the big world outside her hiding place is safe. Make sure no other pets can bully her (don't let other cats in the room). Provide other hiding places near by (simply knowing she can hide helps her to cope). Sit quietly so the cat becomes used to your presence. Drop treats near you to attract her out.
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