Q&A for How to Love Cats

Licks are like dog kisses, your cat is being affectionate towards you. That means that your cat loves you, and is comfortable around you!

Your cat wants space. Cats love peace, quiet, and to feel secure. Give your cat all these things. Make sure you give him fresh cold water every day, and wet and dry food. Toys, too. Let him/her approach you when he/she wants attention. Don't pester them, even thought it might be tempting. Be patient and your cat will come around.

Cats tend to be finicky about who they like, but I find that they can build strong friendships with those who care for them as a kitten. Cat friendships are mainly built on trust, however, so it is possible to become friends with an adult cat, though it will take time.

Most cats will not overeat. Since cats like to nibble their food rather than eat it all at one time, food should be available almost always. If your cat starts getting fat, you can reduce the amount of food.

You could tell them that they only don't like cats because they are too impatient to make an effort to make friends with one and that's what makes them a dog person. Invite one of your friends around in the evening when your cat is sleepiest and let them give treats, pet and make friends with your cat. Surely, they will have to fall for the soft fur and soothing purr. Make sure your cat is comfortable. Personally, I was totally a dog person but when I had a sleepover at a friends her beautiful LaPerm kitten fell asleep on me and that's how I became a cat person. Show them how awesome cats can be. Maybe show a few tricks too.

Just be patient, pet him, play with him, and be kind. Leave the bedroom door open each night and make a clear space for the cat on the bed. Pat the bed and call your cat every night, to encourage it. Some day, your cat will realize it's a comfortable and safe place to sleep and will come to your bed by itself.

One reason your cat may lick you is because it's a way of creating a social bond. From a young age, a cat's mother would not only lick them as a way of grooming them, but also to show affection. Cats often lick other cats and even other animals to show their affection.

Yes! When a cat greets another cat or a person with slow, languid blinks, it's communicating affection. Because in the feline world, closing one's eyes in the presence of another is the ultimate sign of trust. By blinking slowly at your cat, you are communicating that you are aware of its presence and pose no threat.

Use withdrawal techniques, if necessary. If you are playing with your cat and he does manage to bite a part of your body, firmly say "no," and then withdraw from the play session for a few moments. If every time your cat's teeth touch human flesh, playtime ends, your cat will quickly learn to stop biting.

Not all kittens or cats want to snuggle. Cats control their own space needs, just like humans. A human may not like hugs, but might have an Aunt who is a big hugger who should not push hugging on the person. With cats and kittens, give them space, respect their needs, make sure they have to come out for food, water, and potty so you can see the cat is okay, and always talk to your cat (even if you can't see them in the room). You could try some quality treats sold in crinkly sounding pouches -- my cats always responded to the bag! Also, buy some catnip and see if your cat enjoys that.