In honor of National Healthy, Happy Cat Month, we’re talking about bonding with your cat. Despite having a reputation of being aloof and independent, you can form a bond with your feline friend. These tips from PetMD will help you build a long-lasting relationship with your cat while “speaking their language.”
- The head bump. It’s her way of saying hello, by using the oil glands in front of her ears to greet you as if you’re a cat and leave her scent on you. She sees you as one of her clan, so bump her right back.
- Kneading you or “making biscuits.” If you maneuver yourself into the right position, you’ll get a free massage out of this one. This is another sign that your kitty thinks you’re her mom since she’s trying to get milk out of you. It also means she’s happy.
- Licking you. Your cat may think you taste good, but grooming is actually a social practice to establish a typical scent among a clan of cats. In other words, she’s claiming you as one of her own. The exfoliation is an extra bonus.
- The butt presentation. When your cat backs up to your face and lifts her tail, she’s waiting for you, her mom, to clean her. If you gently blow at her rear end, she’ll think that this is what your cleaning style is and will go on about her business.
- Gumming you. This is another way your cat blends her own scent with yours, establishing a common “family scent.” Take advantage of it by feeling all of her teeth to gain her trust for when you actually need to examine her mouth.
- Sing to her. In your little kitty voice. Whether you have talent or not. She doesn’t care.
- Greet her. Tell her “hi” and say her name, even if you just saw her a minute ago. She’s choosing to be near you, which is a big deal to a cat.
- Carry on a conversation. She meows, you talk. Just make up what she’s asking and answer what you think she wants to know.
- Meow back. Imitate her sound exactly, and she’ll think you’re one of her kind.
- Tell her what she wants to hear. Cats seem to know what the word “beautiful” means, especially in reference to them. Hearing it makes them very content.
- Turn the faucet on. Drinking water is good for your cat, and it’s even more fun from a running tap. A flowing stream encourages water play.
- Hold her hand. Stroke her paw, both on top and underneath on her toe pads, and loosely wrap your hand around her paw. This should feel good for both of you.
- Give her a neck massage. Kitties are very alert and watchful, holding their head up almost constantly. Relax her with a gentle neck massage to pamper her.
- Play fetch. Cats like this game almost as much as dogs, especially Bombays. Rather than balls, toss items they can easily fit into their small mouths, like toy mice.
- Indulge their sense of fun. Being brought a palmetto bug may not be much fun for you, but it’s your cat’s way of showing you what a great huntress she is and that you’re worthy of her prey. And in the world of kitty, that’s a very big compliment.
Not all cats are alike, and taking the time to learn your cat’s personality will bring you closer together. Have an indoor cat? Read up on how to enrich their environment. If you have any questions about bonding with your feline friend, contact us.