Have you ever wondered why your cat isn’t very friendly or doesn’t spend much time with you? While it’s true that some cats are extremely affectionate and constantly seek attention, many simply aren’t fond of human companionship and take their aloofness to the extreme.
The truth is, cats are complex creatures with varying personalities and behaviors. Just like there are humans who don’t enjoy physical affection and others who constantly seek it, cats also fall on a spectrum of preferences. Cats have various ways of communicating with each other, as stated by M. Leanne Lilly, a veterinarian and clinical assistant professor at Ohio State University.
According to Gabrielle Castro, a fourth-year veterinarian student at Ohio State University, while dogs were intentionally domesticated by humans many years ago, cats were not specifically trained or bred for domestication. However, by understanding feline behavior, you can potentially train your cat to some extent or improve your ability to effectively communicate with them.
Adhering to the guidelines provided here can potentially enhance the bond you share with your feline companion, leading to reduced overall stress levels and an increased likelihood of them engaging in relaxation, play, or simply spending time with you. This mutually beneficial dynamic is advantageous for both parties as physical interaction with cats has been proven to have positive effects on one’s overall well-being. A recent study conducted in 2019 by researchers at Washington State University demonstrated a significant decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone, within a mere 10 minutes of interacting with cats (or dogs) compared to those who merely observed such interactions from a distance. Therefore, it is worth giving these recommendations a try.
When cats perceive slow blinks from humans, they interpret it as a friendly gesture and a sign of trust. Just like smiling is a universal expression of happiness in humans, slow blinking serves as an equivalent for feline communication? This intriguing discovery has shed light on the intricate ways in which humans and cats can bond.
Researchers believe that slow blinking between cats themselves is a form of nonverbal communication, indicating relaxation and contentment.
This technique can be used to gradually build trust and confidence in shy cats. By using the clicker as a positive reinforcement tool, you can associate its sound with rewards and create a stronger bond with your feline friend.
To start, it’s essential to make sure your cat feels comfortable and safe in their environment. Choose a quiet room where they feel relaxed, away from any distractions or loud noises.
According to Lilly, cats generally prefer warmer temperatures than most Americans keep their houses. A study conducted in 2016 suggests that the ideal room temperature for cats is between 86 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than what most humans prefer. Increasing the thermostat, especially during winter, may not be feasible in many areas due to the cost. However, a good alternative is to place a heating pad next to you that is safe for cats’ claws and not too hot. This creates a localized warm area that can make cats feel comfortable and is an effective way to encourage them to spend time with you. Lilly personally uses three heating pads for her cat, placing them in the office, bedroom, and living room.
At the same time, Susan Adamucci, who owns a cat named Pepper Potts, puts warm blankets in close proximity to her. Pepper Potts is naturally drawn towards these blankets. Experts also suggest using warm bedding or heating devices like SnuggleSafe to assist cats in adapting to their surroundings. Jokela adds that rewarding the cat with a treat when it reaches one of these spots can help reinforce this behavior for future instances.
According to veterinarian Christine Fellacher in Florida, if you want your cat to be in a specific room with you, you can try using a plug-in diffuser called Feliway. Cats naturally release a chemical called a facial pheromone when they rub their face against something, which is considered a positive signal of contentment. Feliway is an artificial version of this feline facial pheromone. Fellacher suggests using this diffuser for cats that are aggressive or stressed, as it can help alleviate feline anxiety and create a calming effect. Fellacher adds that some cats will actively seek out this relaxation and choose to stay in the room because they feel more at ease there.
According to Melissa Bain, a clinical professor of animal behavior service at the University Of California Davis School Of Veterinary Medicine, it is advised to give the cat a few strokes and then cease. If the cat seems to desire further attention, it should come closer to you. If not, it is important to respect that and refrain from petting, as Bain suggests. This approach can result in the cat seeking more attention as it learns that it can communicate with its owner to stop petting whenever desired. Additionally, Lilly suggests extending a hand and observing if the cat rubs against it.
According to Lilly, when a cat comes towards you with its tail up like a question mark, it is likely to be friendly or at least comfortable with the current interaction. On the other hand, if the cat moves slowly and maintains a low-to-the-ground posture, ignoring its presence can enhance comfort before engaging with it, Lilly suggests. Similarly, Marina Jaworsky, an associate veterinary at Green Tree Animal Hospital in Libertyville, Illinois, states that pinned back ears indicate an unhappy cat.
According to Jokela, if you attempt to pet your cats or coax them to come closer and they respond by becoming frightened or uneasy, they may eventually reach a point where they no longer tolerate it and may even bite you. Even if you perceive your pet’s behavior as hostile (which is a common experience for cat owners), it is important not to retaliate against them. Jokela advises against resorting to yelling, scolding, or using water sprays, as these actions will undoubtedly damage the bond between you and your cat.
According to Jokela, playing with your cat can strengthen your bond. However, laser pointers, which are often enjoyed by cats, may not be the ideal toy. The problem lies in the fact that when cats continuously chase something they can never catch, it can lead to or worsen OCD and obsessive tendencies. This occurs because your cat is always on the lookout for the elusive object, but never experiences the satisfaction of catching it. Castro explains that this can leave cats stressed and contribute to health and behavioral problems. A recent study conducted in 2021 found that there were more reports of abnormal repetitive behaviors when laser light pointers were frequently used.
By respecting their boundaries and interacting on their terms, you are showing your cat that you value their autonomy and individuality. This not only creates a sense of trust between you and your furry companion but also allows them to feel safe and secure in your presence.
To better understand what they like and don’t like, observe their body language, vocalizations, and reactions to different stimuli. Some cats may enjoy being petted or cuddled while others prefer more independent playtime or simply being left alone.
