How to Make Cats Like You

Cats are the most popular pet in the world. However, they also have a very erratic personality, just showing their affection for you, they turn to avoid or scratch you. By creating a positive relationship with your cat and understanding their behavior, you can make your cat like you, or even like you very much.

Table of Contents

Cat Care

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f3/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f3/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare the space for the cat. Cats love to sleep, be alone, play, and clean. Preparing a clean and comfortable space will help your cat relax and become more accepting of you as caregiver and “parent.” ^{[1] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Prepare your cat for a very comfortable bed. You can buy a cat bed or make your own. Cats love boxes, and making a bed out of a box with a blanket or soft towel can be great. Put clothes you wear to bed to help your cat get used to your scent.
Make sure your cat always has a fresh and clean litter box. ^{[2] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}
Create a space for your cat to play. For example, you can buy a nail pole or a box of toys for your cat to chew and chase, placing them in easily accessible places in your home. ^{[3] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Create another space for the cat to eat. This will encourage your cat to eat in a separate place and rest assured that her food is always in the right place.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/39/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/39/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Feed your cat often. Your cat’s health depends in part on getting regular healthy food. However, you can use feeding to bond with your cat and help her fall in love with you. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Consider feeding your cat at the same time of day so that it forms a habit and comes to you when it’s time to eat. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Alternate between wet canned food, allowing the cat to absorb more liquid, and dry food. You can also mix them up or keep them in separate serving bowls. ^{[6] X Research Source}
Give the cat a bowl of clean water. Every day, always fill up with clean water for the cat to use. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Many cat health experts recommend feeding your cat at fixed times rather than free-feeding to avoid overweight. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
It’s best not to give your cat leftovers, which can cause stomach upset. ^{[9] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ec/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ec/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Treat your cat with treats. If the cat refuses to come near you, put the food in the palm of your hand, call the cat’s name, and let the cat eat. This will show your cat that she can trust you and accept your presence.

Don’t give your cat too much junk food. These treats are often high in sugar and can cause your cat to gain unhealthy weight. If you are concerned about this, give your cat some canned food. ^{[10] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d7/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d7/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Clean out your cat’s litter box regularly. Cats are very focused on cleanliness, especially with their sand pots. ^{[11] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to source} Clean your cat’s litter box daily, or more if necessary, to keep cats happy and healthy. ^{[12] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to source}

Buy a new litter box when you add cats and make sure it’s the right size for your cat. This will minimize the chance of your cat refusing to use the litter box because it smells like another cat.
An unclean litter box scares the cat and ruins any efforts to get her to like you. ^{[13] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}
Cats don’t shy away from using the litter box for no reason. This is a sign that something is wrong. Let’s look at what the problem is and solve it as soon as possible. ^{[14] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}
The most common reasons why cats refuse to use the litter box are: the cat has not been neutered; cat is not satisfied with the litter box, for example the size or range of sand is not suitable; sick cat; cats feel insecure when other cats are around; The cat is stressed for some reason and has to mark its territory. ^{[15] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to source}
If you can’t regularly clean your cat’s litter box, you should invest in an electronic sandbox that will automatically clean up the sand after your cat goes to the bathroom. You can buy this product at pet stores.

Enjoy quality time with cats

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9e/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9e/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Interact with the cat at the appropriate time. Just like people, there are times when cats need to be left alone. Avoid holding, petting, or playing with your cat while it is cleaning, eating, or sleeping. Doing so can make your cat scared, stressed, or upset, and that will cause unpleasant reactions. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Letting your cat lick or sleep can help your cat trust and like you more, which in turn will bond with you. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Pippa Elliott, MRVCS

Veterinarian at Royal Cplege of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.

Pippa Elliott, MRVCS
Veterinarian at Royal Cplege of Veterinary Surgeons

Pippa Elliott, a licensed veterinarian, explains: “Don’t be too pushy with your cat. It’s best to wait and let the cat come close to you rather than suffocating her with your attention.”

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f1/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f1/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Easy and considerate. Always be gentle and considerate with cats. This will make your cat trust you and want to get close to you and spend time with you.

Always pet and gently pick up the cat, remembering that the cat is much smaller than you.
Do not rumble or tug the cat’s tail.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/dd/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Let the cat approach you on its own. While you may want to show affection to your cat by following and picking it up, it’s against her natural behavior. Let your cat come near you whenever she wants. This way, the cat will feel relaxed and comfortable when it comes to your attention. ^{[18] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

You can teach your cat to get close to you when called by name with simple methods. ^{[19] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Never chase cats or talk loudly. Cats will be scared, not only at that moment but also later.
If the cat doesn’t seem to want to come near you, lure her with treats or catnip. ^{[20] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/ef/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ef/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Choose a position that is level with the cat. When you squat, lie down, or kneel at the same level as the cat, you will look less intimidating. This will make the cat comfortable in your presence and will form an intimate bond.

You may find that lying down makes your cat want to come closer to you.
Sitting in a chair can also be a great way for your cat to feel comfortable approaching you. ^{[21] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}
Since cats love to observe small animals, you can lie or sit by the window, this will keep the cat entertained and you can pet it while the cat is watching things. ^{[22] X Trusted Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/31/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/31/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Petting the cat. Cats are very observant and highly alert, so they must often keep their heads high. Petting and petting your cat is because cats love to relax, and this will also help them like you more. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

You can scratch your cat’s neck or anywhere she likes, like her back, under her chin, or her belly.
After a while, you’ll know where your cat likes to be petted best, and she’ll probably find you on her own to be petted.
Always be gentle when petting your cat.
Pet the cat as a reward when the cat does a good job, like going to the toilet in the right place. Sometimes, you can comfort your cat as you put the freshly filled food bowl down.
If you want to pet the cat and the cat shows reluctance, open your hand and let the cat sniff your hand. Your cat will probably rub her cheek against your hand and prefer to be petted in that position.
If the cat likes it, let the cat sleep on top of you while being petted.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4d/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4d/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Respond to the cat’s affection. In addition to regular care, one of the best ways to get your cat to like you is to show affection. Petting, petting, and playing with cats builds bonds, trust, and love. Here are a few ways cats often show affection and ways for you to reciprocate:

Head rubbing. This is the cat greeting. This action will stimulate the oil glands in front of the cat’s ears and leave the cat smell on you. If the cat rubs its head on you, gently rub it back.
Show your butt. The cat will probably turn its butt towards you and wag its tail. That means the cat wants you, the cat’s parent, to clean it. You can respond by blowing gently on the cat’s bottom, the cat will associate that with you and your hygiene.
Lightly grind your nails. This is a sign that the cat is happy and treats you like a mother. Let your cat do this to relax and strengthen the bond.
Lick you. Licking is one way for cats to create a common scent in their pack. Licking is the cat’s way of declaring you his, and will strengthen the bond between the two of you. ^{[24] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0a/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Chat with cats. It’s important for cats to know their names, so you should talk to them often and mention them by name. If the cat meows at you, respond. This will keep the cat happy and will love to come to you when it needs attention. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

For example, if it’s almost mealtime and the cat starts meowing at you, you can ask, “Are you hungry, Sam?”, and continue the conversation, as long as the cat continues to meow.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d3/Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d3/Get-Your- Cat-to-Like-You-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Your-Cat-to-Like-You-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Play with cats. Cats are hyperactive by nature and love to play so they can live a happy and healthy life. Playing with and giving your cat toys is a great way to keep your cat happy and make her like you more. ^{[26] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Give your cat a variety of toys, including things the cat can throw away, those that require your interaction, and those that allow the cat to “hunt”. ^{[27] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source} Pet stores will have a wide variety of cat toys.
When using toys that require your interaction, such as those that need to be waved, talk to your cat and pat her when she’s doing well. ^{[28] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Give your cat plenty of other opportunities to play. Place paper bags without handles, or a variety of boxes, around the house to give your cat a chance to explore. ^{[29] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}
Create a “cat climber” near a window where your cat can sit and watch birds, squirrels, and other small animals. ^{[30] X Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source}

Advice

It may take a few days for the cat to come near you; Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen as quickly as you would like.
If you hold or hug your cat, release your hand as soon as the cat wants to. Hugging a cat when it doesn’t want it can cause fear. When your cat knows that you’ll let go when she bucks, she’ll trust you a lot more.
If your cat scratches you, wash the wound thoroughly with hot water and mild soap.
If the cat hisses at you, leave the room until the cat calms down. If you need to stay in that room, don’t look or touch the cat and maintain a comfortable distance for the cat to relax.
Do not play hard with the cat, it can make the cat nervous, anxious and suddenly attack you.
Do not wake the cat while the cat is sleeping.
Don’t try to pick up the cat when it doesn’t want to. This can be extremely stressful for cats.
Try scratching your cat’s chin. Cats usually love this action.

Warning

Toys with strings and fur can be very dangerous and life-threatening for cats if swallowed. This type of toy should only be used when you are there to control it and put it away when you are done playing.

Things you need

Favorite toy or snack
Cat food
Cat sand and sand pots
A bed

Steps

Cat Care

Enjoy quality time with cats

Advice

Warning

Things you need

Related Posts