If there’s one thing that all cat parents know, it would be that having a cat is like having a kid. There are a lot of responsibilities that you have to do, and the pressure of raising them right is hanging on your shoulders. And just like children, cats can be out of control too. But one thing’s for sure, we get to impart something to them that will help shape their characters.
Do you want your cat to grow up sociable and affectionate individuals? Here are some tips you need for raising a friendly cat.
1. Be Gentle.
Sometimes, when your cat does something bad, like break your favorite vase or cup, you tend to be upset and react out of your emotions without using your head. And what happens is that you will probably say mean things to the cat out of anger; things that you’d probably regret afterwards.
The truth is, cats can become scared if you don’t handle them with care, even when they’ve done something wrong. You want your cat to see you as this safe person that he can confide in, not someone who’d yell at him when something goes bad. Vases and cups can be replaced, but the love of a cat can’t. When you act gently towards your cat, even in bad times, he’ll feel that kind of warmth and will remember it for the rest of his nine lives.
2. Train them to come when called.
There is a sense of a deeper relationship when your cat runs to you immediately when she’s called. You can practice that by constantly calling out their names and give them treats whenever they come near you.
Now that you cat knows its name, he wouldn’t be shy when people calls for him. He’ll be friendly towards them knowing that whenever someone calls his name, it’s always someone whom he can trust.
3. Make canine friends.
Despite the stereotypes that cats and dogs are mortal enemies, a lot of situations and instances suggest that there is a huge possibility that these two can become great friends.
Although most cats are naturally afraid of dogs, they can get over their fear whenever they are in the presence of a calm and gentle dog. Your cat will eventually get used to that and will be more approachable even with people who have cute furry dogs as babies.
4. Always Be Available.
Your presence is highly important when it comes to raising a friendly cat. You just got to be there and spend some time with them so that they will know how much you value them and not take them for granted.
Cats can be independent so you really have to try to keep them hooked up to you. Make them miss you when you’re not there. Interact with them as much as possible so when they socialize with other people, it will be too natural for them because they’re used to you being around always.
5. Affection is the Solution.
Whenever you get the chance to show how much you love your cat, do it. Cuddle with her, carry her lovingly, and do all cat-and-parent stuffs with her. In that way, you are trying to tell her that humans are gentle creatures that will show her love and affection.
Aside from the fact that it builds confidence when she’s around other people, it will also strengthen the bond between the two of you. You won’t ever be separated with just a little bit of extra affection shown in everything you do.
6. Reward and Socialize.
It’s always a great thing to have your cats go outside the house once in a while. Maybe go to a cat hotel in San Francisco where she can interact and play with other cats and cat sitters, or go to a park where she can play with kids and socialize with human beings.
Just make sure to keep her on your sights and keep her away from danger. You have to let them be familiar with all kinds of socialization, be it their own kind or ours. That would help her be comfortable with the presence of other cats and people as she grows.
7. Teach them Commands.
Having a personalized connection between you and your cat through commands means a deeper level of trust from your furry baby. Teaching her tricks can through rewards can help build a closer relationship between you two.
It will also teach you patience and your cat perseverance until she becomes a responsible, obedient, and loving cat. Just remember to never incorporate punishments when she doesn’t obey in the first try. Let’s go back to the first tip: always remember to be gentle.
8. Call your cat Pet Names.
No, we’re not talking about her name as your pet, but pet names like “honey,” “love,” “darling,” and so on that expresses love and affection. These sweet words can send a calming feeling to your feline babies that would make them comfortable around you.
Words have power so you have to use them in the best way possible. If they do something wrong, try to correct them by calling them sweet names, not yell at them. That is how you show them that you love them no matter what.
9. Be a Guardian Angel.
Cats are naturally very curios so there are times when they will surely get in trouble. Maybe they’ll get stuck on the window, or on top of a drawer, or maybe on the ceiling so it’s best to always keep an eye on them.
Be there to save them whenever they need help. They would feel that you are a very trustworthy human and so they would be confident in whatever situation they’re in, even with other unfamiliar people around. That’s the kind of trust that will stick around for a very long time.
10. Make time for Playtime.
Sitting down with your cat and cuddling is one thing, but playing with them is another. They can sometimes be so full of energy, so even when you feel dead tired from work, when your cat wants to play, you got to play with her no matter what. That’s what you call sacrificial love. Besides, playing with your furry baby will surely take away your tiredness.
You can even go the extra mile by letting her sleep with you once in a while. That will create a lasting bond between you two, thus making her a friendlier cat as time goes by.
Having a relationship with your cat is a two-way process. If you want to receive love and affection from them, you got to show them how it’s done. Being gentle, loving, and always available for them will make them grow into a confident and sociable cat.
Tell us how you raise your cat and maybe we’ll learn a thing or two more about it! To learn and know more about the good ways in raising a friendly cat, visit or call Mission: Cats now!
