How to make a kitten like you is a question that new pet parents commonly ask.
Bringing a new kitten home is exciting and fun, but it will take some time before your kitten starts liking you.
Your kitten’s health, well-being, happiness depend on the bond she develops with you.
The love and affection that your kitten shares with you are essential for her to grow into a well adjusted and happy cat.
You might have questions:
How do I bond with my kitten?
How long does it take for my kitten to bond with me?
How do I know if my kitten likes me?
Unlike dogs, cats do not love everyone immediately, and their love is conditional.
You will have to work to win your cat’s love, but in the end, it will be worth the effort.
Kittens are generally ready to bond at a minimum of 8 weeks of age.
Kittens can form a bond with different members of your family, but it’s entirely up to the kitten to decide.
It all depends on the personality of the kitten; some may bond with only one person while another may bond with everyone in the family.
You can indeed form a strong bond with your kitten; all you need is to give it some time and be patient.
Here are our top tips on how to make a kitten like you:
1. Start handling your kitten
You need to handle your kitten daily and multiple times so that they get used to being touched and cuddled. It will also help them to feel safe and secure.
Handling also helps the kitten to bond with your scent.
It should not be too hard; who can resist cuddling a cute little kitten?
Pick up your kitten gently, stroke her ears, paws, tail and back so that she gets used to being touched.
You can continue to show affection as long as your kitten is enjoying it. If your kitten appears to be scared, don’t force it; try to take things slowly.
2. Provide a secure environment
Providing an environment that makes your kitten comfortable will help to improve the bond and trust that she has with you.
Place your kitten in a quiet area when you first bring her home and make sure that she has access to a comfortable cat bed, food, water, litter box and scratching post.
Cats like to climb up and so providing a cat tree will be appreciated by your kitten.
If you do not have a cat tree, your kitten will use windowsills, the top of a shelf, wardrobe etc. to climb up for a good and safe view of your home.
3. Play together
Play should be a part of your daily routine with your kitten.
Try to squeeze in at least 20 minutes of play, twice a day to keep your kitten physically and mentally stimulated.
Your kitten will enjoy the playtime and also remember the time you spent together playing.
Use several kitten safe toys to keep her interested.
Stay away from play that encourages aggressive behavior such as tug-of-war, pulling your kitten’s leg or tail.
4. Provide attention
Give your kitten as much attention and affection as your schedule permits.
Your kitten should grow up knowing that she is loved; it will help her grow up into a well-adjusted and loving adult cat.
It would be best if you did not allow your kitten to spend a lot of time alone, closed in a room.
Leaving the kitten alone for long without any mental stimulation can make her hyper.
In the early days, your kitten may not show a lot of affection, but as you provide attention, care and love, you will start receiving love and affection in return as your kitten grows.
5. Grooming
You can also give your kitten attention and show love by grooming her regularly.
Cats spend one-third of the time that they are awake by grooming themselves.
You can brush your kitten daily as it will help to make her feel clean, which is essential to them.
Setting a routine of brushing your kitten will help both of you to enjoy time together and bond.
6. Establish a feeding routine
Your kitten depends on you for everything, including the most important thing – food.
Feeding your kitten on a set schedule helps them to know that you are taking care of her and sets a strong bond between the two of you.
Your kitten will soon see you as the person providing food and water, which are essential components of what makes her feel secure.
If multiple family members wish to bond with the kitten, you can take turns to feed her and fill up her water bowl.
7. Treats
Reward your kitten for good behavior with treats.
Get your kitten to eat out of your hands as this will help strengthen the bond and trust between you.
Your kitten will eventually start showering you with love in the hope of getting one more mouthwatering treat.
8. Praise and lots of it
Remember to praise your kitten for doing what you expect her to do. You can also praise her during play when she manages to get the toy.
9. Get her to sleep on your lap
Place a soft blanket on your lap and get your kitten to sleep on your lap. However, remember not to force your kitten.
It would help if you tried to get your kitten to sleep on your lap after a session of play when she is likely to be tired.
10. Do not raise your voice
Distract your kitten when she is doing the wrong thing.
Do not ever raise your voice, hit or punish your kitten.
If your kitten is in the wrong place, place her gently where she is supposed to be.
Provide your kitten with a better alternative always and praise her for using it.
11. Do not stare
In the feline world, staring is considered aggressive behavior.
You will trigger fear in your kitten by staring at her.
You should blink your eyes instead while interacting with your kitten.
It also helps if you turn your head from side to side as you talk to her.
12. Talk to your kitten
The sound of your voice is essential in the bonding process, and so you should often talk to your kitten in a gentle voice.
Use a non-threatening tone of voice and body language when interacting with your kitten.
It would be best if you come across as a kind and gentle pet parent that the kitten can always trust.
13. Call her name
Call out your kitten’s name often; this will help her to learn her name, get her attention when you call and build a bond between you and the kitten.
How do I know if my kitten likes me?
Your kitten shows its love for you in different ways, and it’s usually the kitten’s way of saying that she is feeling happy, safe, and comfortable. Here are some ways a kitten shows her love for you:
- Your kitten follows you around everywhere, including the bathroom.
- Gives you a long and slow blink to communicate affection; in the world of cats, closing eyes when another cat is around is the ultimate symbol of trust.
- Your kitten kneads you with her front paws; it is a sign of affection, and this is what they do to the mother cats when they want milk.
- Your kitten lays on its back and shows you her tummy; it is a sign that she is feeling secure around you.
- Getting on to your lap, head, or chest for a cuddle is an expression of affection towards you.
- As your kitten grows older, it may bring you unexpected gifts such as mice or birds, and this is also one way of showing her love for you.
- Your kitten may headbutt you or rub her head against you to let other cats know that you are special to her; cats rub their heads to deposit pheromones.
- She licks your hair or ears; cats that are close groom each other. When your kitten grooms you, know that you are special to her.
Conclusion
You cannot force love; it develops gradually. As you show love, care, and patience towards your kitten, you will eventually have the pleasure of enjoying your kitten’s love and affection. So, don’t give up if there are no results initially; you will ultimately see your efforts bear fruit.