Cats can be finicky when it comes to who they like, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work to sway them to be your friend. In order to get a cat to like you, you just need to do some behavior changes in order to get them to come around. While that may sound like a lot, it truly isn’t too difficult to get a cat to like you!
Proven Ways to Befriend a Cat
Of course, you don’t want to waste your time doing things that won’t get a cat to be friendly around you. Here are some of the best habits that have proven to be successful at getting a cat to like you!
Give the Cat Control
We know cats are super cute, and you want to go up to them as soon as you see them. However, research says that doing this will actually hinder your ability to make friends with a cat. In fact, it’s better for you to sit and wait for a cat to approach you. If you’re not paying attention to the cat, they will be more likely to come up to you and initiate contact.
Mimic the Nose Greeting
When cats meet one another, they typically greet each other nose to nose. In order to mimic this style of non-threatening greeting, it’s recommended to stick your index finger out at the cat’s nose level but a few inches away. When you do this, it signals a friendly invitation that most cats will approach and even rub their noses against!
Pet them the Right Way
Cats love to be petted but only if it’s the way they like and in the places they like. While each cat is unique in their preferences, there are some guidelines you can start with that are likely to be safe. A study was done recently that shows cats tend to prefer being petted on their foreheads and cheeks. When petted in these areas, cats are more likely to purr and knead their paws.
On the other side of the spectrum, cats are more likely to get angry and growl or hiss when petted in their tail area. If your cat reacts negatively to these pets (or any), the best thing you can do for your relationship is to back off and give them some space to calm down. Continuing to pester your cat when they’re already frustrated will only negatively affect the relationship you have with them.
Get Interactive
Playing with a cat is a great way to get them to start liking you! In fact, one study showed that house cats like their people more than they like food! Specifically, cats tend to like people who have an interactive toy to play with. If you’re looking for a great way to get some of your cat’s energy out while also building up a great bond, taking the time to play with them every day is a great way to get that going!
Learn the Cat’s Likes and Dislikes
Part of being successful and getting a cat to like you is knowing what you can use to motivate them. Some cats love food and treats, while others are more motivated by cuddles or playtime. Getting to know what your cat likes will help you offer them incentives to be your friend!
How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Start Liking You?
All cats are different. This affects how long it takes them to come around to you as a new person in their life. Personality will affect the time it takes, but so will their age. With young kittens, it may only take a couple of days or weeks to get them to start really liking you. However, older cats may be more hesitant to form a bond with you. It may take a couple of months before you start truly making the connection you want.
The key is not to rush your cat and to be patient with them. A lot of times, a new relationship with a cat means the cat is getting used to a new living location as well. It may take them some time to be fully comfortable with you all the time. However, don’t lose hope! If you stay consistent with how you treat them, even stubborn cats will come around after a while.
How to Know Your Cat Likes You
You’ve been putting in lots of work to get your cat to like you, but how do you know when the efforts are paying off? With cats, they will let you know they like you through their body language. If you want to know whether your cat likes you, look for these tell-tale signs that they think you’re great!
Slow Blinking
Cats use their eyes to let us know how they’re feeling. If your cat blinks at you slowly, it’s their way of telling you that they love you! In fact, there’s research to show that if you slow blink back at a cat, they’re more likely to approach you. When your cat closes their eyes around you like this, it’s a sign that they trust you fully, so take it as a big compliment!
Kneading You
One of the cutest things cats do is kneading blankets or other soft places before lying down. Affectionately known as “making biscuits,” this can also be a sign of affection. If you’re petting your cat and they begin kneading you, it’s their way of returning the affection you’re giving them!
While this can sometimes hurt, you don’t want to punish your cat for doing this or you’ll risk hurting your relationship with them. Instead, you can place a soft barrier between their paws and you, like a blanket. This will let them still knead you without pricking you with their claws!
Showing Their Belly
If your cat lies down on their back and exposes their belly around you, this is a huge sign that they trust you and like you. A cat will only expose their belly when they don’t feel threatened in any way. However, be careful if you decide to try to pet their belly while it’s exposed; they may think you’re playing and bite or swat at you.
Sleeping by You
When a cat decides to sleep next to you or even on you, this is a sign that they truly love you. In fact, their decision to lie next to you is their way of saying they will protect you if danger shows up. While you may like it best if they lie on or against you, even if they’re laying a few inches out of petting range, it still means they love you!
Takeaway
Cats can sometimes be mysterious creatures, making it hard to figure out how to get them to warm up to you. However, with the right knowledge and approach, you can make any cat warm up to you and love you. The key is to take it slow and on their terms. Before you know it, you’ll have a cat showing you their love and affection in their own adorable ways!
