How To Get A Cat To Like You

How to Get a Cat to Like You: A Petworks Guide to Building Trust with a Feline Friend. Cats are complex, intelligent, and sensitive creatures. Unlike dogs, they often require more patience and understanding before forming close bonds with humans. Whether you’re meeting a new cat for the first time or trying to improve your relationship with a resident feline, winning a cat’s affection is more about earning their trust than demanding it. Here’s how to get a cat to like you, step-by-step.

1. Let the Cat Set the Pace

The most important rule when interacting with cats is to let them approach you on their own terms. Cat behaviorists will tell you, cats are naturally cautious and territorial, and they don’t appreciate being forced into social interactions. When you first meet a cat, sit or kneel to make yourself appear less threatening. Avoid making direct eye contact right away. This can be interpreted as a challenge.

Instead, look slightly to the side or offer slow blinks, which mimic the feline “I trust you” signal. Extend your hand gently and allow the cat to sniff you. If the cat backs away, give them space. If they lean in, sniff, or nudge you with their head, that’s a green light to start building trust.

2. Understand Feline Body Language

Learning to read a cat’s body language can make all the difference in your approach. A cat with relaxed ears, slow blinking eyes, and a softly swishing tail is likely calm and open to interaction. On the other hand, flattened ears, a twitching tail, and dilated pupils indicate stress or agitation.

Respecting these non-verbal cues helps your cat feel safe and understood. Forcing interaction when a cat is clearly uncomfortable can lead to fear or distrust, setting your relationship back.

3. Use Food and Treats as Bridges

One of the easiest ways to a cat’s heart is through their stomach. Offering a cat a tasty treat or some of their favorite food can help associate you with good things. Try feeding treats from your hand or placing them near you so the cat learns that proximity to you leads to rewards.

However, don’t overdo it. You want to build trust, not dependency. Let the cat come to you for treats rather than chasing them down with offerings.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment

Cats are more likely to bond with people when they feel secure in their surroundings. Ensure the cat has access to cozy hiding spots, clean litter boxes, fresh water, and high places to perch. Avoid sudden loud noises or fast movements, especially in the early stages of your relationship.

If you’re in a multi-person or multi-pet household, create a designated safe zone just for the cat. This gives them a quiet space where they can relax and begin to associate safety with your presence.

5. Engage in Interactive Play

Playing with a cat is one of the best ways to build a bond. Use wand toys, feather teasers, or laser pointers to mimic the hunt. Something that engages their instincts and helps you become a fun and positive part of their daily routine.

Each play session doesn’t need to be long. Just 10 to 15 minutes of focused play can go a long way in building affection. After a good play session, many cats will be more open to petting or sitting nearby.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for cats?

The “3-3-3 rule” offers insight into a newly adopted cat’s adjustment period: 3 days to decompress from the stress of change, 3 weeks to learn the new household’s rhythm, and 3 months to truly feel secure and at ease.

6. Respect Their Preferences for Touch

Some cats love cuddling and petting; others prefer limited physical contact. Once a cat starts to warm up to you, experiment with gentle touches. The base of the ears, under the chin, and around the cheeks are typically favorite spots.

Avoid petting the belly unless you know for sure that the cat enjoys it. If the cat purrs, leans in, or kneads, those are good signs. If their tail flicks or their ears turn back, stop immediately. By showing you respect their boundaries, you increase their trust in you.

7. Establish a Routine

Cats are creatures of habit and thrive in predictable environments. Establish a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and even petting. This helps your cat understand what to expect from you and makes your presence more comforting over time.

Talking to your cat in a soft, calm voice can also help. Cats often respond to tone rather than specific words, so keep your voice gentle and reassuring.

8. Use Scent and Familiarity to Build Comfort

Cats communicate a lot through scent. When they rub against your leg or furniture, they are marking territory with their scent. You can encourage this bonding by allowing your scent to mix with theirs. Sleeping in a shared room, offering worn clothing, or using a soft blanket that carries your scent can build a sense of familiarity.

Some experts also suggest using calming pheromone sprays or diffusers (like Feliway) to reduce anxiety and create a more soothing environment.

9. Be Patient and Consistent

Developing a meaningful bond with a cat takes time, especially if the cat is shy, fearful, or was mistreated in the past. You may not see immediate signs of affection. But consistency, respect, and kindness will slowly work in your favor.

Celebrate small victories. If your cat starts to sit near you, initiates head butts, or sleeps in the same room, those are signs of growing trust and affection.

10. Recognize and Appreciate Their Love Language

Cats show affection in subtle ways that differ from dogs. Look out for these signs of feline love:

• Slow blinking (a kitty kiss)

• Head butts or cheek rubs

• Sitting or sleeping nearby

• Purring when close to you

• Bringing you “gifts” (like toys or, unfortunately, prey)

• Exposing their belly (a sign of trust. Not always an invite to pet!

Understanding and appreciating these gestures is key to deepening your bond.

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Patience

Winning a cat’s heart is a journey of mutual trust, patience, and respect. While cats may not express love as openly as dogs, their loyalty and affection are deep and enduring once earned. By respecting their boundaries, speaking their language, and becoming a source of comfort and safety, you’ll not only get a cat to like you. You’ll become one of their favorite humans.

Remember, every cat is unique. Some take days, others take months, and some may always be a little aloof. But with time and genuine care, even the most reserved feline can learn to see you as a beloved companion.

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.