Let's Make Your Newly-Adopted Cat Trust You : 5 Steps

Although they may seem aloof and indifferent at times, cats make amazing pets and having one around your home is guaranteed to liven up your life.

Unlike dogs however, cats are very independent and can be distrustful to their new owners particularly if adopted from an animal shelter. Most likely, they will be shy and fearful for a period of time, especially if they have a history of abuse. Not being able to deal with them correctly may strain relations, and may even result to bites and scratches.

Anyway, if you're planning to adopt or clueless as to how to make your one-sided friendship with your cat a mutual one, here are the steps guaranteed to help you with that regard.

Photo by: Barasoaindarra (Wikimedia Commons)

Step 1: Give It Food Personally

The first step to gaining a cat's trust is by feeding it personally.

Though obvious, it's best if you show Mr. Whiskers the food preparation stage, like the act of pouring the dry cat food on his bowl. By being aware that you are the food source, chances are that your cat will start warming up to you.

Reminders:

Do not FORCE him to eat. Let him come over and eat at his own convenience.
Do not bother him while eating.
Be sure to ask the shelter which type of food you're supposed to give (wet or dry).
You can feed him with smaller portions frequently throughout the day.

Photo from: NekoJaNekoJa (Wikimedia Commons)

Step 2: Do Not Surprise or Startle It

Though the picture seemingly depicts a cat ripe for startling, DO NOT DO IT. Though there will be minimal effects to a cat you've already bonded with, doing so to a newly adopted one will strain your relations.

Do not creep up on it or stamp your feet while walking towards it. Though the results are sometimes comical, this will make your cat avoid and even perceive you as a threat.

Reminders:

Do not touch it while it's asleep.
Do not sneak up on them (in the animal kingdom, this what predators do).
Do not make any sudden sounds while it is taking a siesta.

Photo by: Seb65 (Wikimedia Commons) CC-BY-SA-2.5

Step 3: Do NOT Touch Its Belly

Let's say Mrs. Tibbles is starting to get cozy and started sitting next to you. As you're petting her, your hand transitions from its ear to its belly. Suddenly she stands, looking at you with contempt and annoyance while leaving the couch.

What made her get angry?

Unless if your cat trusts you fully, you should never assume that they want belly rubs. Dogs love it, but cats hate it - doing so will likely pave the way for a bite or a hiss.

Cats consider their bellies as one of the most vulnerable parts of their body, which is why they feel cranky and protective if you touch it.

However, you would not have this problem if your and Mrs. Tibbles' trust is at a maximum level.

Stay with the ears, cheeks and head - the opportunity to rub her belly will come later.

Step 4: Blink and Meow

Though silly, blinking and meowing back is a direct way to build trust.

The next time you arrive home, you may see your cat sitting on the couch while looking at you. As you make eye contact, it will slowly close its eyes. This is called "a cat kiss" - a way of saying "welcome home human, feed me now". This is done by cats to signal trust and love to their fellow felines and owners. Though it's a creepy way of saying "I love you", consider yourself loved if your cat does this to you.

That being said, whenever you make eye contact with your cat, blink. You will surely get a blink in response.

As for meows, they can mean a number of things. Regardless of what your cat is meowing for, just meow back - it's a way of acknowledging their presence.

Photo from: Big.N (Wikimedia Commons)