How to Get a cat to Like You

"Cats are mysterious creatures. What goes on behind those enchanting yellow eyes? And why do they run away when all we want to do is cuddle them? Whether you’re a cat owner or simply have an affinity for your friends’ pets, you’ve probably faced the challenge of winning over a reticent feline. Odds are, it’s not you personally that the cat has a problem with—it’s your behavior."

1. Watch Your Body Language :

If a cat feels fear, she’s more likely to hide or avoid you. When greeting a new feline for the first time, it’s important to make her feel comfortable. “Cats are tiny little things compared to people,” Krieger says, “so it’s very important that they feel safe and secure.”

Dr. Marci Koski, Ph.D., a certified feline behavior and training professional at Feline Behavior Solutions, agrees. “When I meet a new cat, the first thing I’ll do is crouch down and greet the cat on her level,” she says. “Making yourself smaller is less intimidating.”

2. Let the Cat Approach You :

Cats can be irresistibly adorable. But as much as you may want to greet Snowball with a big ol’ hug, don’t. “This is a common mistake for people who love cats,” Krieger says. “They’ll go up to the cat and corner the cat, try to pet the cat, and try to win over the cat.” In this situation, she explains, your advances will either be ignored or cause the cat to bolt.

Instead of making a beeline for the cat, encourage the feline to come towards you, says Krieger. “Crouch down or sit, and then extend your index finger towards the cat,” she explains.

3. Observe the Cat’s Likes and Dislikes :

Just like people, cats have vastly different personalities and preferences. If you’re meeting a friend or significant other’s cat, you can ask questions; if you’re adopting a new cat, you’ll have to take the time to observe the cat’s behaviors and get a feel for what she enjoys.

“Even a shy but curious cat has the potential to become your next best friend if you take things slow and build trust,” Koski says. You can ingratiate yourself by finding out what that particular cat likes. “If the cat likes to be brushed, then you can brush the cat,” Krieger suggests, “whatever it is, then that’s what you can do to encourage the cat to come forward.”

4-Allow the Cat to Make the First Move :

It may have been your experience with dogs that you could go right up to them and begin petting and interacting. With cats, however, that’s not the recommended approach. In fact, cat lovers who enthusiastically go right up to an unfamiliar cat and try to immediately touch or interact often end up getting an unwanted response.

5-It’s Impolite to Stare at the Cat :

In the animal world, a direct stare can be interpreted as a threat. Avoid staring, and instead, if you do look at the cat, make your glances soft and brief. Don’t ever be tempted to star back at a cat who is looking at you. Let the cat feel in control and comfortable.

6-The Cat Version of a Handshake :

Cats who are familiar and friendly to each other will often approach and engage in some nose-to-nose sniffing. You can do a version of this by extending your index finger for the cat to sniff. This becomes the human version of a cat nose. Hold your finger out without wiggling it or pushing it toward the cat. Just keep your finger still and let the cat make the decision about whether to step forward and sniff. If he does sniff your finger, he’ll let you know whether more interaction is ok or not. He may sniff and back away, which means he doesn’t want to engage at this point or he may rub against your finger or walk closer toward you. This is an indication that he’s open for more interaction. Pay attention to his body language because it’ll tell you whether he’s cool with things or needs a little more time to assess the situation.