If you’re a cat owner, you probably got a cat because you wanted the special companionship that comes with pet ownership. Cats are unique creatures that have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Together, we’ve grown and changed in many different ways. There is an undeniable bond between humans and cats and if you’re looking to make the one you have with your own cat stronger, consider these tips.
#1 – Spend One-On-One Time Together
How you spend one-on-one time with your cat is less important than if you do it. Maybe you’ve got a kitty that likes to go on walks or perhaps you’ve got a couch potato that wants to lie in your lap while you read a good book. These aren’t so important. What’s important is that you take the time to bond with your cat without any other distractions around. If you’ve got multiple cats, you should set aside some moments to spend individual time with each of them.
#2 – Play
Cats need exercise for both their bodies and their minds. They are intelligent animals that can get bored very quickly. Playtime stimulates every part of the physical and mental body and is fun for everyone. Better yet, it’s a great way to spend quality time bonding together. You’ll each learn about how you play and what you each like and dislike when it comes to games.
#3 – Pet Your Cat
Most of us don’t need to be told to pet our cats, but when life gets busy and we find ourselves overwhelmed with people things, we might forget to just take time and give our kitty a pat on the head. Make sure you take just a few minutes to sit and pet your cat; spend time with them and let them know you are still there for love and affection.
#4 – Understand Cat Behavior
The more you learn about feline behavior, the better you’ll be able to understand why your cat does all of the things he or she does. Cats are individuals with unique personalities, but there are certain behaviors that apply to all felines. Learn about how cats communicate, how they see the world and how they handle stress and pressure and you’ll be better able to understand your cat’s side of the story when he seemingly misbehaves.
#5 – Communicate
As with all relationships, communication is key. Communicating with your cat effectively means have clear, consistent training and routines. Make sure you let your cat know what is expected of them and what is unacceptable. Being able to develop strong communication through affection and play will help you become truly inseparable companions. This doesn’t mean you need to sit down and have a conversation with your cat every day (though many of us do!), it just means you need to take the time to actively work together as a team.