Boosting Your Cat's Closeness: Tips for a More Affectio

How to Raise a Cuddly Cat?

Start Early in Life

While genetics play a significant role in shaping a cat's personality, training during the critical period of imprinting can turn a cat into a cuddle buddy. It's essential to understand the concept of a cat's imprinting to achieve this!

What is a Cat's Imprinting?

Imprinting, proposed by animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz, is also known as imprinting, marking, or trace. It's the phenomenon where a kitten, for instance, will follow and learn from the first creature it sees as its mother, without realizing it. This is a form of imprinting behavior.

How Long Does a Kitten's Imprinting Period Last?

Typically, it spans the first three months of a kitten's life.

What Should We Do?

In simple terms, during the imprinting period, expose the kitten to various experiences and objects repeatedly. The best example is a kitten that is often held by its owner as a kitten will grow to enjoy being cuddled. Similarly, a kitten that is frequently held by different people as a kitten will not struggle when approached by strangers as an adult.

What Should We Be Aware Of?

Imprinting is irreversible, and the positive or negative experiences a kitten has during this period will stay with it for life. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that these interactions are safe and comfortable for the kitten!

Dealing with Adult Cats

Now, let's address what you're really curious about: how to bond with an adult cat. While it's easy to foster a connection with kittens, it can be challenging for a new adult cat to immediately accept a new owner.

Living with a New Adult Cat is Like Welcoming a New Roommate

During this process, both you and the cat will go through a period of adjustment. The key principles in this phase are: don't disturb the cat, don't force it to comply, and don't scare or chase it. First, let the cat get used to the new environment, and then make it clear that you pose no threat; you're just another roommate.

When you've achieved this, the cat can coexist peacefully with you in the same space. You might find the cat watching you from a distance. With patience, you can gradually encourage the cat to approach you.

Little Tips to Get Your Cat to Come to You

1. Spend more quality time with your cat. If you're already comfortable sharing a room, cater to its preferences: feed a cat that loves treats, or play with a cat that enjoys playtime. As you spend time together, your bond will strengthen.

2. Take matters into your own hands. For a cat that hasn't fully accepted you, you can use scheduled feeding times to signal that you're there to provide food and fun. This will encourage the cat to seek you out when it needs something. Over time, your relationship will deepen as the cat repeatedly asks for treats and playtime.

Transforming an adult cat's personality is a gradual process, but with enough patience, the cat will eventually reward you with its undivided love. Lastly, if you're not ready for a cat with a cool demeanor, consider choosing a gentle, fluffy breed that's more likely to enjoy being petted.