Never force your cat to do something. Instead, adopt a slow pace and lots of patience. Let your cat determine when they want to hang out or be petted. In the long run, this will strengthen the bond you share, increase your cat's confidence, and help them to relax and be happy in their new home.
The good news is, despite their reputations for being antisocial, cats love bonding and they do forgive and forget. So, if you're at a loss as to how you're going to rebuild trust and affection with your cat, don't fret.
You can apologize to your cat by spending time with it. This could be as simple as reading a book or listening to music next to your cat, or giving him a nice, long petting session. It could also mean that you have to set aside some time to play with your cat. Praise and compliment your cat.
Once a cat has become scared of a person, it really can take weeks, or perhaps even months, to regain her trust. Thomas: Another thing your husband can do is to play with her using an interactive toy.
With time, you can improve (or repair) the relationship with your cat to one of comfort, ease, and predictability. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to build your cat's trust: Respect your cat's space.
“Cats don't forgive, and once they realize a person is causing them anxiety or hurt, they keep away.” So says John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist at Bristol University and author of “Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet.”
Why are cats shy or fearful? Shy or fearful behavior is most often caused by negative associations made in early life. If a cat doesn't interact with people often or experiences abuse or trauma, later, he or she may be afraid to trust human caretakers and become a skittish kitty.
They include, Approaching you (it's a little gesture, but it means they feel safe) Head butting and rubbing. Purring.
There is no definitive answer as to how long your cat will do this. For many cats, minor misdemeanors seem to fall in the short-term memory category so it is likely all will be forgiven within a few hours to days. Kittens have a relatively short memory and can appear to be more forgiving than older cats.
Several studies suggest that cats are able to bank memories and recall certain positive or negative ones when triggered. And when it comes to food, cats' memories are spot on.
If you leave the house for a quick errand or two, it's unlikely your cat will even notice that you're not home. A quick pet and a snuggle can remind your cat that despite your absence, you've got kitty on the brain!
What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
Strong Desire for Affection Upon Your Return
A cat's expression of affection is more subtle than a dog's, so pay attention. If your cat is permanently attached to your side, following you from room to room, and rubbing up against your legs, it's their way of saying: I love you, I missed you—pay attention to me!
Enjoy Play Time Together. Games and activities are another way to build a strong bond. Cats need to expend their natural energy for instinctual hunting, so provide toys and games that let them act out on their impulses.
There's a chance your cat could have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if they have experienced one or more traumatic instances throughout their lives. Cats with PTSD can exhibit unusual changes in behavior as well as significant distress related to their disorder.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
Like people, cats can suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Find out how you can tell if your cat is struggling emotionally and what you can do about it.