How to Get a Cat to Love You

When you adopt a new cat or kitten, you need to bond with it so it will come to love you. Take time to get to know your cat as it adjusts to its new surroundings. Just like people, every cat has a different personality and you need to understand your cat's likes and dislikes. Given some time and effort, your cat will come to love you if you treat it with the tenderness, love and respect it deserves.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat litter boxes
  • Clumping cat litter
  • Canned cat food
  • Dry cat food
  • Water dishes
  • Cat bed
  • Blankets
  • Cat treats
  • Cat toys
  • Cat brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your cat some space. When you first adopt a cat, it needs time to adjust to its new surroundings, which can overwhelm it at first. Set up a quiet room for your new cat with dry and canned cat food and water dishes, a litter box with clumping litter, and a bed or blanket to snuggle up in. This room is your cat's "safe" room that it can come back to even when you allow it to start exploring the rest of your home. Allow your cat to explore your home on its own, smell the new scents and begin to feel comfortable around you.

    • 2

      Spend time with your cat after it adjusts to its new surroundings. Allow your cat to come to you by inviting it to come into your lap or sit next to you. Let your cat smell you, then reward your cat when it comes up to you by giving it a cat treat. By positively reinforcing the cat's behavior, it will begin to associate you with a food reward and will want to spend more time with you. Gently stroke your cat to further bond with it.

    • 3

      Feed your cat on a regular schedule and make sure that you personally place the food in the cat's dish. Cats enjoy eating and when you feed the cat, it will associate you with a pleasant activity, a form of positive reinforcement. Do this regularly, as cats prefer to have a routine and dislike changes of any kind. Feeding your cat on schedule keeps it content and also less likely to have behavioral issues. Alternate between moist canned food and dry kibble during the day. Provide fresh water, changed daily, for your cat at all times to keep it well-hydrated.

    • 4

      Play with your cat using interactive toys such as a laser pointer or a toy on a string. Your cat will enjoy the physical activity and bonds with you through the play sessions. Keep these sessions constant each day to keep your cat healthy and active, as well as bond further with your cat. The more positive experiences you have with your cat, the more likely it will begin to love you.

    • 5

      Brush your cat daily to bond with it. Wait until your cat comes over to you and give it a food reward. Take a soft-bristled cat brush or slicker brush and gently begin to stroke its coat in the direction of the hair growth. Many cats enjoy being brushed and will stretch out and show you their stomach, a sign of complete trust and affection. Continue to brush your cat for a few minutes at a time so as not to overwhelm or overstimulate your cat, where it may become aggressive.

    • 6

      Take your cat for regular visits with a veterinarian to keep it in good health. A cat suffering from illness can become aggressive or develop behavioral issues that will strain the relationship between the two of you. A healthy cat will have a better disposition and can bond with you. Part of being a good pet parent is keeping your cat in good health.