Instructions
Play with your cat. According to "Cats for Dummies," cats need no less than two hours of quality play time per day. Playing not only helps a cat hone its hunting skills, but it also allows the cat to release its extra energy and aggressions in a constructive manner. According to "The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behavior," playing with your cat gives her an opportunity to bond with you by showing you how to hunt.
Handle your cat as often as it will allow. Pet, touch and hold your cat. This enables your cat to get used to the sensation of being around and being touched by humans. Don't rush it---forcing a cat outside of its comfort zone can make the problem worse, according to "Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat."
Talk to your cat. Use calm, soothing tones. The "Veterinary Receptionist's Handbook" says that if a cat doesn't perceive you as a threat, it is more likely to respond and socialize in an amiable manner. Talk to your cat while doing chores, playing, handling your cat, feeding your cat or while relaxing around the home.
Teach your cat not to play roughly. If your cat bites or scratches you while playing, say "no" in a firm voice and ignore the cat for a short amount of time. The "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians" says that ignoring the cat mimics a mother's natural reaction to inappropriate behaviors.
Praise your cat when it engages in proper social interaction. Eventually the cat will grasp that playing roughly is appropriate for toys, not people.
Give your cat a room in the home to call its own, especially if other pets are present. This allows the cat to feel a sense of security and safety. Don't allow other pets to invade your cat's room and allow your cat to retreat to its room when it feels uncomfortable or scared.
Introduce other animals slowly and in small intervals. Cats are territorial by nature and may feel that a new cat or dog is trying to invade its home. Rub down each cat with a towel or T-shirt and allow each cat to smell the others scent. Cats associate familiar things easily by scent, so getting the cats used to each other's scent might prevent conflict.
How to Teach Your Cat Good Social Skills With These Tips
Cats learn socialization from their mothers and littermates during the first 12 weeks of life, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." Cats who were abandoned or taken away from their mothers too early may not have the proper skills needed to relate to humans or other cats. It is possible to teach cats good social skills, but it takes copious amounts of time and patience, as well as a continued effort even in the face of frustration.