I came across this post written a long time ago by Sparkle, the founder of this blog. And the advice about how to get on your cat’s good side still stands! But I felt the approach needed some updating. So I’ve given it a more modern spin. Who knew that people’s relationships with their cats would be this different from the mid-2010s? So here we go:
Cats can be confusing to people! But we aren’t really as mysterious as you may think. In fact, we are pretty straightforward, if you are able to view things from our perspective. Seen that way, these 10 ways to get on your cat’s good side make a lot of sense.
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- Please don’t stare.
I know, I know — we’re fascinating and gorgeous creatures. But in a cat’s world, it’s not just rude to stare at us — it’s downright hostile. That’s what cats do when they are itching for a fight.
Sure, you can admire us. But there are other ways to do that without an unending gaze. Softly spoken compliments and chin skritches, for example. Giving us our favorite treats (see #4). And yes, you can look at us, of course, but use the slow blink technique (look at our face, slowly and deliberately blink, and then look away). That’s the best way to offer a message of affection.
- Use unscented litter only.
Cat noses are far more sensitive than human noses, and most of the perfumed litter out there is an assault on our sense of smell! And I can’t imagine it smells all that good to humans either. Even worse, we have to sit in the middle of it to relieve ourselves.
There are a lot of choices out there for litter now. Find one that is unscented, odor absorbing, feels good beneath kitty paw pads — and scoop the litter frequently. And do a full change monthly for one cat, more often for multi-cat families. That will minimize smell without resorting to some fake stink that doesn’t really cover up any cat smells.
- Forget the concept of punishment.
Punishing a cat only teaches them to fear you, and they will avoid doing the behavior…until you’re not around to see. In fact, punishment is one of the major things that can damage your bond with your cat.
Cats don’t understand right from wrong the in the same way people do. We just want what we want. So give us something that we like more than the thing you don’t want us to do. Redirecting attention is the most effective way to change a cat’s behavior. It may take more thought and imagination but it’s also a kinder, and better way.
- Give us high quality treats.
Unlike humans, cats tend to like food that’s good for us! And that tends to be one-protein treats and snacks. Freeze dried chicken or turkey is a favorite around here, and if my human has any leftover cooked, un-spiced chicken, I’m all in! A bite of steak or sardines is good too, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Cats that don’t like or are confused by more natural treats are suffering from the same problem as many humans. They’ve become addicted to junk food! Pet companies coat cheaper food and treats with additives that make them hyper palatable. If you can wean your cat off of them, you should.
- Don’t immediately toss out our ratty, old scratching posts.
Cats hate change. It makes us feel insecure and nervous. So while the idea of a new, improved scratching post or cat tree may sound good to you, it may take your cat some time to get used to it.
Meanwhile, here’s your cat’s old scratcher, ripped to shreds, or should I say, to perfection. It smells like your cat, it’s familiar, and if it really is that beat up, it is very much well loved. It’s part of your cat’s territory. So let your cat have it around while they get used to the new scratching post or tree. Once it’s broken in, you can discard the old one.
- Use plates or wide bowls to feed us.
Back when Sparkle was around, whisker fatigue wasn’t that well known. Why, I don’t know, because you can actually see how uncomfortable it looks when a cat tries to eat from a small, narrow bowl. But we cats shouldn’t have to contort our whiskers and our muzzles to get our sustenance. There are lots of bowls out there now with broad, flat surfaces. Please use them.
- Don’t obstruct our view of the outside.
Most cats that are indoor-only still love viewing the outside. In fact, it’s good for our mental health. Because yes, mental health really is important for cats! A cat that is stressed and neurotic develops habits that may make them hard to live with. A window with a view can offer some stimulation and entertainment. So make sure there is a way to for your cat to get a good window view, free of obstruction. If it has lots of greenery and nature, that’s even better.
Of course, this advice isn’t one size fits all. If your cat is territorial, and the neighborhood cats insist on taunting them, then keeping that window off limits is the best thing to do.
- Make sure your home has feline-friendly vertical space.
Cats love being in high places. The only problem is that many high areas can be dangerous. But we kitties are drawn to them anyway. The only solution to that is to create vertical space that’s safe for your cat. That could be cat trees, or shelving that doubles as a scratching and napping spot. Make sure the safer high areas, like for example, the top of the refrigerator, are comfortable and inviting.
The smaller your living space is, the more important vertical space is for your cat. Especially if you have more than one cat. This is a great way to create extra real estate. More room means a happier cat family.
- Pet, cuddle, and touch your cat in the areas they love, and avoid the ones that trigger them.
Too many people are tempted to pet areas on a cat that they don’t really like or that overstimulate them, like the belly, or base of the tail. If you’ve had your cat for any length of time, you’ll know what their trigger spots are. Your cat will really appreciate you avoiding them, no matter how tempting they may be. And those signs are pretty obvious — twitching skin, thumping tails, and restlessness.
If you want to pet a cat you don’t know, the safest areas are under the chin and the cheeks. Stick to those until you know the cat better.
- Set aside time every day to play with your cat.
A bored cat is a cat that becomes stressed or acts out. One of the best things you can do to keep your cat engaged, active and mentally stimulated is to have regular playtimes with them. Learn what their favorite types of play are. Most cats love interactive toys, such as wand toys. Tossing around a ball for us to chase, or a catnip toy is also fun. Whatever your cat favors, make sure to spend time doing it with them.
I hope you enjoyed my tips! Do you have a favorite, or have something to add? Let me know in the comments.
