How to Bond with Your New Cat

Getting a new cat is so exciting. You bring the new addition of your family home and then wait for everything to just fall into place. But it does not always happen that way. This article will discuss practical ways in which you can bond with your new cat.

How to bond with your new cat: Do not insist on having the new cat sit on your lap

If you have raised cats in the past, you may consider yourself to be very experienced about all things to do with cats. But the truth is, no two cats are alike. So even if Kat and Kitty regularly jump onto your lap and purr at you, that does not mean that Fluffy will do the same. Some cats are natural lap cats and will enjoy the close proximity of your body as they cuddle up to you. But it is not easy to see how the new cat will turn out just after you bring him home.

The new cat will need to adjust to all the new sights, smells and sounds of his new home and he will also be looking around so that he knows where his toilet, food and water are located. So even if he turns out to be a lap cat later on, this will not necessarily be the first thing on your new cat's mind. A cat needs to feel comfortable with you and secure in his new surroundings before he will willingly jump onto your lap. The best thing you can do is to not force the issue. Cats hate to be forced onto a person's lap when they would rather be doing something else.

How to bond with your new cat: Spend time playing with your new cat and getting to know one another

Before you bring your new cat home, try to prepare your home for his arrival. Have a cat toy box filled with some cat toys that your new cat might like to play with. It does not have to be a big expensive toy box. A cardboard box will do. Then when your new cat comes home, you can introduce him to his new toys, throw them, or simply place them at his feet and watch as he sniffs and plays with them. A cat will often be so curious about his toys, that he will happily play with them. If you also interact with your new cat, he will get to see you in a different light and be more willing to have fun with you.

How to bond with your new cat: Stroke, pet and scratch your cat