Are you dreaming of a new feline companion but worried you won’t manage to tame it? Your fear is natural—after all, cats are demanding animals with a wild nature. However, once you manage to tame a kitten, it will repay you with long evenings on the couch and sweet gazes from its big eyes. How can you help a cat adjust to a new home? Read our guide, which will dispel all your doubts!
To tame a cat at home, you must earn its trust and overcome its fear of humans. This will require a lot of patience from you, but it’s actually quite simple. Building a bond with a cat involves showing it that human contact is not only useful but also enjoyable.
There’s a common belief that cats are self-interested and indifferent animals. However, the truth is entirely different. Cats are sensitive creatures with a deep emotional sphere, and their feelings are truly profound and lasting. That’s why it’s so important to nurture your relationship with your pet wisely from the very first moments.
A change of environment is a huge stressor for a kitten, so don’t expect a lot of interaction in the first few days. This is a time for the cat to get used to its new territory. You should provide your new household member with a secluded, peaceful place. A cozy bed or even a small hideaway where the cat can retreat works perfectly. From the start, you also need to provide your kitten with a litter box and bowls for food and water.
An optimal bed for a cat can also be a wall-mounted shelf. Cats love to stay at heights and observe their territory from above, so they are unlikely to reject such a spot, unlike more traditional solutions. Shelves are recommended by cat behaviorists, especially if there are other animals or small children in the home. At a height, kittens can find peace and feel safe, which is very important in the early days of taming. From the beginning, give your cat a little bit of “catification.” This term, created by expert Jackson Galaxy, refers to creating an optimal space in your home that fulfills all of a cat’s instinctual needs.
The first stage of taming can last from a few days to even a few weeks. Patience is key, and avoid sudden movements like trying to grab or pet the cat, which may scare it. This initial stage ends when your cat confidently moves around the apartment. Then you can begin the gradual socialization process, which is much more enjoyable for the cat owner! Once your cat starts feeling comfortable in its new space, you need to get it used to interacting with its new owner. To do this, you should keep it company and talk to it in a gentle, warm voice. Eventually, the time will come for the first play sessions. Toys from the Beasty Toys series are perfect for breaking the ice with a kitten. The cat won’t be able to resist the filling containing dried catnip leaves! From play, it’s just a small step to physical contact. The first attempt at petting should be made when the cat is busy eating or sharpening its claws on a scratching post. Once your feline friend discovers how pleasant affection can be, it will start seeking it out on its own!