Guide To Develop Cat Bonding

It feels incredible being a cat parent, does it not? Seeing the majestic feline purr at the sight of you and come running to you to get showered with some affectionate cuddles just melts your heart in an instant! And who can resist those adorable squishy faces? And it is exciting being a cat parent, looking after your feline friend and knowing that someone is waiting for you at home, whenever you return from work. And as devoted cat parents, it is only natural to want to spend some quality time with your feline buddy, playing with it or just hanging out together.

However, unlike dogs, cats are not the most social or extrovert creatures to have walked the planet. Rather, they are mostly introverted by nature, and enjoy having space. Cats also do not socialize with all people, so if you have the privilege of being allowed to cuddle a kitty, wear that as a crown. Since with those they interact, cats are completely devoted! While there is no particular reason that makes cats picky, they respond well to loving gestures. It might take some time to establish loving bonds with these feline superstars, but once you make the effort to treat them with patience, cats would have you in their hearts, forever!

Do Cats Bond With Humans?

While cats are not as expressive about their feelings as dogs, cats can bond really well with humans. Most cats have a higher Emotional Quotient (EQ) than dogs and can express a greater number of emotions through subtle gestures. In addition to several designated gestures that can show how much your feline friend loves you, cats are also capable of forming deep attachments based on their owner's personality!

No two cats are alike, and each has a unique personality to go with their sassy cattitude! But despite their introverted nature, cats do have a special affinity for humans. Depending on their genetic influences and how their favourite human treats them during vulnerable moments, cats often develop an individual variability pattern, meaning their sociability and emotional attachment can change depending on the person they are interacting with. This helps cats in developing meaningful bonds with humans at personal levels. While cats are inherently solitary creatures who need me-time to recharge their social batteries, they do enjoy the warm, comforting presence of their favourite humans around them.

cat human bonding

Though cats can be introverted and picky, to consider cats aloof would be a mistake. These mysterious balls of fur are extremely open and loving once they have bonded with their favourite human. Though it might take some time, cats respond well to love and will love you back. The biggest proof? If you see your feline friend bringing you 'gifts' it has hunted, licking you, or rubbing its tail against you, it is their clear way of confessing love for you. So maybe it's time to offer your cat some satisfying scratches behind the ears or some delicious Sheba premium cat food you were saving for a special day.

By now, it is natural to be curious about how to bond with your cat. So, given below are some of the major gestures that will let you know when your cat is trying to bond with you.

Understanding when your cat is trying to bond

Rubbing against you

Feline furries are quite the pro at displaying their affection for their favourite human. And rubbing against the person they love is possibly the clearest and most distinct indication that your cat wants to bond with you. In addition, do you know that cats maintain complex territorial relations with each other? They 'mark' their territories by rubbing their bodies on objects, essentially infusing them with their scent. So, if your cat is rubbing against you, it is also because it loves you, and is ‘claiming’ you as its own!

Cat bonding with human

Head butting

Just like rubbing their bodies to their favourite person, cats also like to lovingly headbutt their humans. Though it is most often a cute gesture to grab your attention, it also serves a deeper purpose. Cats have their sweat glands on their cheeks, so by headbutting you, your feline buddy is trying to deposit its pheromones on you and claim you as its own. And since your cat is trying to get your attention by headbutting you, it is time to give their chin a quick, loving scratch. You can also respond by gently headbutting your cat back, as it is seen as a gesture of understanding and trust in the feline community.
Slow blinking

Cats are animals of prey with keen instincts to hunt down their food. However, due to their small size, in the wild, cats are also often hunted by bigger animals like dogs, wolves, eagles, owls, and coyotes. So, to survive in the wild, cats have distinctive abilities and defence mechanisms to avoid being hunted down. Their eyesight is adapted for a wider field of vision that lets them spot hostilities very easily. However, if a feline furry is blinking slowly around you, it means it is comfortable in your presence and is quite literally letting its guard down. It no longer considers you a hostile presence, and would rather bond with you instead.
Rolling on the back and exposing bellies

It is unlikely for a cat to roll on its back and expose its belly unless it feels extremely secure and protected in your presence. Cats are cautious creatures, so if it is exposing their most vulnerable side to you, it is a big achievement! By exposing sensitive areas like its belly, your cat is clearly giving you the message that it is extremely trustful of you. In addition, it is equally a sign of excitement and love - your cat is simply delighted to see you and is demanding some immediate attention and affection in return.
Lying on or near you

Though cats often act very aloof with other animals, they display a strong sense of social bonding with other cats. And from birth, cats usually spend time in a tightly knit group its siblings, eating, sleeping, and exploring together. This cuddling gesture can be especially witnessed in the bond shared by mother cats with their kittens. So, if your cat is lying on or near you, it means your feline friend truly loves you the way a mother cat loves her kittens, and considers you family. Your cat might consider laying on you when it wants to spend some time together and bond or thinks of you as a source of love and warmth.

Ways to Bond With Your Cat

Observe your cat’s behaviour

Cats build meaningful relationships gradually over time. So, while your feline buddy might not seem interested in cuddling right away, it will gradually come around and start showing you affection.

And while your cat readies itself to approach you, why not take this time to observe your cat in its quintessence? Not only will it allow you to know more about your cat’s personality, but will also let you figure out precious little gestures to make your cat feel comfortable in your presence and pave the way for some exciting cat bonding.
Play with your cat often

Cats are just as playful as they are intelligent. So, why not engage in some games to make it easier for your cat to open up to you? In addition to bonding over a game, it will allow you as well as your feline friend to make precious memories to last a lifetime! Playing can be exceptionally good for cats, as it keeps them energetic and active, as well as fosters their response to various stimuli. And there is simply no end to adorable games you can play with your cat. From playing fetch to chasing, just take your pick!
Offer them treats

Wondering how to bond with your kitten? Cats and kittens are incredible foodies, and giving them a delicious creamy treat will never go unnoticed by your feline pal! Delicious food is an awesome ice-breaker in any relationship, and the same can be said for cat human bonding! Offering treat is a great way of introducing yourself to a new cat. To befriend a cat, just keep offering them snacks and treats, and you’ll be surprised to see how quickly you’ll have them eat out of your hand, literally! You can also use treats to motivate your cat to learn new tricks.
Give them space and let them approach you

While cats love to spend time with their human parents, they still need some alone time in between socialisation. Cats are easy to burn out during social situations and prefer being left alone to their thoughts of catnip and tuna. Give your feline buddy their space, and they will really appreciate you for the same. If your feline friend needs some time off from cuddling and games, do not force them, instead, give them some space to recuperate and they will approach you by themselves, ready to be showered with love, affection, and yes, lots of treats!
Make getaway space for them

Making a getaway space for your kitty goes a long way to show that you care for it at all times, and it will love you back for it! Making a getaway space for a cat is no big issue, just lay out an empty box for your cat to rest in while they are tired of socialising. Cats simply love a cosy little box to curl up in. You can also spruce it up by adding a comfy rug or sprinkling some catnip for your cat to enjoy. It is also important that your kitty is well-fed and hydrated, so do not forget to keep their food and water bowls refilled.
Know when to back off

As easy as it is to fall in love with that squishy, furry face, it is equally important to know when to back off. Most cats do not enjoy being smothered in love and affection. So, after sufficient cat bonding, it is important to let your cats spend some time by themselves, snoozing or contemplating their next ambush on you. While you’re cuddling with your cat, look for signs of discomfort which might indicate your cat is nearing its threshold for socialising. Having their tails tucked between their legs, being squirmy and fidgety, or hissing is a clear indication that your cat has had enough attention for the moment and needs you to give them some space.

Be Patient & Expect Setbacks

If your cat has decided to take a break from playing or cuddling with you, it is important to keep in mind that your cat does not hate you, but it simply needs some me-time to recharge its social batteries. Bonding with a cat is often a process that takes time and patience. So, instead of expecting to bond with your cat instantly or overnight, why not treat it with love and respect its boundaries? Your furry royalty will appreciate you for it, setting sail for a precious journey that will forever stay special for both of you. Sure, there will be setbacks along the way, but with time and endurance, you will be glad that you made such a special cat bonding with your feline after all.

Cat lying comfortably

FAQs

How do you know if you’ve bonded with your cat?

While most cat parents are faced with the question of how to make cats interested, or how do cats bond, most cannot say if they have already bonded with their feline buddy. Bonding with your cat might seem a time-consuming process, but it is simply worth it! And if you’ve really bonded with your cat, your cat will let you know through loving gestures like slow blinking, cute headbutts, and rubbing itself all over you.
Can cats sense a good person?

Though it cannot be scientifically explained how cats can sense a good person, cats are extremely smart and can uncannily tell good people from bad. Throughout mythology, cats have been depicted as excellent judges of human character and emotion. Egyptian, Japanese, and Indian mythologies often recount cats as divine incarnates with the ability to sense a good person.
How does a cat pick a favourite person?

While cats can express a wide range of emotions, often at par with humanlike perceptions, cats greatly appreciate efforts. It is through their unmatched EQ that cats can pick the person who genuinely loves and cares for them and honours them as their favourite person. And once you’ve been picked, there is not long before you can start enjoying your precious cat and owner bond.
Do cats miss their humans?

Yes, cats are extremely fond of their favourite humans, grow the most precious cat and human bonding, and miss them in their absence. Cats are quick and accurate in their judgement of humans, and being separated from their favourite humans can make cats insecure, and even mournful. So next time your cat excitedly greets you when you return home from work, give it a big hug to show you've missed them as well!
Why does my cat bite me and then lick me afterwards?

Cat parents concerned about the question of how to bond with your cat might see cats biting and then licking as apprehensive behaviour, but if your cat bites you, it doesn't have to mean that your cat is hostile in your presence. Biting is a part of interacting in the feline community. Cats mostly bite to grab your attention or ask for treats and affection. Licking is also a common behaviour in cats and is their way of grooming you for the excellent care you take of them.