Getting a cat to be more affectionate starts with keeping them healthy, happy and comfortable. Photo: ibjennyjennyCats show their affection in different ways from dogs, which is disappointing for some people who were hoping for a cuddly, affectionate kitty.
Although some cats are quite affectionate and will happily cuddle up in a warm lap, others are resistant to being petted, picked up or cuddled.
If your cat is not naturally affectionate, there are some things you can do to bond with them to make your interactions together more positive. Your cat may never become a constant companion by your side like a dog would be, but you should be able to both give and get some affection from your cat eventually.
Getting a Cat to Be More Affectionate
Until your cat is comfortable and happy, bonding will remain an issue.
One way to encourage affection from your cat is to make sure they have all they need to be healthy, happy and comfortable:
While cats often prefer to choose their own sleeping place, buy a cat bed or have soft bedding available for yours to sleep on. Then try rubbing the bedding on you so that it picks up some of your scent.
The idea is your cat will start associating their safe resting area with your smell.
“The cat’s world is dominated by odors using marking scents, and in this manner you will become an accepted part of their scent territory,” says Jasmine Kinnear, a cat behavior consultant, in her book Every Cat Has a Story. Kinnear says this works especially well with a skittish kitten.
Finally, a scratching post will provide a place for your cat to scratch — which will make them happy and prevent scratching on the furniture.
Once all of these basic needs have been met, and you’ve provided a calm, safe environment, your cat will become more relaxed and open to bonding with you.
Model Affection to Your Cat Using Your Voice and Touch
When you get up in the morning, if your cat doesn’t greet you, go find them and greet them.
If your cat is hiding, however, don’t disturb them. They will likely emerge when they are ready to eat, and the sound of a bag of food rattling or the can opener will draw them out.
Pet your cat, when allowed, and talk to them frequently so they get accustomed to it. They will already be associating you with food, which is a definite positive, and by stroking them gently and speaking softly, you’ll make your cat more comfortable around you.
When you come home from work, be sure to seek your cat out and show them some attention. “Remember that your cat has been alone for hours and will be looking forward to interacting with you,” writes cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett in her book Think Like a Cat.
Cats, like all animals, are creatures of habit. When your cat gets used to being close to you and being touched by you, they may learn to like it and return the affection.
How can I get my cat to like me? Try interacting together with a wand toy designed for cats. Photo: MimzyBonding With Your Cat Through Food
Your cat will be happy when you’re feeding them, so meals are the perfect time to show your cat some affection.
- Put the food in your cat’s bowl, and while your cat is eating, gently and unobtrusively pet them.
- Do this with every meal. Your cat may begin to associate the positive feeling they get from being fed with your touch as well.
Bonding With Your Cat Through Toys
If your cat is resistant when you try to pick them up, try playing with them instead:
- Dangle a wand toy for them to tug on.
- If they seem comfortable with you while you’re sitting on the floor, place them in your lap while you move the toy.
- Once your cat gets used to you being around while they’re playing, you’ll have more opportunities to pick them up and test the waters.
Sure, this may not be as good as being able to hug and cuddle your cat like a puppy, but it will be a form of physical bonding.
In a blog post on this subject, Johnson-Bennet writes, “Cats show affection in so many ways, and you might even not notice some of the more subtle ones.”
She adds: “Your cat doesn’t have to be a lap cat to be affectionate. She may enjoy sitting next to you or maybe even a several inches away, but that doesn’t mean she’s not affectionate.”
Your Secret Weapon for a More Affectionate Cat: Treats and Catnip!
When your cat comes out of hiding and near you, reward them with a treat.
The idea, again, is to get your cat to associate you with positive feelings, and they may even begin to seek you out so they can get more treats.
Another idea: catnip. Simply put, most cats are crazy for catnip, and it can make them more affectionate and friendly as well.
“Catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer,” explains Hill’s Pet in a blog post. “It might make your cat act quite unusually; she may become more kittenish or particularly affectionate. She may also roll, paw or rub her face in the source of the catnip. Or she may jump about and become frisky, running from room to room appearing to chase invisible prey.”
So go ahead and give it a try: Sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip near your cat. Then, while your cat is rolling around and enjoying this aromatic herb, sneak in some soft petting. You and your cat will both enjoy the experience.
Getting a cat to be more affectionate does NOT include trying to pet them as you would a dog. Photo: Engin_AkyurtDo You Know How to Pet Your Cat?
We should also point out that you shouldn’t pet a cat like you would a dog. You probably already know this.
“Cats are purr-ticular about where and how they like to be touched,” says Dr. Marty Becker, DVM. “Scratch them between the ears or beneath the chin, rub that sweet spot between the eyes or stroke them along the spine.”
If your cat starts bumping their head against you, that’s a great sign.
But, Dr. Becker adds, “avoid [petting] the belly and the base of the tail. Many cats feel vulnerable when their tummy is at risk, even if you’re not a threat to them.”
Johnson-Bennett agrees: “No belly rubs for the cat, please, or else you’ll trigger a defensive response.”
The video below offers some interest “cat hacks” from Lifehacker on getting a cat to like you more:
Final Thoughts on Getting a Cat to Be More Affectionate
You might feel rejected if your cat doesn’t want to cuddle with you.
But understand that some cats — maybe even most of them — don’t show their affection in that way.
“What you may interpret as a cat being aloof is actually your exquisitely designed companion being ready for anything,” says Johnson-Bennet. “Just because your cat may not jump to immediate attention when you call her name, doesn’t mean she’s aloof — she’s focused.”
“So do not force it” when it comes to getting your cat to be more affectionate, adds well-known veterinarian Michael W. Fox.
Instead, he says, “accept your cat for who she is and relate to her on her terms, petting and grooming her when she wants.”
References
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This article was originally published in 2012 and is regularly updated. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated Aug. 7, 2019.
