Some cats just aren’t social butterflies, but that’s okay!
Whether they’re newly adopted, lacked socialization with other kittens in their litter, or simply in their own little world, there’s all sorts of reasons why some cats give us pet parents the cold shoulder.
So... how to make your cat more friendly, you might ask?
There are several things you can do to sweeten up even the biggest of sourpusses. Here are a few things you can try.
1. Feline Language: What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?
One of the best ways help your cat come out of their shell is to learn and adapt to their body language.
For example, cats act in certain ways if they’re happy or worried – such as suddenly grooming themselves excessively in one area if they’re uneasy. Once you tune in to such signals, you’ll become more proactive about their emotional state and make adjustments accordingly.
To help pet parents out, veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin created a helpful infographic showing how pets feel through their postures. So, be sure to check out this article. It’s a must-read!
2. Calmness for Cats
Even the coolest of cats may feel stressed, nervous, or fearful in certain situations – think grooming, vet visits, thunderstorms, and fireworks.
That’s why our kitties may want a helping paw. Luckily, all kinds of cat-tastic products to keep them calm, cool, and Zesty. Some of the best ones include:
- Supplements that taste like yummy treats are so easy. Our Hemp Elements Plus™ Calming Bites contain relaxing ingredients such as Hemp, Melatonin, L-Theanine, and Ashwagandha to support calmness and relaxation.
- Catnip can distract cats from what’s bothering them by making them more playful and even serene.
- Pheromone products that release calming cat scent signals.
Plus, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian to see if there are any underlying issues that are contributing to your cat’s behavioral patterns. That way, your vet can determine what, if any, medications might be helpful.
3. Make Your House More Cat-Friendly
Sometimes, your cat’s social skills depend on how comfortable they feel in your home.
By creating a special space for your feline fave, they might feel more at ease with exploring their little territory and may even become more interested in their roommate (hint: that’s you).
Many cat-experts insist that getting them up off the floor is key. So, try using cat trees, shelves, wooden ladders, stools, or other safe and climbable structures to keep them stimulated.
Oh, and don’t forget a nice view! Placing cat trees near a window is like giving your kitty-companion their own version of a TV, so to speak.
People-watching and even wild animal sightings may help your cat get more accustomed to seeing live action, which might make encounters with you a bit easier since you’re a familiar face.
4. Play Their Way
If your cat isn’t the touchy-feely type, try searching for toys that don’t require having to be too close together.
Whether it’s laser pointers or toys on strings you can hold with your hand, there are plenty of options available that can keep your cat from getting too close for their comfort.
You can even try battery-powered toys that you can place in a play area that cut down the manual labor, while still being able to talk and engage with your cat.
The key for you is to try avoiding reaching in to pet them while they’re distracted with their toys. Petting them when they least expect it may lead to a jump-scare and a swift retreat.
Instead, remain patient and let them enjoy your company until they slowly build a rapport.
5. Master the Basics
When it comes to how to make your cat more friendly, it’s always good to make sure you have all the basics accounted for, such as:
- Seek high-quality food to support their diet
- Consider trying functional cat supplements
- Make sure they have clean water at all times
- Take them to the vet for regular check-ups
- Keep their litter box clean and easy-to-find
Those might sound like a bunch of no-brainers, but you would be amazed at what a small dietary change, a beneficial supplement, or a routine vet visit can do for your cat.
In other words, sweat the small stuff! After all, the best pet parents (like you) treat their cats like family members. So, mastering the basics might just earn you a purr of gratitude.
Will My Cat EVER Become Cuddly?
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that cats are complex creatures that walk to the beat of their own drum. That’s part of why they’re so amazing!
But, their uniqueness can also be discouraging when they seem uninterested in you. It’s common for people to feel rejected by their cats, so don’t feel frustrated about it.
Instead, keep trying to modify your bond with them to suit their specific needs and patterns. Even if they never become a lap-cat, there’s sure to be opportunities to connect with them on some level.
Translation? Don’t give up!
That’s all for now, but we’re still here for you! If you have any additional questions or want to learn more about pet supplements, leave a comment below and let us know. Or you can reach out to our Customer Care Specialists directly at 1-800-738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com.
We also love it when you share photos of your besties living their zestiest lives! Join in the fun and add them to our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest pages using #ZestyPaws.
