When I got my first kitten, I struggled to make friends with it and even convinced myself that cats are unapproachable or aloof.
I tried a different approach and was able to strengthen our relationship and now my kitten adores me as much as I adore her.
In this piece, I’ll share some crucial tips to get your kitten to love you.
Here are 10 ways to make your kitten love you.
1. Watch your body language
2. Let the kitten approach you
3. Observe the kitten’s likes and dislikes
4. Make sure you’re the one feeding the kitten
5. Play with the kitten – but know when to stop
6. Speak to your kitten
7. Keep your kitten and its litter box clean
8. Give them plenty of cuddles but stop when they want you to
9. Make your house kitten friendly and well organised
10. Settle your kitten into a routine
Now let me expand on the above points. Continue reading…
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How To Make A Kitten Love You
1. Watch your body language
If a kitten feels fear, she will probably avoid or hide from you. So when greeting a new kitten for the first time, it is vital to make her feel safe, secure and comfortable.
Also, consider creating a non-threatening and calm environment for her when introducing it to your home.
Start by putting it in a quiet room and giving it fun and comfortable surfaces to lay in (and on). Your bedroom is a wise choice to help it get used to your scent.
2. Allow the kitten to approach you – this will make your kitten love you
Don’t crowd or hover over the kitten. By keeping your distance and staying calm, you show it you aren’t a threat.
Watch TV or sit and read, ignoring the kitten. Scatter the kitten’s food and treats around the room to encourage it to hunt for food and hang out.
The kitten will follow the food and slowly get closer to you. When it gets closer, avoid talking or reaching out at first. Allow it to get used to hanging out in the room.
Put simply, show the kitten love by being patient when it’s new to your house.
3. Observe the kitten’s likes and dislikes
Cats have different preferences and personalities. If you are getting a kitten from someone you know, you can ask questions.
But if you are adopting one, you will have to observe the kitten’s behaviour.
Most kittens enjoy being rubbed around the ears, cheeks, neck or forehead, so stick to these areas with a new kitten.
4. Make sure you’re the one feeding the kitten
Once your kitten is comfortable with your presence, begin building a positive relationship. Treats and food are powerful motivators, so be the individual your kitten associates with food.
Feeding your kitten two or three meals per day plus high-value treats once in a while will reinforce that you’re the provider of all things tasty and good.
Consider using the treats to reinforce good behaviour, like when the kitten shows you affection or rubs against your leg. Remember not to overfeed it to keep the kitten healthy.
Develop a Good Feeding Routine
Your kitten relies on you for everything and one of the most important basics is food. Most kittens will definitely let you know when they are hungry and Vets recommended 3-4 small meals a day at this stage plus a bowl of fresh water.
Develop your relationship by creating a distinctive call sign such as a whistle that your kitten will learn to recognize as mean grubs up
Your kitten will soon associate you with providing them with food- another sign of security.
Cats love being given treats (who doesnt?) so buying some edible treats that are suitable for kittens will be the perfect way to start this naughty habit!
Needless to say, your kitten will soon to love and appreciate treats and show you huge amounts of love in the hope that you will buckle to their demands for just one more lovely treat!
5. Play with the kitten – but know when to stop
Once you have introduced yourself to a kitten, calmly and slowly, he may be up for some play-time.
Your kitten may not want to play with you every time, so take the chance when it does to build a relationship.
Kittens love to play with fast-moving, tiny toys. You should also know that kittens love catnip, so consider purchasing the herb to encourage play.
Has the kitten allowed you to touch her or approached you?
Playing with your kitten will be most successful when it invites you to interact with it – it may climb on you or rub against you. You can also entice a kitten to play with a dangling string or a flashy toy. I
f it ignores you, then she doesn’t want to play.
6. Speak to your kitten and they will like you more
Talk to your four-legged friend often, using a non-threatening and calm tone. Your body language, along with your tone, conveys a message.
Yelling at a kitten will definitely frighten it, causing distrust. Even if it misbehaves, try not to shout.
Consider the cat language bible to know how cats and kittens actually communicate…
7. Keep your kitten and its litter box clean and they will really like you
Every cat needs a clean surrounding and a clean coat to be content. So clean your kitten’s litter box regularly to make it happy and comfortable.
You may also groom your kitten to bond with it. For instance, you can use a brush made for a cat to brush it. Don’t forget that some kittens enjoy the sensation and others won’t allow you.
If You’re Not At Home All Day Then Consider A Self Clean Litter Box…
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8. Give Them Plenty of Cuddles
It is important to get your kitten used to being handled, but having said that, will you not be able to resist cuddling your adorable little kitten anyway!
For the first few days, spend plenty of time in the small room with your kitten.
Sit on the floor and gently pick up your kitten, as well as cuddling them, stroke their paws and ears so that they grow comfortable with your touch.
Shower them with affection but only if they are enjoying it.
If your kitten seems scared and is trying to pull away, let them and take things very slowly as you do not know what might have happened in the first days of their life.
Check out my article My cat is scared of me – here’s what you should doÂ
9. Make Sure Your House Is Kitten Friendly and Well Organused
To help ease the transition for kitten to their new home, it is best to be well organised.
Before your kitten arrives, get their cat bed, cat litter tray and food and water bowls ready.
Choose these items carefully.
For example, an enclosed bed can help your kitten to feel secure, Igloo shaped ones are often best and I really love this one…
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When choosing the cat litter for your tray, choose a brand that is suitable for kittens – and that goes for cat food too.If you are introducing your kitten as a second cat, you will need to buy them their own individual possessions.
Once you have brought your purchases home, place them in a small room- such as a bathroom- and make this home as this will help your kitten to settle as the whole house could feel overwhelming to them.
Important note – If your kitten does pee outside the litter box, don’t get angry and shout at your kitten because this will make things worse. If this happens then have a read of my article New kitten peeing outside litter box and how you can stop this
Want to know which litter box is best for kittens?
Check out >> What is the best litter box for kittensÂ
Create a Cat Friendly Environment With A Cat Tree
Creating an environment in which your kitten feels safe will build up their trust in you and will definitely help them to love you. Cats love to be high off the ground – especially if they are needing a snooze!
Try and keep some windowsills clear for them to climb onto or clear a suitable shelf.
If you dont provide somewhere like this, you might soon find your kitten trying to clamber onto the top of a wardrobe!
Cat trees are popular with kittens too and although they are expensive, they can be a good purchase as they give your kitten somewhere to play and somewhere to climb for a good view.
Your kitten definitely needs a cat tree
I would recommend Armarkat Cat Tree
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Check out my Armarkat Cat Tree ReviewÂ
Or if you’re on a budget then have a look at my article
Top 5Â Best affordable cat trees
You’ll find some pretty awesome cat trees at a budget price
10. Settle Your kitten Into a Routine
After a few days and once your kitten seems settled, you can give them the run of a second room and a few days later a third room etc.
Your kitten will be curious to explore everywhere and may well hide under a bed or behind some furniture.
Let them stay there and come out on their own accord when they are feeling confident.
Do not let them outside for a few weeks until they have had all their vaccinations and the Vet is happy that your kitten is in good health
Once your kitten has the run of the house you can establish the permanent position for their bed, feed bowls and litter tray and this will help build trust.
Your kitten will want to feel safe so dont force them to do anything that they are not happy with you may find for example, that your kitten feels very exposed using the litter tray and may feel much happier if the tray is hidden behind a piece of furniture or even a plant.
If you have another cat, position your kittens food bowls and litter tray well away (and out of sight) of the other cats bowls and trays.
It will only take a short time for your kitten to realize that you and your home represent safety and security.
How Do You Know If Your Kitten Loves You?
Some of the ways your kitten shows their love for you are very easy to spot, but others are much more subtle! They all demonstrate that your kitten is feeling secure and comfortable and just wants to say “I love you”
* Following you around in kitty language says “you are my rock”. Some kittens
will follow you literally everywhere even into the loo!
* The long slow blink says ˜I am a very happy kitten”
* If your kitten starts kneading you with their front paws this is a sign of affection as they
used to do this to their mum when they wanted milk!
* Lying on their back and exposing their tummy shows your kitten feels secure
as they are very exposed in this position.
* Climbing on your lap, chest or head for a cuddle.
* When they are older, your kitten may start bringing you unexpected pressies
such as mice or birds. This is the ultimate ˜I love youâ and similar to being given a box of
chocolates!
How Long Does It Take For a Kitten To Bond With You
If you give your kitten unconditional love and accept that they will be the boss in your relationship, you are well on the way to success!
The average length of time it takes for kittens to settle in a new home, feel secure and even loving towards their new owner is 3-4 weeks.
Each kitten is different and some do remain independent and aloof for much longer if you have any concerns, there are some great websites online that will reassure you that what you are doing is right.
Just like humans, kittens have different characters that fall broadly into two groups the first want to be with you and on your lap all the time.
The second type of kitten is far more reserved and appears rather indifferent to your affections.
The most important thing is that both types of kitten will love you equally as much!
How to Make Your Kitten Love You In 9 Steps
Here is a reminder of ways to make your kitten love you.
1. Watch your body language
2. Keep a respectful distance
3. Be a keen observer of their behaviour
4. Make sure you’re the one feeding the kitten
5. Play with the kitten – but know when to stop
6. Speak to your kitten
7. Keep your kitten and its litter box clean
8. Give them plenty of cuddles but stop when they want you to
9. Make your house kitten friendly and well organised
10. Settle your kitten into a routine/
Here’s another article I wrote which you’ll find interesting…
How to raise a kitten to be cuddly
Last update on 2023-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API