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Home > Cats > The 8 Ways to Regain Your Cat’s Trust

The 8 Ways to Regain Your Cat’s Trust

a domestic cat sitting on a sofa and looks at its owner

Gaining a feline’s trust is not a simple task. If you’ve done something to lose that trust, it can be difficult to regain it. Cats are independent creatures, so losing their trust means they’ll become even more aloof than they already are and may even hide whenever you’re around. In this guide, we’ll give you eight simple ways to regain your cat’s trust the right way.

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The 8 Ways on How to Regain Your Cat’s Trust

1. Observe Body Language

Cats communicate through body language, and it’s best to know when your cat wants to be left alone or when you can pet them. Respect what the cat is telling you. If the cat is crouched down away from you, she probably wants to be left alone.

Is her tail flicking back and forth like she’s annoyed, or is it wagging like she’s happy? These signs can be the difference between your cat scampering under the bed to get away from you and letting you pet her for a moment before she takes off for other parts of the house. Learn to read your cat’s body language for the best results.

angry calico cat lying on edge of bed wagging tail
Image By: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock

2. Respect Your Cat’s Space

It’s also essential to respect and give your cat the space it needs to be happy and feel protected. If the cat is new to your home, she might need some time to get used to the new environment. There’s no set time for this because every cat adjusts in their own way. Let your cat choose the spots she wants to be comfortable and hang out in.

Remember, these areas should still be available to your cat even after you gain her trust and she becomes comfortable with her surroundings since cats like their alone time.


3. Let the Cat Come to You

Instead of constantly trying to get your cat to come out, let you pet her, or sit on your lap, let the cat come to you when she’s ready. Remember, if your cat is in the same room as you, she’s watching your every movement. If you get up suddenly and rush over to pet her, she’s unlikely to respond favorably. Instead, wait for your cat to approach you before petting or cuddling her.

Person petting a white and orange cat
Image By: Nadiye Odabaşı, Pexels

4. Learn Your Cat’s Limits

When we say learn your cat’s limits, we mean to determine your cat’s limits on being touched. You should never poke, tease, or scoop your cat up to touch her. It’s best to take a gradual approach so that you can learn when your cat is okay with being touched and when she isn’t. If your cat suffers from petting aggression¹, it’s best to limit the time you pet her and don’t pet her at all unless she comes and rubs up against you or settles in your lap.


5. Respect Your Cat’s Choices

You should always respect your cat’s choices. For example, if you put your cat’s bed in the laundry room, and she keeps sleeping in the master bathroom, respect her choice and move her bed, especially until she trusts you. If you go to pet your cat and she shies away from you, respect the choice she’s made not to be petted. You’ll get your cat to trust you much quicker if you don’t force her to do the things she doesn’t want to do.

cat waking up its owner
Image By: Anna Kraynova, Shutterstock

6. Be Predictable

The one thing you don’t want to do when trying to get your cat to trust you is to be unpredictable. Cats, in the best of circumstances, like things to be the same, and they love routine. For example, try to move in deliberate, calm ways that won’t startle your cat. Don’t lunge toward the cat suddenly or stomp on the floor, as the loud noise and unpredictable movement will send the already nervous cat scurrying for cover.

You should also teach your children how to act around a sensitive cat since some kids can make cats nervous.


7. Use Positive Reinforcement

Never yell at, hit, or admonish your cat for not trusting you and not wanting to be petted. If you want to regain the cat’s trust, it’s best to use positive reinforcement. You can try offering the cat a treat whenever it lets you pet it or comes to you when you call. Getting a treat for good behavior will soon make the cat associate treats with positive behavior, and before you know it, your cat will trust you once again.

woman offering a treat to a cat
Image By: freestocks, Unsplash

8. Remember, Love and Trust Go Hand in Hand

The final way to regain your cat’s trust is to remember that love and trust go hand in hand. If you are patient with and love your cat unconditionally, your cat will eventually do the same for you. Don’t force your cat to do anything; let the cat come to you in its own time. You’ll be glad that you did in the long run.

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Conclusion

When gaining the trust of your feline companion, these are a few of the simplest ways to get the job done. Rushing a cat will never end well, and it will take time and patience to establish a trusting relationship.

It would be best if you petted your feline when she wants to be petted, and before long, you’ll be watching your favorite show on TV and have a cat lying in your lap, purring for your efforts. Cats are unique creatures, but they love with all their little hearts when they trust someone who has given them a forever home.


Featured Image Credit: Amerigo_images, Shutterstock

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