How You Can Turn Your Feline Friend Into a Lap Cat
Heredity plays a big role in your kitten’s personality. A friendly mother or father usually results in friendly kittens, but you are also a big part in developing your kitten’s personality. Kitten’s between 3 and 7 weeks old who get handled with love and care from humans usually develop a friendly, loving personality. However, if you weren’t a part of your cat’s early life and would like to turn your new feline friend into a lap cat, here are some tips to help you!
- Stay calm when you are around your cat. Sudden or aggressive movements around your cat may make him feel threatened or scare him. Move around slowly to help him stay calm and get used to you.
- Don’t stare at your cat. Cats usually don’t like it when you stare at them and won’t want to interact with you if you do. Instead, you can slowly blink your eyes at your cat and he will probably do the same, slow blink back. Think of it as a kiss to your cat, but with your eyes!
- Pet and rub your cat right away when you get them. Most cats love to be scratched and pet. Spots between the ears or underneath the chin are usually spots where they will love to be scratched. They also love to be pet along their spine. Try to stay away from the belly and the base of your cat’s tail. Touching your cat’s belly may make him feel threatened and cat’s don’t like it when you pick up their odor from their tail glands.
- Groom your cat. Cats always like to groom themselves and even others, so why not do it for them! Your cat may love to be brushed slowly and gently, but make sure you watch to see if he is enjoying it before you keep going.
- Reward your cat with treats. Give your cat a nice treat any time he comes to snuggle with you on your lap or comes to you for attention. This is sure to bribe him!
Make sure your cat likes the attention that you are giving him. A recent study found that cats can be stressed if you pet them when they don’t want to be pet. Easy signs that your cat wants some attention can be jumping on your lap or rolling over in front of you and showing you an area he wants to have pet or scratched. Be patient and follow these tips and surely your feline friend will turn into a loving lap cat!
