Building Trust
- Nicole Watt
- Nov 23, 2017
- 2 min read
Earning your cat's trust is not an easy job, nor does it happen overnight. But once you are in their trust everything gets easier. It makes taking them to vet trips easier, as well as discipline and just about anything else you can think of. If you want to earn your cat's trust you must do it slowly though. Trying to rush the process will work against you every time. This is especially important to remember if you have a rescue and or a cat with behavioral issues.
Trust can not be gained through fear so always refrain from using physical discipline i.e. spanking. If your cat associate fear with you, then you will have a virtually impossible time earning your cat's trust.
Simply use a dollar store spray bottle filled with water as an effective means of discipline. If your cat does something that is against the House Rules then spray them with water. This tactic is most effective when the cat does not realize that the water is coming from you but even if they figure it out often they will associate the water with the squirt gun, which benefits you further down the line.
Never ever use the same items for punishment and play this will confuse your cat which will cause distrust.
If your cat is a rescue or has ever had a shortage of food, they can get pretty anxious about seeing the bottom of their bowls. If this is the case, this can also be used to build trust. My cats know if they can see the bottom of the bowl and they tell me, I will put more food in their dish. Once your cat realizes that their basic needs will always be met from you, the trust builds rather quickly.
Cats are creatures of habit they enjoy structure they are not particularly fond of surprises. Always slowly introduce any new changes to the environment. Allow them to investigate and do not tease them while they're investigating. They need to figure out for themselves that the new addition or change to their environment is not going to bring them harm.
When your performing an unpleasant duty such as loading a cat into a carrier to take them to the vet or feeding the medication or any other activity that your cat me find relatively unpleasant remember no one is having a good time. The best way to approach this situation is with love and affection. Have treats on hand to show that every bad situation with you has a positive side.
When picking your cats up always make sure their back paws are supported. Pick them up slowly, and make sure they feel secure. If they feel constricted or unstable your going to have a fight on your hands. Pick them up often to show them no harm comes to them when your holding them. If the only time you pick them up is to take them to the vet they will quickly catch on and the rodeo will begin.
I hope this article helps you and your kitty to build a happy healthy relationship.
**Please note that this should not constitute as advice that superceeds a registered veterinarian.**
Comments