Now, as a wise and experienced kitten—I am at least six months old, I’ll have you know—you may be wondering how to bond with other kittens like me. After all, not all my fellow feline friends will be as immediately gracious, civilized, and benevolent as I. Truly, I am a marvel among cats!
I’m going to let you in on some secrets about what we kitties really appreciate. Follow my advice and you’ll soon be on your way to bonding with your kitten and sealing a fantastically affectionate relationship for years to come.
Why It’s Important to Bond with Us Kittens
Let’s quickly talk about why bonding with us is super important.
A strong bond with your kitten means trust, love, and plenty of cosy purring sessions. Plus, when we feel comfortable and safe around you, we’re less likely to be stressed and more likely to show you just how affectionate and playful we can be. And, if you make a good impression now, we’ll grow up to be confident, happy cats—all thanks to your love and attention!
So, want to know how to get a kitten to like you? Let me explain how!
How to Bond with a Kitten in 7 Simple Steps
Of course, winning a kitten’s affection takes more than simply being around—it’s about patience, showing plenty of love, and respecting that we each have our own very special and unique personalities! Just something to bear in mind before we get started.
Step 1: Create a Cosy & Safe Environment
Us kittens can understandably be a little nervous in new places, so the first thing we need is a space that feels safe and welcoming. Give us a comfy spot to hide away in when we need some “me” time. And while you’re at it, make sure to include all the essentials: food, water, litter box, and a few soft blankets to snuggle into.
Plus, if you really want to make us feel at home, I recommend FELIWAY Optimum. Plug the pheromone diffuser into an electrical socket in the room of your kitten’s safe space a day or two before they arrive, and it’ll help them to feel at peace as they get settled in. Trust me—we notice the good vibes.
Step 2: Handle Us Gently—We’re Not Stuffed Animals!
We may be cute and fluffy—I certainly know I am—but that doesn’t mean we love being up off the floor all the time! Most of us prefer to keep all four paws on the ground. If you want to bond with a kitten, make sure to handle us gently, and only when we’re showing signs that we’re happy to interact—like when we nuzzle up against you or crawl into your lap.
If we seem nervous, let us approach you at our own pace. And remember: no grabbing our tails! If that’s your idea of how to get a cat to like you, you’ve got another thing coming.
Step 3: Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding us with treats, toys, or even a gentle scratch behind the ears when we do something you like is a great way to strengthen our bond together. Though on that note, remember that each of us is different—we all have our own individual likes and dislikes about petting. If your new kitty doesn’t like something, don’t force it on them.
Otherwise though, when you give us positive reinforcement, we’ll associate you with all good things like treats and playtime. Next time we rub against your legs or give you a slow blink, give us a little reward—it helps us to understand that you’re a friend.
Step 4: Playtime!
Playtime isn’t just fun for us—it’s an essential part of our development and a great way for humans to bond with kittens. We particularly love toys that cater to our natural hunting instincts, like wand toys or balls that we can bat around. Though don’t encourage us to go for your cats and toes—that’s a habit you don’t want us taking into adulthood.
When you play with us, it helps us burn off all that kitten energy and shows that you’re a fun companion to have around. Playtime also helps build our confidence. So, if you want to know how to bond with a kitten, play is a great answer!
Step 5: Stick to a Routine
We kittens love consistency. It helps us feel safe and secure. Feeding us, playing with us, and interacting with us at the same time each day makes us feel like we know what to expect. A predictable routine means less stress for us and more purring for you!
If your routine changes, give us time to adjust. With patience, we’ll be able to adapt, especially if you keep our environment cosy with FELIWAY Optimum.
Step 6 Learn to Speak “Kitten”
You probably don’t speak “meow”, but no worries—we communicate in lots of other ways. If you want to know how to get a kitten to like you, start by watching our body language:
- Tail up—we’re happy to see you!
- Ears back or flattened—something’s stressing us out.
- Slow blinks—it’s one of our more subtle ways to show that we like you. Why not give us a slow blink back?
By learning our body language, you’ll know when we’re ready for affection and when we need a break. Respecting our signals will only make us trust you more.
Step 7: Be Patient!
Every kitten is different, and some of us take a little longer to warm up to new people. If we’re not immediately snuggling up on your lap, don’t worry. Keep giving us love, playtime, and positive experiences—we’ll come around soon enough.
Building Your Kitty’s Affection
By following these tips, we’ll be well on our way to becoming the best of friends. Remember, patience and respect are key, and FELIWAY Optimum can go a long way in helping to make our environment more welcoming. This will definitely earn you extra points in our hearts!
Are you after more tips for helping your new kitten feel right at home? Check out all our other fantastic blogs online! Or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’ll be delighted to share all the insights we can. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all our latest news, articles, and product info from FELIWAY.