Every veteran cat person knows that earning a feline’s trust can be daunting. Whether stray rescues or otherwise, cats are shy and reserved, and often take a long time getting used to a new environment. The converse, however, is true also. Most cat breeds are known to be friendly, and most house cats, if given the right love and care, gel right into the home within days.

Contrary to popular belief, felines love physical touch. Cats rely on physical acts of love to in still a sense of safety and familiarity, and giving your fur baby the perfect environment to nourish is the key to their affection.

Knowing how to take care of your kitty is important if you’re a beginner, because a welcoming home goes a long way to cultivate a rapport. With the right tips and tricks, you’ll have your kitten’s and/or cat’s trust in no time, so here’s a few things to keep in mind.

• Doctor’s Orders

If your feline friend is a rescue, you’ll need to get them vaccinated, as soon as possible. Alley cats usually have an undeveloped immune system, so they benefit the most from this, but all kitties need the shot to keep them healthy. Strays may also sometimes have a bad tick infestation, so be sure to have them bathed at the vet’s. 

The vet will also make sure that your cat doesn’t have any other skin or eye infections, and that they’re in good health.

• Safety First

Cats can become very nervous, very quickly. To make sure that your kitten is comfortable at all times, allow them to populate a space in your house as their own. This makes the cat feel safe and comfortable, knowing that they have their own enclosed ‘zone’. 

If you can, fill up that space with other additives, like a comfy bed, some catnip toys and a blanket. You may also use a calming pheromone spray, but only for extreme situations.

• Pleased To Meet You!

If you have any other pets in the house, your cat will definitely need some time to get acquainted. Cats are territorial creatures, and they don’t appreciate strangers taking up what they believe is their space. Other pets may not be savvy to this and, in the case of dogs, might infringe upon this personal space right from the get-go.

To counter this, keep your cat separate from other pets for the first few days. Gradually, allow your pets to see each other from a distance, i.e., from behind a gate. Monitor their body language, and if you feel some progress, allow them to mingle a little more.

• Nutrition Is Health

Kittens require a careful combination of foods and nourishment. They thrive on high-quality food, and the health of a cat’s fur, teeth, and eyes is reliant upon their nutrition. Wet food is recommended if your kitten is very small, but it has a shorter shelf life and is also more expensive.

Dry food is much more convenient for you, and your kitty will never grow tired of it. To find the best kibble for your kitty, here are some more details on which options to consider. Dry food has a higher energy density and is good for picky felines. However, it may cause your cat to drink less water than it needs, so always make sure they’re well hydrated.

• All Work and No Play

Felines are extremely energetic animals. Small cats, especially alley cats, love to play, and can spend hours running around and causing mischief. It’s essential that you learn to indulge in this behaviour. Cats may grow lazy if they don’t get enough exercise, and playing with them only cements your relationship with your fur baby.

Make use of a feather wand or a laser pointer to keep your kitty active, and try some clicker training. Cats are very quick to pick up on training, and will never forget the tricks you teach them.

Friends For Life

Cats are extremely affectionate creatures and earning their trust goes a long way. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or just a first-time cat mom, these tips are sure to help you. To ensure that your cat is comfortable, safe, healthy, and active, you’ll need to put in the work. But you can be sure that, when you do, your furry little friend will pay it back to you in love, affection, and a few scratches.