How to Get a Cat to Come to You: Easy Steps for Feline-Friendly Bonding

Getting a cat to come to you is an artful blend of patience, understanding of cat behavior, and knowing how to appeal to their interests. When I first tried calling my cat, I quickly learned they don’t always come running like dogs might.

They’re independent creatures and will usually need a good reason to consider your invitation, like the promise of their favorite treats or the sound of a familiar and appealing toy.

Cultivating trust is at the heart of encouraging a feline friend to approach you. My experience has taught me that a cat must feel safe and interested to venture toward a human. A calm demeanor and a respectful distance allow a cat to feel secure.

Offer an open palm at their level, which is much less intimidating than a direct approach, and let them initiate the final steps toward you as they become more comfortable.

USome cats are motivated by food, others by play, and some just want a slow blink to acknowledge their presence before they saunter over. In time, with consistency and a dash of love, your cat will likely start responding to your calls, building a bond of mutual respect and affection.

Creating a Trusting Environment

When inviting a cat into your life, understanding their behavior and providing a secure atmosphere are the cornerstones of forging a strong bond.

Understanding Cat Behavior

Cats communicate largely through body language. Observing a cat’s tail position, ear orientation, and eye contact can give you insight into their emotional state. A raised tail often signifies happiness, while tucked ears can indicate fear or aggression.

To build trust, respect their signals — if they’re seeking solitude, give them space.

Tail Signals:

• Straight up: Happy or confident.
• Puffed up: Startled or scared.
• Wrapped around: Relaxed or affectionate.

Eye Contact:

• Slow blinking: A sign of trust and affection, often referred to as ‘cat kisses.’
• Direct stare: Can be perceived as threatening. Avoid prolonged eye contact to keep them at ease.

Offer rewards such as treats or food at consistent times. These act as positive reinforcements, associating your presence with good things.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort

Cats prioritize comfort and safety above all else. Create a safe space where they can retreat to without fear of disturbance. This could be a cozy bed in a quiet corner, or a sheltered spot on a cat shelf.

Creating Comfort:

• Bedding: Provide soft, comfortable, and clean sleeping areas.
• Cleanliness: Keep their surroundings and litter box immaculately clean.
• Temperature: Ensure the environment is neither too hot nor too cold.

Building Positive Interactions

Establishing a bond with your cat hinges on positive interactions that involve food and play, coupled with a steady and predictable routine that your pet can rely on. These elements lay the foundation for a relationship based on trust and affection.

Using Food and Play to Connect

Offering treats or food rewards can be an effective method to invite your cat to come to you. Start with something irresistible like tuna or wet food, as these have strong scents that cats find appealing. When your cat comes to get the treat, speak softly and give them some space to enjoy it.

This associates your presence with something positive.

Additionally, playing with your cat using a variety of toys can strengthen your bond. Interactive toys like a laser pointer or a feather wand can simulate a hunt, and when they “catch” their prey, reward your cat with a small food treat. This not only reinforces the behavior but also provides mental stimulation and exercise.

• Offer treats sparingly to keep them special
• Use food rewards as a part of regular interaction
• Incorporate daily play sessions for a deeper bond

Consistency and Routine

Cats thrive on routine and predictability, so train your cat to expect these rewards at the same time every day. This helps in creating a ritual that your cat will look forward to and can greatly enhance your bond. Feeding, playtime, and petting should be consistent daily events.

Incorporate positive reinforcement regularly. If you consistently reward your cat’s approach with a treat and a gentle stroke or kind words, they will likely repeat this behavior. Just like humans, cats appreciate a routine in which they feel secure and can predict the rewards they receive, be it treats, food, or your attention.

• Schedule daily feeding and playtime
• Maintain positive interactions at consistent times
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage coming to you

Training and Communication

Successfully training your cat hinges on understanding their unique communication style and being patient.

Teaching the Come Command

The Basics:

• Choose a Signal: Start by selecting a clear, consistent signal for the come command, such as a vocal cue or a clicker.
• Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your cat with treats, petting, or playtime when they respond correctly, reinforcing the behavior you want.

Training Steps:

1. Begin slowly, in a relaxed environment to minimize distractions.
2. Use short training sessions, about 5 to 10 minutes long, to maintain your cat’s attention.
3. With your chosen signal, call your cat. When they come, immediately reward them with their favorite treat or affection.
4. Practice this command consistently every day.

Clicker Training Option:

• Use a clicker as your signal.
• Click right before offering the reward to create a positive association.

Reading and Respecting Feline Cues

Interpreting Body Language:

• A relaxed cat will have a loose, soft body and may approach you with a less threatening posture.
• Watch for ears pointing forward and a gently raised tail, which indicate curiosity and comfort.

Responding to Your Cat:

• Respect their autonomy—don’t force interaction; instead, invite it.
• Encourage engagement by offering your hand for a sniff and waiting for a sign they want to be petted, such as nuzzling your hand.

Understanding Feline Behavior:

• Cats are territorial and curious by nature, and their behavior can reflect these traits.
• Patience and understanding are key. Give them space and time to come around to new commands and forms of communication.

Approaching Stray and Feral Cats

Gaining a cat’s trust takes time, and it’s important to prioritize the cat’s well-being and safety throughout the process.

Preparation and Patience

• Understand the Difference: Stray cats have been around humans before and may be lost or abandoned pets, while feral cats have had little to no human contact and are likely to be more cautious.

• Supplies: Have a supply of food and water, which can be an incentive for a cat to come closer. Start by placing food at the same time each day to create a routine.

  Steps for Food and Water:

  1. Place the food at a regular time and spot each day.
  2. Use a distance that allows the cat to feel safe enough to eat without running away.
  3. Gradually reduce the distance each day as the cat becomes more comfortable.

Health and Safety Measures

• Humane Trap: A humane trap may be necessary for the safety of both you and the cat, especially if the cat is feral. Consult a professional or a cat behaviorist on how to properly use these traps.

• Veterinary Care: Once you’ve managed to safely bring the cat to your space, a quarantine period is important for both the cat’s and your other pets’ safety. Plan a visit to the vet for vaccinations, a microchip check, and a general health assessment.

  Safety Checklist:

  • Use a gentle approach; sudden movements can scare the cat away.
  • Ensure the area is quiet and free from loud noises that can startle the cat.
  • Avoid direct eye contact at first; cats find this threatening.
  • Let the cat approach you on its terms to establish a foundation of trust and friendship.
  • Consider providing makeshift shelter to show you’re a source of comfort.