10 Scientific Ways to Get a Cat to Like You

In this video, we’ll show you 10 proven ways to get a cat to love you.

Let them make the first move
Cats are so adorable that people want to greet them with a big hug. Some people go up to the cat, corner them, and try to pet them to win them over. But remember, this is a common mistake for cat lovers. According to the recent studies, it’s best to let the cat make the first move. A study conducted in Switzerland has shown that when humans sit back and wait—and focus on something else, like reading a book—cats are more likely to approach.
This is why many kitties are attracted to allergic people—as people with allergies don’t really seek out to pet cats.
Pet them where they enjoy it most
How does your cat enjoy being pet?
A study conducted by the University of Lincoln i found that cats show more positive behavioral responses—like purring or kneading—when they are pet between the eyes and ears. And they display more negative responses—like hissing, swatting or swishing their tails—when they are pet around their tail area.
Yes, that’s right. Cats don’t actually enjoy being stroked at the base of their tail. Researchers believe that a cat’s tail area is an erogenous zone.
Check your scent
A cat's sense of smell is the main way they identify people and objects. Their sense of smell is 14 times better than that of humans. If a cat is afraid of you, make sure to check your scent as your cat might be staying clear of it.
You may have the scent of another cat or dog on your pants, or you may have strong smells like perfume, deodorizers, disinfectants, bleach, garlic or onions on your clothing. If your cat retreats when they sniff your hands, it may be because they don’t like the smell of your hand soap.
Approach them like a cat
Cats communicate primarily through scent and body language. Most felines greet each other with a nose-to-nose stiff.
And while humans shake hands, cats boop to say hello.
To increase your bond with a cat, try approaching them the way they would greet other felines. Mimic the nose-to-nose behavior by gently offering your non-threatening fingertip at their nose level. Your finger acts like a nose substitute and most cats will walk up and sniff or investigate your finger,
Mimic felines’ scents
Cats, on the other hand, don’t like new smells, and any unfamiliar scent can put them off.
And this is why most cats are not big fans of change, relocation, or strangers. As new environments bring a lot of new smells and signs that they have yet to explore.
If you don’t want to bring new smells to a cat’s home, you may spray yourself with a cat pheromone.
Pheromones are a type of chemical communication that all cats use to interact with each other and the environment around them. These “messages” are released from the scent glands around their body. you may want to spray yourself to calm a new cat.
Human interaction over food
A 2017 research conducted in the Oregon State University studied what attracts cats the most.
The scientists offered cats a choice between food, toys, scent, and social interaction with humans and watched what happens. Believe it or not, they found that most cats prefer social interaction with humans over everything else — even food. Interestingly enough, some recent studies suggest that what really attracts cats to humans is the presence of interactive toys.
Don’t block the exits.
If you appear as an imposing, enormous creature in their space, they may perceive you as a threat. Instead, get down and approach them at their level. And make sure not to block the exits.
Blink slowly, but never stare
Cats stare when they are hunting. Their ability to stare without regular blinking helps them keep a close eye on their prey. If you stare at them, you are giving them the same look they give when they hunt.
Instead, give them plenty of long, slow blinks. This shows the cat that you are relaxed and friendly, and you don’t want to hunt them.
Retreat at the right time
There are many signs that a cat doesn’t like your actions or feels uncomfortable around you.
Some signs are overt—like hissing and biting—but some are more subtle--like when they flatten their ears, or twitch their tails. If you get one of these signals, it’s time to back off.
Use Treats Strategically
You can encourage your cat to be near you with a yummy, stinky treat. This doesn’t mean showering them with treats all day long. Instead, use treats strategically to either reward good social interactions with you, or to entice a shy cat to walk towards you.
You can also try talking quietly to the cat as they eat the treats so they associate your voice with rewards.
And while a dog may wolf down any kind of dog food you bring them, a cat will not. Cats are not very food-motivated so you might have to search for a treat that they like.

[MrRedberd]

I smiled throughout this video thinking that there are people watching who are desperately trying to win over a cat that doesn't like them.

[andyandcallie]

I adopted a "non-adoptable" cat (my favorite kind) from a shelter. She had been raised by her mom under a bridge and never had any human contact. I brought her home and no lie, it took one YEAR for her to let me pet her. I never tried to make her pay attention to me. But one day, I was sitting on my bed, petting my other cat and she was on top of the closet, watching. My other cat walked away and she jumped down from the closet onto the bed, walked right over and let me pet her. We were best friends after that. :)

[eieiojklf]

There's nothing that makes you feel cooler than a cat choosing you.

Seriously, it feels as though you've won 1st prize at something.
Because in my experience, cats don't automatically see you as a friend.

But when they do, it makes you feel so special. <3

[garethmoores]

I adopted a cat that had been shut in a kitchen since she was separated from her mum. She was terrified of every single noise in a normal home and hid on top of a bookcase. Then one day she came into the living room and say next to me. Then on my lap. I was talking to her softly, then the cutest thing happened - she reached up and touched my face. She then curled up on my lap and purred as I petted her. From that moment on we were best buds! She lived until she was 15😘😥

[hamdahh]

“Give the cat personal space” my cat who doesn’t give ME personal space 😃

[evenstar]

This video has taught me one thing, I'm a cat.

[stephanieyvonne]

I’ve had cats all my life (mostly female) but the one I have now (a male) has to be the most loving cat I’ve ever seen. He purrs all the time and stays on my lap almost every time I’m sitting. When I leave the house he watches out the window like I’m abandoning him. I feel so honored to be loved by this sweet Korat cat. 💖🐈‍⬛💖🐈‍⬛💖

[deanj]

My ginger Ninja is 21yr old, He's been with us long enough to completely trust anyone that opens the fridge door for him..he loves us, but nothing like he loves our beds or meals 🤣He's still fit and healthy and continues to amaze his vets...bugger will probably outlive me..

[DynoSkrimisher]

Actually, if a Cat shows their belly to you and doesn't react negatively to your touch, then it's an ultimate sign of trust.

[zephyr]

Cat exposes belly
Me: aww i'll pet you
Cat: so you've chosen death

[sunnyfields]

I regularly use the nose-to-hand touch and I promise it works wonders. I get more positives when I pet them post a cheek rub than going and trying to pet them. If I go to pet the cat even if they turned away, they will indeed try to leave. They like their personal space, and even the ones that love you enjoy a friendly nose-to-hand touch and be able to decide to engage or not. Works best if you turn your side or back to an unfamiliar cat as you hold out your hand.

Edit: don't hold prolonged eye contact, and instead if you manage to catch their gaze blink slowly. That's a cat's way of saying "I like you and I trust you." Don't be offended if they don't blink back; sometimes they get irritated if you do it too many times in a row, or if you're a stranger they won't yet trust you.

[GrafindeKlevemark]

I have 2 cats, both rescues. One is very sociable and absolutely loves having his tail pulled and being dragged over the floor (nothing abusive in this ; he really does love it). The other is very shy and won't leave my bedroom when other people are here. However, he adores being petted, especially on his tummy; I only need to say "tickle tums" and he rolls over to let me pet this area. Proof that each cat is different !!!!

[KAIOKENx]

Cats generally like me for some reason idk why...
I just sleep all day, make weird noises, and eat food.
Wait a min...

[jamesoakes]

Me: Rub the kitty's belly!
My cat: Your free trial of life has expired, human.

[coleasbill]

My cat was a feral kitten. She grew up with a French bulldog as a mom. They're best friends but luci learned alot of dog traits. Definitely the most food oriented cat ever seen. She goes ballistic if she sees the food scoop

[strawhateli]

The slow blinking works so well. Everytime I meet a new cat I lye down on the floor and do it and they’re immediately more comfortable with me then anyone else around me

[karolkalex]

"Cat's are not very food motivated"
Well, clearly, you haven't met mine

[denisebethany]

Being a cat owner most of my life, cats do what they want, when they want, & you do what they say!😂

[danielherrera]

I was living in the garage and a sickly blind cat came in smelling my food, I gave it some. It returned the next day for more. She was a feral cat and didn’t trust me. I closed the garage door in her, and gave her some chicken gravy. She allowed me to pet her for a good while. When she learned I was friendly I opened the door to let her know she’s free to leave. She left with a full belly and content. Never saw her again but that next day there was a baby that looked similar to her in my U-Haul probably 3 weeks old at most. She’s my partner now healthy and adventurous. I had never seen other kittens my theory is they died due to malnutrition from a mother that couldn’t provide and she brought me the last one in hopes that I would take her in as my own. I love her so much and I miss her mom. I feel blessed every time I spend time with her. Her name is Quetzal named after the Aztec god of life and wisdom ❤ my girlfriend named her with no knowledge of the significance of the name.

[TheLolrider]

I think, what a lot of people miss, is that you use a lot of the same strategies for all animals. The way you approach a dog or a cat is actually remarkably similar, but dogs tend to be bred to be gregarious, so they're more willing to forgive breeches in etiquette. Letting the animal come to you, moving calmly, and respecting the animal's space will usually make you popular with both dogs and cats.