Japanese Survey Finds 70% of Pet Owners "Change Themselves and Learn to Compromise" Just to Grow Closer to Their Cats

Understanding Your Cat's Behavior When You First Bring Them Home

For those who have just started raising cats, have you often felt that "my cat keeps ignoring me"? Actually, this is a common situation that many new cat owners encounter in the beginning.

It's important to remember that cats can take time to adjust to their new environment and bond with their owners. Their aloofness at first doesn't mean they don't like you; it's simply a part of their natural behavior.

How Pet Owners Win Their Cats' Affection: Insights from Neko no Kimochi Magazine

Recently, the pet magazine Neko no Kimochi conducted a survey asking cat owners, "What efforts have you made to get closer to your cat?" The results revealed that over 70% of respondents have genuinely put thought and effort into winning their cats' favor. Many heartwarming and amusing experiences were shared. Let's take a look together.

Efforts Cat Owners Make to Win Their Cats' Affection

In June of this year, Neko no Kimochi surveyed 116 cat owners. Among them, 72% said they had tried everything they could just to get their cats to notice them more or to be physically closer. So, what exactly did these owners do? Here are some of their heartfelt and creative approaches:

• "I don't disturb my cat unless he comes to me first."
• "I'm male, but I deliberately speak to my cat in a higher-pitched voice."
• "I never force my cat to do anything she dislikes. When she wants affection, I spend extra time playing and petting her."
• "I avoid shouting or loud noises, deliberately slow my movements, and use slow blinks to show friendliness."
• "I restrain myself from hugging my cat impulsively, and try to act like I'm just part of the air, haha!"
• "Whenever my cat meows, even if I'm busy, I immediately respond with 'What's up?'"
• "When holding my cat, if she starts squirming, I put her down right away. I also bought plenty of grooming tools just to find the one she loves most."
• "My cat likes compliments, so I often tell her, 'You're so cute, such a good girl.'"
• "I quit smoking and stopped wearing perfume for her."
• "I try hard to put my cat first, and only when it's unbearable do I indulge in sporadic 'cat cuddling'."
• "When giving baths or trimming nails, I choose times when my cat is emotionally calm."

These thoughtful and patient efforts show just how far cat owners will go to strengthen the special bond with their feline companions. The survey not only highlights the dedication of cat owners but also offers many warm and funny insights into everyday life shared with our beloved cats.

How to Increase Your Cat's Affection for You

After putting in these efforts, you can truly feel the owner's deep love for their cat! So, if you want your cat to develop a fondness for you, are there any professional tips you can follow?

Veterinarian Miki Yamaguchi advises not to disturb your cat too much or react too dramatically. It's important to maintain a gentle tone and consistent behavior, without changing your interaction style based on your mood that day.

Additionally, be sure to properly clean the litter box and prepare their food, and avoid doing things that scare your cat. These habits help your cat feel more secure.

For first-time cat owners, Yamaguchi recommends using a teaser wand toy. "Every cat prefers different materials and shapes, so it's good to try several kinds."

If you're using a mouse-shaped toy, make sure to mimic the way a mouse moves while playing with your cat, so they become more engaged. At the end of playtime, give your cat a small treat as a reward for a "successful hunt"—this encourages them to enjoy playtime even more!

Building a Stronger Bond with Your Cat

Actually, forming a close relationship with your cat is not as difficult as you might think. With just a little thoughtful effort in your daily interactions, the distance between you can gradually shrink.

If you want your feline friend to be more affectionate and attached to you, why not take a look at these heartfelt experiences shared by fellow cat owners along with some expert advice?