6 Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make (And How to Fix Them), by Biya Feline on YouTube. 5 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes a day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Let your cat start contact. Sit on the floor, hold out one relaxed hand and wait. If your cat walks away, let it go and try again later.
Watch the body language before you touch. Flat ears, a twitching tail, dilated pupils or a tense crouch all mean back off for now.
Try a slow blink. Catch your cat's eye, half close your own eyes, blink slowly and turn your head away. Repeat when it blinks back.
Stop picking your cat up for cuddles on demand. Stroke two or three times, then pause and let the cat choose to stay or leave.
Keep your cat's scent in the home. Avoid deep cleaning beds, blankets and scratching posts often, and spot clean only the soiled part.
Skip punishment completely. Never tap, spray or shout. If your cat scratches furniture, move it gently to the post and praise it there.
Play for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day with a wand toy. Let your cat catch the toy at the end so the hunt feels finished.
Add height and hiding spots. A shelf, cat tree or cardboard box lets your cat watch from safety and retreat when it wants quiet.
Tips and common mistakes
Feed and play at the same times each day, because cats relax with routine.
Let your cat sniff your hand first instead of reaching over its head.
Keep guests calm and quiet, and give your cat a room it can escape to.
A cat that hides more than usual may be unwell, so check with your vet.
Questions
Why does my cat pull away when I cuddle it?
Many cats dislike being held or restrained and prefer short, chosen contact. Offer your hand and let your cat lean in, rub or walk away.
Does washing my cat's bedding upset it?
It can. Cats rely on familiar scent to feel safe, so wash bedding rarely and keep a favourite unwashed blanket in place.
How long does it take to build trust with a cat?
It varies, from a few days with a confident cat to several weeks with a shy one. Short, calm, repeated sessions work better than one long one.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
