How to socialize your cat? If you have a cat, you have probably noticed that they are somewhat more independent than dogs and have a hard time socializing. However, sometimes this independence can have negative consequences for your little feline.
How to socialize cats?
If your kitten is a bit withdrawn, jealous, and socializing is complicated, don’t worry. You can use alternatives to help socialize your cat, and today we will show you some of them.
Socialization adaptation
If you have a lonely cat who usually has difficulty socializing with other animals or strangers, know that the process can be complex for him. So it is important to respect both your space and your time to understand things.
If you want your cat to meet other cats, because you have in mind adding another feline to your family, but you know that the idea will not please him, you should try to do everything little by little to avoid stressing your pet.
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Before abruptly introducing another cat into the house, a good strategy is to start bringing objects that have the scent of another cat (it could be the one you want to add or a friend’s cat). The catnip or the Feliway can be two very valid options.
Whether it is a blanket or a toy, this strategy can help your cat get used to the smell of this other companion and not cause a shock or rejection when the encounter between the two felines occurs.
Let him sleep or play near these objects to reduce the fear or stress of strange smells.
Make a date to socialize with another cat
Suppose you tried the previous strategy and noticed that there was no total rejection of said objects with the smell of another cat. In that case, you can think about taking the next step that will help you advance your cat, and this is: schedule an appointment with a feline friend—the first contact.
This is an excellent way to help your lonely cat socialize, provided you monitor and take precautions so that no harm comes to anyone.
It is best to be present and stay close during the first minutes of the meeting. Take a good look at your cat and the cat that you are introducing. Be careful not to force either of the two cats to be very close if they do not want to, as you could create a tense and stressful situation for them.
If you notice no problem after a few minutes, you can step away and give them their space to get to know each other and start playing. On the other hand, if you notice that your cat or the other feline is tense, stressed, or very restless, it is best to end the encounter quickly.
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It is better to do this process little by little, gather them together at mealtime. In this way, they will associate those moments with something positive, and little by little; you can space out the time in common. If they attack each other at some point, it is time to separate them until the subsequent encounter. Each cat is different and will need its time.
Adapt a spacious environment with a view
It is sometimes possible that your cat’s feelings of loneliness, stress, or boredom are due to the environment in which it is living. Also, maybe the space is not sufficient for freedom and entertainment.
That is why you must remember that good eyesight for your cat could be a great solution to reduce the feeling of loneliness in him.
If socializing with other animals does not work, providing a window or a larger space with a view to the outside will help. You can even place a hanging window bed or a scraper, which serves to play together.
This view can also come from a glass door to see what is happening in the garden. If your cat is not usually in this part of the house, try to generate moments of play with your cat in this space to get used to it and discover what is outside.
A perfect strategy is to hang an outdoor bird shelter. If you have space that attracts birds, this can excite your little feline a lot and make this place one of his favorites.
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If the window is very high, always try to be very careful that it is not open to avoid accidents if your cat wants to reach something outside. A protective mesh is always a good option.
Vary the dynamics of games and objects
So far, we have three possible solutions for your lonely cat to improve its lifestyle. However, perhaps none of them is feasible for your cat, as it does not tolerate closeness to other cats or dogs (not even their smell), or you may not have a space with striking windows for your kitten.
You could also try changing your cat’s dynamics and routines. Studies have shown that cats’ moods decline when they are bored and repetitive.
Don’t let this happen to your cat. Since playing with other friends of his kind is not an option, be his best friend! Vary the games, renew the toys for your cats and participate in those moments. You are sure to be more receptive the moment a new partner comes home.
How to socialize a cat with a dog?
For most people, the relationship between dogs and cats is practically impossible. This is due to many myths since, in general, both species are dominant and possessive when it comes to making it clear that their owners can only have attention to a single animal
We can, however, change this by socializing our cats with other animals. Large and small dog breeds are both docile and tolerant of different species.
If you think your cat can get along with a canine, try introducing a new friend to the house. It is essential to consider the first step of “Adaptation” and first try to present objects that your cat can smell and perceive the essence of the dog you will take home.
During the first meeting, be vigilant to avoid fighting in case there is attention. Play with both animals, show yourself calmly, and be patient.
Repeat the encounters gradually, and always supervise that they get along. You will be surprised after a few days, because your cat may find a new best friend.
