Rule #4
Feed your cat at the same time every day. Be consistent with feeding times. They are creatures of habit, just like us. They like to eat and they like the ritual of eating. Making a big deal out of dinner can help you bond with your kit.
Rule #5
Make sure they always have clean water. Cats actually like to drink water but like us, they don't like "stale" or dirty water. Would you want to drink a glass of water that's been sitting around all day full of dust, bugs and other things floating around in it? This especially applies to cats who find it quite acceptable to dip their paw in the water in order to lick it clean, but refuse to drink out of the bowl because it now tastes like floor or cat box. If you don't provide clean water and your cat refuses to drink it, your cat can become dehydrated and ill. Then you have only yourself to thank for an expensive vet bill.
Rule #6
Cats like rituals. Let them know when it's bed time. If they wear a collar, take it off each evening at bedtime and put it back on each morning. (This is a really good idea if your cat has a bell on the collar.) The ritual of taking it off at bedtime will show your cat that it's time to calm down and sleep. Putting it on in the morning signals that it's time to start the day. If your cat doesn't wear a collar, find another bedtime activity, such as playing bedmouse (running your hand or foot under the cover; the cat pounces on it). Cats will play bedmouse from kittenhood to old age however bear in mind that young cats like to play bedmouse for hours and may continue to play bedmouse with your feet long after you turn out the light and try to go to sleep.
Rule #7
Cats enjoy massages. Many cats crave the human touch. Give your cat a full body rub down every day; just remember there's no need to Rolf him or give the Swedish treatment, as a light touch will maintain the bonding quite effectively. He will show you the spots he likes stroked the best. If you haven't a clue where to start aim for under the chin, along the throat, the cheeks, top of the head, base of the spine right where the tail starts and behind the ears. Not every cat likes the same spots; you'll just have to practice with your cat and find its preferences.
Rule #8
Talk to your cat. Cats do listen and they respond. They like it when people talk to them. You may not understand their answers but they enjoy conversing with their humans. The more you talk to your cat the more talkative it will be. Don't count on your cat appreciating your efforts to "meow" at him. Humans are not good at meowing. It's something about the accent. We aren't capable of proper pronunciation.
Rule #9
Cats like to be superior, they know they are superior, so let them feel superior. This goes along with the aloofness perception. They still have enough hard-wiring to make them want to be the stealth predator, hunter of the night, King of the jungle. They like to perch on higher places in order to pounce on unsuspecting prey. And you've seen pictures of big cats sleeping in trees, haven't you? Well, in order to accede to your cat's instinctual proclivity, get them a kitty structure which can let them lounge at a level off the floor a bit. You can sit on the couch and read a book or watch TV while your cat is elevated (optimally above your head level) and surveys his domain (the superiority thing). The unit can provide a crucial secondary benefit: with built-in scratching posts, you can train the kitty to not destroy your new Ethan Allen furniture, but to exclusively use his own structure for sharpening the daggers.
So the big secret to making your cat behave? Be consistent and firm in your training but understanding. Cats make mistakes but they learn as fast as that other popular domestic pet. Be kind and patient. Above all shower your cat with love.
