As one who has somewhat struggled with creating a tight bond with my dog, I often wonder about the cat-human bond. How would I go about bonding with a cat?
Observing my friends and family members with their cats, it is obvious a strong cat-human bond does exist, and it is quite powerful. I have been told that cats can sense when we don’t feel well or when we are unhappy or stressed out.
I have also observed that those who have cats are keenly in tune to what their cats are feeling and often are as concerned about them as if they were their children.
While there are numerous ways strengthen the cat-human bond, some of the most prevalent ones include the following:
Take Responsibility For Daily Care
Raising and maintaining a cat can be an expensive undertaking, especially when you want the best food, toys, cat litter and more for them. Taking your cat’s needs into consideration is one way by which you establish a bond.
Provide Adequate Veterinary Care
Making sure your cat gets the best in veterinary care, even to the point of getting pet insurance. Just as you cannot imagine letting your child go without proper medical care, it is equally inconceivable to let your cat go without care and treatment when it comes to his physical ailments and needs. In fact, NOT taking him to the veterinarian is never an option with you!
Mutual Exchange of Love and Affection
Cats show us love in dozens of ways, and you can return the favor in kind. When they get stressed, you can provide outlets such as scratching posts, playing with them or just lovingly brushing and combing them.
Helping Other Cats
You can bond with our cat by reaching out to help other cats. Once you understand the love for a cat, it’s difficult to not want to help other cats. No, you are not taking away anything from your own cat. You are just showing gratitude for his or her presence.
You can extend your bond with your cat by volunteering at a shelter or sanctuary. Often short-staffed and busy, you can help with any number of duties, from cleaning cages to cuddling with the cats or even assisting with adoption paperwork. Just be warned! You could come home with another cat to add to the love!
Seeing Your Cat As Therapy Animal
Cats make great therapy animals! Sure, we’ve heard how therapy dogs and even therapy horses have been used in senior care centers, nursing homes and in some hospital wards. Well, add cats to the list, as they bring a lot of charm, character and love to the table in that regard.
Consider this insightful story from cats.about.com:
Oliver
My 15-year-old crippled kitty is my WonderCat. He would not leave me alone 2 years while going thru chemotherapy &, thank goodness, he’ll be there again for me when I go start the chemo again in 1 week. I also take him to the nursing home where my former mom-in-law lives. She has advanced Alzheimer’s & doesn’t speak any more, but she loves to cuddle with him. And he knows there’s something different – he never even makes a move off her bed. The sight of a cat walking on a leash brings out the best in all the patients at the home. I’m so thankful for my furry friend, Oliver!
Conclusion
Cats can be incredibly loving and caring. Taking the time to appreciate all the gifts cats are willing to share can lead to many years of happiness and love for both humans and their feline companions.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
