Love is in the air, but not for all our feline friends!

When it comes to a new love interest, often the first people we think to introduce are friends, parents, and siblings. Naturally, we want our social circle to approve.

However, kitty parents must remember to consider their cat’s feelings, too. Bringing home a boyfriend or girlfriend is a big change. Suddenly, there is a strange person walking around their domain.

This can result in:

·         Fear

·         Jealously

·         Hiding

·         Skittish or timid behavior

·         Hissing

·         Growling

·         Biting / scratching

That’s why you need to know how to introduce your cat to a love interest, the right way.

5 Tips to Prepare a Well-planned Introduction

1.    Give your cat a sniff of their clothes

Hopefully, your new love interest smells good, because felines have 200 million odor sensors in those cute little noses! A great way to take advantage of this fact is by offering your kitty a whiff of your partner’s sweater, shirt, or hat. This helps familiarize them with their scent before they walk through the door.

2.    Enter the house slowly and quietly

Bringing home a love interest is exciting indeed. Still, resist the urge to speak loudly or in a high-pitched voice. Act normal. Walking with soft feet shows cats this odd new human being isn’t a threat.

3.    Resist the urge to pet or pick up the cat

Of course, your love interest will probably want to cuddle your kitty. Try to hold off. Wait until the cat comes to them for physical attention. This minimizes the chances of getting scratched or bitten.

4.    Bring treats

Want to win over the heart of a cat? Give your love interest a handful of delicious treats, like fish or chicken slices. Afterall, this person is a guest in your cat’s home! Bringing food shows both good manners and good intentions towards the kitty king of the castle.  

5.    Reward friendly behavior

Lastly, praise your cat often. If they wander out from their hiding spot, rub up against your love interest’s legs, or start purring away, give them lots of verbal praise and affection. Soon, they will start associating you partner with positive feelings.

In summary, introducing your cat to a love interest shouldn’t be a stressful experience (for you or them). 

Follow these 5 steps to prepare a thoughtful introduction that leaves everybody feeling the love this February!