These sessions might include play time with toys, talking to it, petting, feeding treats, or any other interaction. By the end of the day, the kitten should have spent at least two hours in total interacting with you. This shared time will help you build a rapport with the kitten. [2] X Research source
The exact distance away from your cat you should lie down varies depending on much your cat distrusts you. The less trust your cat has in you, the further away you will need to lie down in order to entice it to come near. It might take several exchanges before your cat actually gets interested in you enough to come over and see what you’re doing. Do not reach your hand out to the cat during this stage.
At first, keep your arm extended out as far as you can. After a week or so, start to bring your arm in closer to your body. This will allow your cat to feel safer with you. This feeling of security will help you earn a kitten’s trust. At this point, reduce the number of times each day you give your kitten a treat to just one or two.
When you lift your kitten, do so from the kitten’s left side. Cup your right hand under the right side of its body and support its chest with your right hand. Bring the kitten up against your chest where it will feel safe. Cross your left arm over your right to secure its body against yours. Holding your cat in this way can also help you earn its trust.
If you do not have many friends or live alone, one way that you can socialize your kitten properly and thereby earn its trust is to leave the radio or television on during the day. This will allow your kitten to become accustomed to the sound of human speech.
Don’t attempt to remove your kitten or pester it to come out. This will not be conducive to trust-building. The cage should have enough room for the kitten to stand up and turn around. You might want to put a soft towel or cloth on the bottom of the cage to make it cozier for your kitten. [12] X Research source
This is an important step if you know you’ll be having company over. Keep your kitten in the enclosed space until you’ve told your guests that you want to introduce them to your kitten. Instruct your guests to get down on their hands and knees and speak in a kind manner to the kitten that doesn’t trust you. Even if you don’t have company, kids, or other pets, it is important to keep kittens isolated when introducing them to a new space. This will keep them feeling happy and safe. And if they feel happy and safe, they will be more capable of extending their trust to you.
Place the food and water in pet dishes. Don’t use regular plates and bowls or your kitten will come to believe that when you are eating, you’re taking its food. The best pet dishes for kittens are made of ceramic or glass. Unlike flimsy tin or plastic dishes, they are unlikely to spill. Plastic dishes, moreover, can leach chemicals your kitten’s water.
Don’t place the litter box near the furnace or washing machine. These loud areas will scare the kitten. Don’t place the litterbox in the corner of a room or in a closet. These spaces will make the cat feel trapped and disinclined to use the litter box.
