When Housesitting For Cats: How to Bond

If you are housesitting for cats for the first time you will need a few tips on how to bond quickly with your pet charges. Read on to learn our top tips on how to use play and other tactics to get to know the cats in your care and to build a relationship quickly.

How to Bond Quickly With a Cat When House Sitting

housesitting for cats requires a degree of knowledge and care — Housesitting for cats requires a degree of knowledge in order to bond quickly

Photo credit – Pezibear

Every cat is different. And when you’re housesitting for cats, you often only have a short window to build trust. While some cats will warm up to you right away, others need time and a more gentle approach.

Remember, the cat will be suspicious of any new human, especially when the owner isn’t around. However, there are several techniques you can use to get even the most shy cats to quickly warm up to you, from treats to enrichment tools like natural silvervine sticks for cats.

Let Them Come to You

Cats are naturally observant and cautious. When you arrive, avoid rushing straight to the cat or trying to grab her like you would a dog. Instead, let them make the first move.

Sit or kneel to appear less intimidating, speak softly, and allow the cat to sniff you. Once they are comfortable approaching you, you can gently scratch them around the cheeks or chin to show them you’re a friend. However, you should avoid the belly until they become more comfortable with you.

Cats build trust through choice. Even if they don’t warm up to you initially, they will eventually come to you as long as you give them space.

Keep Their Routine as Familiar as Possible

One big mistake sitters make when housesitting for cats is trying to adjust routines to match the schedule they have for their own cats. Even small changes to your new furry friend’s mealtimes can leave them anxious and withdrawn.

Speak to the owner about feeding times, play schedules, and how often you should scoop their litter box to ensure you keep the rhythm they’re used to. If the cat gets what they need when they expect it, they will let their guard down and be on your lap quicker than you might expect.

cat sitter playing with the cat — When you are housesitting for cats you have time to bond quickly through play and so build a relationship

Photo courtesy of Glenn Lamb

Connect Through Calm, Low-Pressure Play

Once the cat begins approaching you, play is one of the most effective ways to bond with a cat, especially one that’s shy or unsure. Wand toys, feathers, and small rolling toys are great options because they let you engage from a comfortable distance.

Always pay attention to cues and when you’re housesitting for cats you have time. If they’re still interested in playing, continue playing, but stop once they are no longer engaged. As soon as the cat flattens its ear or flicks its tail sharply, it’s time to let them be. Giving a cat space builds trust faster than forced interaction.

Use Food and Treats Wisely

Another quick way to your cat’s heart is treats. If the owner is okay with it, you can give them some treats outside their usual meals. As soon as the cat starts to associate you with their meals, they will warm up to you.

Instead of leaving food in a bowl, wait until mealtimes to feed them. You’ll get closer to them with every meal or treat. However, avoid giving new cats treats from your hand until they’re entirely comfortable with you. Some cats may scratch your palm as they pry the treats away.

If, after a few attempts, the cat still stays away, place a treat on the floor nearby and let them discover it at their own pace.

Burmese cat with a toy ribbon on its head — Talisker loves playing with his toy ribbon, and sometimes is happy to keep it on his head for ages while sitting near the sitter

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Respect Their Personality

Some cats will warm up to you the minute you enter the door, while others will look at you suspiciously for days. If that happens, it’s perfectly fine. Keep in mind it’s our job to adapt to our pets, not the other way around. Simply being near them without demanding attention can work wonders.

Final Thoughts on the Need to Bond Quickly When Housesitting for Cats

Don’t give in to the temptation to push for affection, when you are housesitting for cats. If you respect your new furry friend’s routine and space, they will start to see you as a friend too. Let them approach you at their own pace and provide play toys to keep them relaxed.