If you’ve ever lived with cats in a household of multiple people, you may have noticed that cats often tend to prefer a particular person over others. Believe it or not, there are several behaviors and characteristics that make people appealing to cats. Anyone who meets these certain criteria is likelier to receive a cat’s affection.

Key Takeaways

• Handling is crucial; let the cat make the first move.
• Understanding cat communication can win their affection.
• Your voice matters; calm tones are preferred.
• Scent and appearance can influence a cat’s feelings.
• Quality time is more important than just being around.
• Food plays a significant role in earning a cat’s favor.

Handling: The Key To Feline Affection

Handling is key to earning a feline’s admiration and respect. Unlike dogs, cats want to remain in control of their environment. Being cornered or scooped up without request can agitate them. This is why many cats will gravitate more toward people who don’t like cats or who are allergic to them. A study from Switzerland showed that when humans sit back and focus on something else, like reading a book, cats are more likely to approach.

The best way to win a cat’s affections is to not insist they interact with you. Instead, encourage your pet to want the contact. Don’t hug, pick up, or corner your feline friend against their will. Let the cat make the first move.

Communication: Understanding Your Cat

Cats may not speak our language, but they communicate through body language and sounds. Studies show that people who can understand and respond to a cat’s cues—whether purrs, meows, or physical touch—are more likely to receive feline affection. This means knowing when a cat wants attention and when they want to be left alone.

Cats want to be understood. If you’re the one who knows the difference between your cat’s cries for food and their good morning meow, you might just be their favorite.

Your Voice: The Sound of Safety

By default, cats are nervous and afraid of humans. They see us as large, loud creatures. Certain behaviors can make people less appealing to cats. For instance, loud noises or sudden movements can stress them out. This explains why many cats avoid unpredictable children and prefer the company of elderly people.

If your cat views you as a source of safety rather than disruption, they will be more likely to be drawn to you. A study found that cats can recognize your voice compared to others in the home. Speaking in calm, softer tones can make your feline friend enjoy your vocalization more.

Scent and Appearance: The Past Matters

Cats can show fear or aversion to certain people, often due to past experiences. For example, a cat may dislike someone who reminds them of a person that mistreated them. This could be due to appearances, like hats or facial hair, or scents, like perfume. Conversely, a cat may feel comforted by someone who reminds them of a trusted person.

Quality Time: More Than Just Being There

In addition to being a good communicator, a cat’s favorite human is often the one who puts effort into spending quality time with them. Don’t confuse this with just being around. Quality time is about strengthening your bond. This could mean brushing the cat, inviting them to nap in your lap, or simply talking to them while keeping them engaged.

Interestingly, a study from Oregon State University found that cats preferred human interaction over food, toys, or even scented cloths. So, taking just 15 minutes a day to play with your cat can really help you win their favor.

Food: The Way to a Cat’s Heart

Survival instincts govern animals, and food is a big part of that. It’s no surprise that cats show affection to those who feed them. Cats are creatures of habit and prefer to be fed at the same time each day. The person providing nourishment will be highly valuable to them.

Understanding Your Cat’s Affection

It’s important to remember that while most cats will have one favorite person, this doesn’t mean they only care about one person. A cat’s signs of affection indicate they love all members of a household. They just gravitate toward one particular person more than others.

Some cats may distrust all humans, especially feral cats who haven’t been socialized. To know if you are your cat’s favorite human, analyze your relationship and how they interact with others in your home. When a cat chooses you as a favorite, they will show it by sleeping on you, following you around, or rubbing against you.

If a cat chooses you as their favorite, consider it an honor. It means you behave in a way that pleases them. Gaining a cat’s trust is hard, so you must be doing something right!