How to Make Your Cat Love Her New Cat Bed

So you have bought a new cat bed but your cat doesn't seem to like it? While the majority of cats adore their new beds straight away, some cats don't seem to take to them straight away. This isn't a problem.

Sometimes a new bed straight from the store may have that "new" smell, or a "different" smell your cat just doesn't like. Try airing the new bed for a couple of days where the cat can't get to it, and then try reintroducing her to it.

If you have bought a second hand cat bed you will need to clean it thoroughly to get rid of any remaining smell from the previous cat. If it has a removable cover, take it off and hand wash it with mild soap. (Never use harsh detergents or cleansers as this may cause your cat to have a skin reaction). If the bed has a frame, wash thoroughly with a mild cleanser (baking soda and water is perfect). Air the bed for a couple of days and make sure it is completely dry before your cat sleeps in it.

If your cat normally sleeps in a place that's warm, make sure the new bed is also in a nice, warm, inviting place. If your cat likes to sleep high, put the new bed high also. In other words, study your cat's favourite sleeping places and then use that information to decide the best place to put the bed. Remeber, your cat will only sleep where it is comfortable!

If your cat loves your smell, you can put a piece of your worn but unwashed (so it still has your scent) clothing on or around the cat's bed. An old jumper is perfect. Leave it there until your cat gets used to sleeping in it's own bed.

If your cat goes onto her new bed of her own accord, make sure you give her plenty of attention and praise! Cats react most favourably to love and affection. Whatever you do, don't try and force your cat or hold your cat onto it's bed - this is most counter-productive. Just be patient and keep moving it somewhere else every few days.

If you leave the bed, and remove the temptation of other good sleeping spots(such as closing doors of rooms they like to sleep in, or putting a pile of books on their favourite sleeping shelf, or disturbing them while they are trying to sleep on the lounge) you will find they will move to their new cat bed by default.

How to Tell Your Cat Loves You

Cats have a reputation for being disloyal, at least compared with dogs. However that can be an unfair reputation in most cases. Your cat will often show its affection for you, and it's important to know just how it does so you can respond in kind. This will help you to build an even stronger bond with your pet.

Cats purr when they are happy and content. It is usually a sign that a cat is showing affection towards you or someone else, although very occasionally it can be used to signal discontent, stress and even sickness. However given the circumstance it should be possible to differentiate between these two very different emotions. As always, if you aren't sure about your cats health you should visit a vet.

A cat wanting to show affection will also be willing to rub against you, often while purring. If a cat trusts you, then it will be comfortable in your arms and will usually allow you to pick it up. Another common signal of trust is rolling over to expose its belly, which is a cats weak point.

If your cat shows some or all of these signs of affection then it is likely to be content and happy. A consequence of happiness is the loyalty of the cat will increase. Look out for other signs of affection such as licking or rubbing its nose against you, or even bringing what the cat considers presents to you. Dead mice might not be appetizing to you, but it does show your cats love towards you.

It's important not to try and force your cat into doing any of the above. If you treat your cat well, feed it properly and allow it the freedom it needs then over time your relationship will build naturally.

7 Signs Your Cat Loves You

Cats show affection to you as an owner in many different ways. Some cats will show a lot of affection while other cats will show less. They have body language that you can pick up on that tells you how they are feeling. Here are some ways cats show affection for you.

Slow Blinking of Eyes

A cat may show affection to you by slowly blinking their eyes at you. This is a sign of affection but not many people realize it when the cat does it. Watch your cat for a while and see if this happens.

Grooming

Cats send a lot of time grooming but this isn't always about keeping clean. They use this to bond with you and to relive stress. If your cat comes over and licks you it's a sign you are a part of their "cat family". The cat will do this as a way of showing you affection but it's another one that we often don't pick up on as actually a sign of cat affection.

Butting and Head Rubbing

A cat loves to walk around your legs and rub its head or butt against you. This is a sign of marking you as property. The face of a cat has pheromones and these are rubbed onto you so the cat feels comfortable around you. Each cat has different pheromones so they can recognize you easily. They do this a lot when sitting on your lap and when you go to pet the cat they may want to rub their head against you. This is a sign of affection to you.

Following You

If the cat likes to follow you from room to room in the house they are showing interest in you and want to be in the same place that you are. A cat that doesn't show other kinds of affection may just follow you around and give you affection that way.

Gifts

No one likes to see a dead birds or a snake in the house but the cat is showing you affection this way by presenting gifts to you. It's not the right move to scold the cat when the animal does this because it's a sign of affection towards you. The cat is hoping that you'll be pleased with the gift brought to you.

Excitement

If you have been gone a long time, the cat may act exited when you get home and may run around more than normal or be a bit of a pest. This is normal and it's a sign of affection towards you.

On the Belly

A cat that rolls over and show you their belly is showing you that they trust and care about you. A cat won't do this in the wild because the animal would be attacked. If your cat does this the animal is showing you that you're important.

These are some of the ways that your cat will show affection to you as the owner. Your cat may do all of these or just a few it all depends on the mood of the cat and how they feel towards you.