Do Lap Cats Evolve or Are They Born That Way?

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Cats are usually described as loving animals that need a bit more extra care and attention than other pets. Dog owners can get away with less nurturing especially because dogs tend to get into a habit of straying but rarely so with cats. They are less wild, disciplined, cleaner, like to be pampered every so often with a bowl of milk. These traits are just a few among many others that make them likable for a stay at home pet. Following the notion that cats are more sensitive creatures, consequent stereotypes have stemmed up among the cat lovers community. One popular assumption is that cats naturally bond by sitting on your lap and letting you run your fingers through their fur as they purr. While this may be the case with some, further research has proven that not all cats are lap cats. According to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, certain cat breeds are more cuddly than others. Among the top include; the Maine coon, Burmese, Birman, Chartreux, Munchkin cats, Balinese, Rag doll, Scottish Fold among others. These breeds are the kind to last on your lap all day, enjoy petting and even follow you around. They are more responsive to touch and take pleasure in human company.

Tendencies That Show Your Cat is not a Lap Cat

If your cat displays the following characteristics, it is likely not a lap cat.

• Preference to silent, calm environments.
• Can get aggressive or into self defense when disturbed or threatened.
• Are less friendly to persons other than their owners.
• Hide from time to time and can get shy.
• Show a sense of independence and are very comfortable alone.

With such breeds it is advisable for pet guardians to observe their mannerisms, learn and from that find a way to create a connection.

Understanding Your Cat…

Just because your cat is reserved and/ or poor at socializing does not mean it is less affectionate. Their laid back personalities can be compensated for by an interest in games and toys. Others enjoy learning tricks, taking nature walks, travelling, general activities that do not directly involve too much contact. This is likely to generate better results rather than forcing your cat into behaviors it is not genetically inclined to.

Is it Possible to Train Your Cat into a Lap Cat?

Lap cats are born and not made. Trying to convert your cat into one is nearly impractical and can be frustrating. According to cat health, steady training can gradually soften your cat into friendly behavior.

Here are a few tricks:

1. Rewards and treats- this may sound like a bribe but is a key tool when getting your cat to relax around you. Treats entice the mind and subconsciously keeps your cat both happy and at ease. In turn the social distance begins to close in.
2. Compromise- meet your cat in the middle. Move away from your couch into its habitual resting spots. If possible, sit on the floor close to it. However, be careful not to get too close right away as this may prompt your cat to flee. As you build rapport, eventually your cat may get comfortable enough to rest with you on the seat.
3. Adjust to favorable environments – if loud and noisy surroundings scare away your cat, resolve to peaceful, and quiet spaces. If need be, refrain from having too many guests over at your house for a period of time.
4. Read your cat’s body language- just like humans, cats can get moody and agitated. During such times refrain from doing too much and give it some space. Work with your cat when it is happy because then it’s tolerance levels are at peak.
5. Give your cat space- the more your cat feels free around you, the less likely it is to be bothered by your presence. Allow it to walk past you without the temptation of grabbing or hovering around it. This according to cat experts deals with shyness, and helps your cat learn the art of socializing.
6. Consistency- keep up with the routines daily if possible. It creates a new norm. Working with a specific time frame is even better. For example; treat times. Progressively your reluctant cat will start to show positive results.

The Don’ts

1. Over- indulging- remember to pace yourself. Take one step at a time. Bombarding your cat with numerous fresh activities all at once will do no good. Once your pet is past one hurdle then you can move onto the next.
2. Making assumptions-pet owners can easily get carried away with excitement and end up generalizing. Do not presume that your cat can now be carried because it appears comfortable closer to you unlike in the past. This may not be the case.
3. Refrain from force- aggressive acts will only create a rift. You can quickly lose ground gained by forcing a hug or an annoying pet onto your cat. It is wiser to let your cat naturally grow into it overtime.

Special Cat Cases

Animal psychologists say that a few exemptions can be made when dealing with traumatized cats. According to Cuteness, due to their sharp memory, these cats can vividly remember daunting experiences they have lived through, for as long as a lifetime. They take much longer to get past anxiety and fear. For that reason, rescue cat owners need to constantly display heavy affection towards their cats if they are to see any improvement. On the other hand, there is still a real possibility that rescue cats will still suffer from the effects.

Bottom Line

Understanding your cat and loving it is the primary thing. Note that even with the training, your cat will not suddenly abandon its old mannerisms for new ones in a week. It takes time, patience and persistence in the face of setbacks. With that you are well off on your way to success, or better yet a lap cat.