What are the best ways to bond with my new kitten and build trust?

Hi there and thanks for posting! Yes, there are many ways to bond with your cat. Playing with your cat with fun interactive toys frequently is one of the easiest ways. Some cats love the little laser pointers you can get at an office supply store and they will dart back and forth wherever you point the laser (just make sure not to point it directly at them). Feeding your cat regularly and making sure they have a safe cozy area to retreat to when they need some alone time will ensure trust. Rewarding them for good behavior and petting them and/or snuggling with them frequently are great ways to bond as well. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like you're trying all of the right things, like having your husband be in charge of meals and other 'fun' things. It might help if you're not around while he's feeding her or playing with her. It takes some kittens a long time to become adjusted to new people and a new environment, so be patient and give her time.

Having your granddaughter interact with Midnight is a great way to get them to bond. She's old enough that she can help with feeding him daily (under your supervision) as well as playing with toys together, or even feeding him treats. Over time, Midnight should start to bond with your granddaughter as well.

Time and patience! If Princess is skittish in your new home it may just be she needs some time to settle in and relax. If she was abused or not handled much before coming to your home, she may also take longer to bond or just never be quite as cuddly. A few things you can do: Let her approach you instead of forcing interactions. This can help her gain trust and make things less stressful. If she does approach, offering your hand for her to sniff before petting, giving a favorite treat, or just talking in a calming voice can help. Pheromone diffusers and collars are great for reducing stress and anxiety and may help her to relax some and settle in. Treats are friends! Hand feeding her meals, giving treats when she approaches, and rewarding her for when she is calm and not nervous can help build trust as well. Playing with toys, if she likes them, such as a feather on a string can help increase bond and interactions without petting that may be too stressful for her, while still letting her interact and have fun.

Glad to hear you decided to get yourself a kitty! Some cats take longer to get used to their owners than others. It is great that she gets along with dogs, as so many cats and dogs are not able to functionally coexist. The best think you can do is just give Crystal some time and let her come to you. Any time she comes to you, take it very slowly and offer her love and treats. Cats respond similarly to positive reinforcement as dogs, but has to be done with a little more finesse. In terms of the food, any type of food labeled for cats is OK, with some brands being of higher quality than others. By six months of age, you should be able to feed regular adult cat food instead of kitten food. If you are thinking of letting your cat outside, I would make sure that she is fully vaccinated against FeLV in addition to the FVRCP combo and Rabies. Obviously allowing cats to go outside puts the at a greater risk for illness and injury. Depending on the cat, sometimes they simply don't function well as indoor only. I don't know if you rescued her or got her from a previous home, but if she was already indoor-only I would not change this. If she was outdoor-only, I would consider all the pros and cons and also strongly think about the type of neighborhood / environment in which you live. If there is a high likelihood of being attacked by a wild animal or being struck by a car, I can't say I recommend it.

I hate to hear this is happening. There are some things you can do which may help but if Apricot was not socialized with humans as a very young kitten, it can be difficult for her to bond with people. Try hand feeding her. All the food must be picked up (so she may need to be isolated to a bedroom with her litter box...etc. When you come in with the food, sit close to hear quietly and don't look directly at her. Talk softly to her. Hold your hand out with her food. If she will not eat it directly from your hand, put it in her bowl and sit about a foot away from the bowl. Gradually move closer. This will help to create an association with food. Be slow and patient. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Good for you for starting your kitten on the right foot! Socialization is the key to having a happy and well-adjusted kitten, and the earlier that socialization begins, the better. Try to expose your kitten to as many different people, noises, healthy animals (that are up-to-date on vaccinations) and situations as possible. Play with your kitten regularly to keep them exercising and out of trouble. Games of fetch or chase the laser pointer are favorites of many kittens. Offer your kitten a scratching post and regularly trim their nails so that this routine aspect of normal grooming poses less stress. Particularly during the first four months of life, kittens need to make regular trips to the veterinarian for wellness exams and vaccinations to assure that they are healthy and developing properly, as well as preventing many different viral diseases.