Cat homeowners share 10 techniques they use to win their pets over – ‘they don’t care’
Most cat owners think their pet ignores them — so they resort to treats, baby talk and slow blinks to win them over.
Nearly half of cat owners confess to pampering their pets(Image: SWNS)
Over half of cat owners believe their feline friends ignore them – leading them to spend money on treats, surrender their beds and resort to baby talk to gain their affection. A survey of 2,000 cat owners revealed that 63% feel their cats control the interactions.
However, 49% of owners confess to pampering their cats in an attempt to win their favour, employing strategies such as extra cuddles, performing ‘slow blinks’ at them (25%), and upgrading their food (22%). A quarter revealed their pet ignores them all day, only to crave attention the moment they settle down or try to unwind.
The study was commissioned by SHEBA, which collaborated with Brit-nominated musician Cat Burns to kick off its Ignored to Adored campaign. She’s no stranger to the silent treatment from her cats, emphasising that even chart-topping success doesn’t guarantee feline affection.
Cat Burns said: “It’s so funny to me – I’m about to go on tour, singing my songs to thousands of people, and our cats will literally just walk past me. They do not care. At all. I could be anybody.
“Nothing will humble you faster than a pet you’re trying to win over. All they care about is how you make them feel, nothing else factors in. I’m still a new person to them, so earning their trust and affection is my mission right now.”
Pet behaviourist Dr. Tammie King, from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute said: “Cats tend to be more subtle, observant and will express their love towards us in unique ways.”
The research discovered 20% said their cat even exits the room when they enter, while 6% opt to leave the house entirely.
For 18% of those cohabiting with someone else, the indifference felt even more targeted, as their cat doesn’t behave the same way with other household members.
Owners have devoted a ‘significant’ amount of time to researching methods to win their cat’s affection, according to figures from OnePoll.com.
akesh Narayana, chief growth officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, added: “We know cat parents crave a deeper sense of connection with their cats, even if that means speaking their language or mimicking their behaviour.
“This campaign is grounded in our understanding of both cat and human behaviour, celebrating the distinctive bond.”
THINGS CAT OWNERS DO TO TRY AND GAIN THEIR CAT’S APPROVAL:
- Giving them treats
- Playing with them
- Buying them toys
- Giving them extra cuddles
- Letting them sleep on/in the bed
- Giving them space and letting them come to you
- Brushing or grooming them
- Talking to them in a soft or “baby” voice
- Doing ‘slow blinks’ at them
- Upgrading their food
