How to Get a Girlfriend’s Cat to Like You

When you start dating a woman with a cat, the cat may feel like it has to compete with you for her attention. It’s even rougher when Fluffy glares at you and makes little snarling noises when you try to pet him. You’re not positive, but you think the cat is planning your death. Here’s how to make friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Catnip cat toys
• Limitless reserve of patience

1. Let the cat get used to your smell before you try to touch it. Your girlfriend’s cat will probably sniff you and circle you a lot in the beginning. That’s just the cat’s way of getting to know you. Cats identify strongly with familiar smells, so if you stick around, it’s only a matter of time before Fluffy’s sitting on your lap.
2. Don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements for awhile. Some cats startle easily, and the cat is probably used to being home alone with your girlfriend. As the cat acclimates to your presence, it’ll be less likely to freak out if you jump up and down on the couch singing Frank Sinatra.
3. Bribe the cat with catnip cat toys. Not only will you get your girlfriend’s cat to like you more, it’s a great way to earn brownie points with your girlfriend.
4. Don’t exclude the cat from hanging out with you and your girlfriend. If she and the cat watch movies on the couch at night, you should at least call the cat and pat the couch if you’re watching movies together. The cat may not sit with you, but the cat will know he was invited. Likewise, if the cat usually sleeps on your girlfriend’s bed, don’t kick the cat out of the room when it’s time to sleep.
5. Ease the cat into being affectionate with you. If you want your girlfriend’s cat to like you, you’ll have to start petting him eventually. Don’t pick up the cat or chase after the cat with your arms out in the air. Wait for the cat to come to you, and start out by petting the cat for short stretches.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s one thing to include the cat in lounging around with your girlfriend; it’s another to let the cat hang out when you’re being intimate. Feel free to make the cat leave the room when it’s time to get down to business.
• If you try to pet your girlfriend’s cat and it growls, scratches, or bites you, let some time go by before you try again. You’ll only make it worse if you try to calm an aggressive cat you don’t know very well.