How to Cuddle with a Cat Who is Independent

Does your cat stay under the bed or in a closet? Do your friends doubt that you even have a cat? Stand-offish kitties don’t jump in your lap, don’t seek out love, and they definitely don’t cuddle. Be proud that your cat is secure and satisfied. Even if it means that he or she doesn’t need your affection. Does grooming time involve you chasing your cat with a comb just to get in a few brushes? Believe it or not, it is possible to get some quality grooming time with your leave-me-alone cat. Follow the steps below to cuddle with a cat who is independent.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick a cuddle spot. Is there a spot your cat naturally goes to that is somewhat open? A small room? A walk-in closet? The bathroom? Select a spot that your cat already seems to enjoy.

2. Set up a box. Most cats enjoy cardboard boxes. Either buy a good scratching box or use a cardboard box from a recently purchased product. If your cat does not like boxes, use something that he or she does like. Try blankets, comfy pet beds, an old shirt, or a paper bag. It’s a good idea to have something your cat can scratch nearby because grooming and scratching go hand in hand.

3. Select a variety of brushes. Cats have moods and the brush that they will enjoy might change by the minute. Have these brushes ready. Consider purchasing one or more of the following: a fine tooth comb, a wide tooth comb, a rubber slicker brush (which mimics a cat’s tongue), a soft bristle brush, and a flea comb. Set these brushes near the cuddle box.

4. Train the cat. Every time your cat goes near the box or in the room, grab a brush and start grooming. The trick is to stop as soon as your cat walks away. Your finicky feline will only get brushed on his or her terms. Don’t chase the cat or try to keep the cat in the box longer. Cats do love getting brushed even if they act as if they couldn’t care less. Soon you will find the cat going to the box to get groomed more and more and staying longer and longer.

5. Cuddle time. After several weeks of training, your cat will understand the routine. At some point your cat may crawl in your lap during the process. Remember to always stop as soon as your cat has had enough. If your feline begins playing rough or leaves the room, drop the brush and move on. Enjoy this new-found cat cuddle time, even if it is in small doses.

Tips & Warnings

• Research cat massage techniques and proper grooming methods to get your cat to stay longer.

Resources

• Cat Scratch’n Massage Box Helps Promote Cuddling
• Cat Beds
• Cat Grooming Brushes

[tracysmith159]

on 6/8/2009 Wonderful article. I've seen many cats this way. Mine are too cuddly. Hard to keep cat fur off my computer. lol.

[ponchomeg]

on 6/7/2009 Nice article.