How can I make my cat a lap cat?

By Cindy Grant

Our four-legged doggie friends are often more than eager to respond to our commands such as “Up,” “Sit” or “Stay,” yet, the same can not be said of Kitsy. She often bares her nails when the kids want to pick her up, refuses to be picked up or cuddled, or, by accident bites you when you rub him to long.

THE MYSTERY OF CATS – NOT SOLVED YET

While many cats love to be touched as much as dogs do, just as many are not that keen about about it. To date, the reason to why this is, is still a mystery and very much misunderstood. Yet, many animal behaviorists believe that similarly to as many humans there are on the planet with their own unique personality traits and preferences, there are cats with the same.

Recent studies have although observed that a friendly cat mom, tend to have friendly kittens. This might indicate that cats learn their behavior through modeling (nurture), very much the same way toddlers observe and then do what their parents does.

Another reason kittens might be more inclined to curl up on your lap is genetics. Some cat breeds can be cuddlier than others, therefore, ensure to find out which ones, before purchasing or adopting if you are interested in a cuddly, curl-up-in your lap type kitten.

LIST OF CUDDLY CAT BREEDS:

• Birman
• Burmese/Bombay
• Kuriliam Bobtail
• Oriental Shorthair/Siamese
• Ragdoll
• Scottish Fold/Scottish Straight
• Sphynx
• Tonkinese

DO YOU HAVE A GRUMPY OR ALOOF CAT? – DON’T DESPAIR – THERE IS HELP

• Cat’s Don’t Like Staring – Cats (especially kittens) often see eye to eye contact with a human (or any animal large than them) as aggression towards him / her. 

If you notice your cat gets anxious or tense when you stare at him, then you know why . . .

To-Do: Glance away regularly instead of gazing for to long at your cat / kitten.
• Start Socialization Early – Just as with dogs, cats can be socialized when they are a young age, in order to improve their overall social behavior, and perhaps, learn to sit on your lap.

To-Do: When your kitten is between the age of 3 – 7 weeks, gently start to touch him / her. When they are comfortable with touching, move on to picking them up, and hold them just for a couple seconds. Once they are comfortable with that, place them on your lap for a couple sends, and gently stroke them.

If they don’t like any of the above, don’t force them. Be gentle and take your time.
• Safe Sleeping Quarters Of Their Own Is Key – Cats, like humans, enjoy security. They like to live in an area away from ‘predators,’ often making their sleeping quarters high on a cupboard, inside a basket or atop a shelf. 

In nature, cats instinctively slept inside trees, high on branches, away from the prying eyes of predators. Therefore, even after being domesticated, they still instinctively seek a safe place to make their own.

To-Do: Ensure your cat has a safe place to sleep, where he / she feels comfortable. Naturally, they often select their own ‘hiding spots,’ as sleeping areas. Respect your cats ‘safety nest,’ and don’t bother him / her once they are there.
• Peace & Tranquility – It is said most cats have a sixth sense. 

More and more human are suspecting the truth to this longtime wisdom. Apart from a secure sleeping spot, your kitsy will enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment where they can sleep (which they do a lot), stretch, and where you are not stressed, which might make them stressed in turn.

You see, your cat can pick up on your ‘vibes,’ and if your ‘vibes’ are a little on the negative side, they might refuse to sit on your lap.
• To-Do: Whenever you wish to train your cat to sit on your lap, do so when you are in a good mood.
Strange we know! But true.
  Offer A Bribe – Cats are clever creatures, and know a bribe by a mile away. Although, don’t worry about offering a little snack when you want your cat to sit on your lap. Cat’s love these kind of bribes. LOL.

To-Do: Sit on the floor. Have a couple of treats in your hand, and start by throwing them a couple feet away from you. Each time, wait for your cat to eat the treat, then throw the next treat a little closer. Do so until the last treat is laid out on your lap. Wait for kitsy to jump on your lap, and gently pat him / her if they like it, while keeping the last treat as the final reward.

Cindy has her own website: No Longer Wild.