Humans like to think that cats are impervious to praise. As supposedly aloof creatures, their only consideration is, “What’s in it for me?” Just toss some treats their way and they’ll be perfectly fine.
That’s actually not true. While we cats don’t visibly live and die by praise the same way dogs do, praise should be part of every cat-human relationship. Here are 5 reasons why you should praise your cats every chance you get
- We may not understand your words, but we do understand your intent. Your tone of voice comes from your emotions and any images that may be floating through your mind. It’s is a form of communication, even without words. So we feel praise on a deep level.
- Praise helps your cat feel safe around you. We kitties are very sensitive creatures. And speaking to us in harsh, negative tones can be frightening. We may even feel threatened by you when you shout angrily at us. But praise makes us feel that you love and care for us, and it will draw us closer to you.
- It’s part of positive reinforcement. Focus on the good things a cat does, and praise them for it. Spend as little mental energy over misbehavior as possible. Attention for bad behavior can be a reward in itself, and you don’t want to encourage that. Spend lots more time approving of your cat’s good/ brave/ smart behavior, and you’ll get more of it.
- We learn tricks faster with praise. Sure, other incentives, like treats, are important, but praise is like the icing that helps seal in our new skills.
- You’ll forge a bond with your cat that will surpass your expectations. I promise.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- The REAL Way to Talk to Your Cat – and It Is Surprisingly Simple
- How to Get Your Cat to Follow You Around
- The Top 10 Ways to Have a Better Relationship With Your Cat
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2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
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Good tip Summer! I’ve always talked to our cats in a positive voice and I know they understand and respond.
Great blog Summer. I know all of this is true. I really try to make my girls feel loved and appreciated. I rarely scold them. They both understand no when naughty. That’s the extent of my discipline. We all have a great loving bond
Praise! You betcha! Every living being thrives on that. Thanks for reminding us.
Great post, Summer! We are always praising Ava, and we were the same with all of our cats.
What a guud post Summer!!
Mee will due sumthin notty to get BellaSita Mum’ss attention….not like nee ferst yeer with her…
Even when shee scoldss mee, mee does not mind….
Butt mee DOES love when shee sayss mee iss her “Baby Girl” an her “Karma Kitty”….
Mee will due bettur mew mew mew….
***purrss*** BellaDharma
My peeps praise me all the time and tell me they love me over and over. She says cats are supposed to know tones of voices but act like everyone is kind. I laugh me TW when she’s cross with me.
I love this! I definitely praise Mudpie all the time.
Yes, those make purrfect sense sweet Summer!
Great post. I always praise my cats, even the 2 that can’t hear me, Joanie and Drake. XO
Summer, if you only heard the sweet nothings that I whisper!
Wise words. We all thrive with praise. Happy Earth Day!
Actually, this is good advice for all living beings – cats, dogs,
people, and any pets. Positive reinforcement.
Great tips!
YOu should hear MOm when I brng my little family in at night!
Praise is so important for all the reasons you mentioned, Summer! Thanks for these reminders. We should all praise each other more… it sure does feel good!
Supurr tips Summer, pawsitive reinforcement and praise goes a long way to create a happy home and happy cats!
Those are all pawsome reasons to praise cats 🙂
Mum gives me lots of love and praise.
It makes me feel very happy 🙂
Purrs, Julie