Body language is one of the easiest ways to tell what mood your cat is in. If they have their ears laid back flat on their head they are mad or scared. If they are standing up and forward they are relaxed or interested. Cats that lay on their backs when you pet them are showing that they trust you, though sometimes they get overstimulated or nervous and may scratch or bite at you if you try to pet them on their belly. If their tail is lashing back and forth quickly it means they may be feeling playful or anxious, while a tail standing straight up on end is a good sign they are angry.

Some cats display behaviors that seem somewhat bizarre. They may drop their toys in their water or food dish, or bury them in the litterbox. This is actually a way of showing ownership of their items, as they consider their food and water bowls as well as the litterbox their territory. Your cat may suddenly stop using the litterbox and start peeing on the carpets, walls, or doors. This could mean they are sick, or it could also mean something is upsetting them about their environment and they want to get your attention. By going back over any recent changes you may have made in your household, you should be able to figure out what has made them so upset and fix it so they stop peeing where they shouldn’t.

It’s important to spend time with a cat while it’s a kitten. The first few months of a cat’s life are a critical time for bonding. It’s important to spend at least one hour a day with a kitten. This will help cement a relationship in later years.

In addition, it’s important to let a cat see you placing food in his or her bowl. This will help cement you as the ‘provider’ of the family. While some of the affection that comes with food may be false, it’s an important part of the bonding process.

It’s also important make sure that a cat is properly disciplined. While discipline isn’t fun for anyone, it’s an important part of improving a cat’s bonding to a human. Proper, healthy discipline is an essential part of any relationship with a pet.

Always make sure a cat is properly vaccinated for the duration of its life.

Purchase an assortment of toys and let your kitten playfully choose their favorites. Kittens can be entertained with some simple items like catnip mice, balls, feathers and ribbon. Also consider buying a scratching post or kitty jungle gym. This helps your pet to claw the post instead of your furniture, plus the kitty jungle gym is a fun way for your kitten to play, hide and get exercise by climbing around.

Make time to run and play with your kitten, as they love to chase people around the house. This is an excellent way for you to bond with your pet and also tires them out, which is perfect when it’s time to snuggle later on.

Find a safe location for your kitten to look out the window. This will provide hours of entertainment for them and gives them a view of the outside world. It’s entertaining to see their expressions as they watch birds, squirrels and people go by.