10 Tips for Building Trust with Your Rescue Cat

Adopting a rescue or shelter cat and welcoming them into your home is a wonderful time. It’s the beginning of your journey together. But it’s important to remember that rescue cats have likely already had a past filled with different positive and negative experiences which may affect your immediate relationship. 

That said, just like us, all cats are individuals. Some may be shyer, others more confident. Some may be well-socialized, and others may not. It takes time, patience and understanding to get a rescue cat to like you and trust is at the foundation of all relationships. 

In this blog, we’re sharing our tips on how to look after a rescue cat.

Tip 1: Give Your Rescue Cat Space 

Cats are territorial by nature and new environments can feel overwhelming. When adopting a rescue cat, we recommend setting up a quiet, enclosed space for them. Make sure that they have all the essentials including a litter tray, food, water, scratching object, a cozy bed and somewhere to hide away such as an elevated space.

Allow your cat to come to you and avoid forcing interactions to get them to trust you. Let them explore at their own pace and minimise disruptions and noise, such as keeping visitors to a minimum until your feline friend feels more settled in their new space. 

Tip 2: Encourage Serenity with FELIWAY Optimum 

FELIWAY® Optimum is a great way to help look after a rescue cat and get them to trust you. FELIWAY® Optimum is a scientifically proven pheromone diffuser that calms cats. The pheromones send calming signals to help them feel safe and secure in their environment. 

Ideal for cats coming from rehoming centers, FELIWAY® Optimum can help a cat to settle into their new home and reduce signs of stress such as hiding. It’s a gentle, non-invasive and non-drowsy way to support emotional well-being and is recommended by vets and behaviorists worldwide. 

Simply, plug the diffuser in the room your cat is first settled in to help them feel comfortable. As your cat starts to explore their new home, FELIWAY® Optimum can be easily moved into another room to help them feel secure wherever they choose to spend their time.

Tip 3:  Establish a Routine 

Establishing a routine is a great way to look after your new rescue cat (or any cat for that matter!). Even better if you know the routine that your cat may have had in their previous home.

If possible, try to stick with this routine but if you’re not sure what their routine was it’s a good idea to start with a schedule you want to maintain. As with any change, begin slowly and gradually introduce things as your cat settles into their new home. It’s also a good idea to keep litter trays clean and accessible and avoid sudden changes in location or type of litter. 

Try to make your interactions predictable to build trust and get a cat to like you and, most of all, make sure that everyone in the household is consistent with these interactions. This prevents your cat from getting confused and feeling uneasy in their new environment.

Tip 4: Communicate Calmly 

Communication is key. When adopting a rescue cat, communication is an integral part of getting your new cat to trust you.

Your Communication Cues

When communicating verbally, always try to speak in a gentle and reassuring tone, so that your cat learns that your presence can be linked with safety and comfort. 

Calm non-verbal reassurance is also essential. Avoid direct eye-contact, as this may feel threatening and blink slowly to signal a friendly hello and build trust. 

Who Should Initiate Contact?

We all want cats to like us but let them initiate contact. Offer your hand for them to investigate and follow their lead as to whether they are open to further interaction or not. Cats are naturally used to short interactions, whereas humans are often more interested in longer, more intense interactions. So, it’s crucial to respect a cat's natural preferences rather than imposing our own views on them 

Cats generally do not enjoy being restricted in their movement. Instead of picking them up and cuddling them, get down to their level, avoid lifting them, and give them the freedom to decide how long they want to interact with you. 

Above all, avoid punishment or shouting at your cat. This is not helpful and may result in them not trusting you.

Tip 7: Celebrate Small Successes with Your Rescue Cat 

Remember, progress may be slow, but every step in looking after a rescue cat is meaningful. Take note of the milestones such as the first time they eat near you, the first blink or head bump and the first time they settle in your presence. Each moment is special, so why not journal or photo log to track these moments?

Be patient though, your cat will settle into your home and a relationship with you in their own time. By being consistent and taking your time, you will build trust with your cat, showing them that you are a reliable source of safety. 

Tip 8: Learn to Read Their Body Language

Your adopted rescue cat will constantly communicate with you, but you will need to learn their language. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Positive Signs of Your Blossoming Relationship 

• Greeting you with raised tail

• Head butting 

• Slow blinks