9 Ways to Win Your New Cat’s Trust

Trust is a cornerstone of all relationships, whether with people or pets. 

Every so often, I am stopped in my tracks by the profound level of trust my cats have in me. 

Like when they not only allow me to trim their claws without any fuss whatsoever, but they actually purr throughout the procedure. This may sound trite, but it makes me feel so honored.

The first days and weeks with your new cat are crucial for trust building. And the more of it you build in these early days, the stronger the foundation will be for the bond you have with each other. 

With this in mind, here are 9 tips for building trust with your new cat or kitten.

The 9 Ways to Build Trust in The Early Days

1. Respect Their Space

Your cat needs time to feel secure in their new environment. Begin with a dedicated safe room and let them set the pace for interaction. Watch their body language – if they retreat or seem tense, give them space.

When they do venture out, sit quietly nearby rather than approaching. Let them choose when to check you out. This patient approach builds confidence and trust naturally.

There is no universal timeline for a new cat to start feeling comfortable. Pay attention to the signs they are adjusting well.

2. Establish Feeding and Care Routines

Cats thrive on consistency. Feed at the same times every day, maintain regular play sessions, and follow a predictable schedule for litter box cleaning.

Here are some key routines to establish:

• Meal times (at least twice per day)
• Interactive play sessions
• Quiet observation periods – just chilling in the same room
• Consistent bedtime

3. Use Positive Associations

Connect your presence with good experiences. Offer treats when you enter the room, but don’t force interaction. Use a soft, gentle voice and move slowly.

Keep treats nearby to reward desirable behaviors:

• Approaching you
• Using scratching posts
• Responding to their name
• Social interaction

If the cat is already comfortable with physical affection, scritches on the cheek or the rump can serve the same purpose of rewarding the behaviors you want to see. Always mind the body language and act accordingly.

4. Master the Art of Slow Blinking

Slow blinks are a powerful way to communicate trust. When your cat looks at you, slowly close and open your eyes. This “cat kiss” shows you’re comfortable and non-threatening.

Practice this gesture regularly but casually. Don’t stare – cats find direct eye contact threatening. Allow them to initiate these gentle exchanges.

Getting slow blinks from your cat is a sure sign they love you.

5. Provide Secure Hideaways

Cats need safe retreats where they can observe their environment without feeling exposed. Provide multiple hiding spots at different heights throughout their space.

Some hideaway options:

• Covered cat beds
• Empty boxes
• Cat trees with perches
• Quiet corners with blankets

It’s natural for a new cat to retreat to dark corners, like behind or under furniture.

6. Learn Their Language

Understanding feline body language helps you respond appropriately to your cat’s needs. Watch for signs of comfort or stress in their:

• Tail position and movement
• Ear orientation
• Whisker position
• Eyes
• Overall posture

A relaxed cat holds their tail high with a slight curve. Flattened ears or a twitching tail indicates stress or overstimulation.

Lean in to the approach behaviors with those rewards (#3 above), and honor the retreat/distancing behaviors. Always on their terms.

7. Provide Calm, Consistent Energy

Become a source of steady, reliable behavior. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Spend quiet time in their space reading or working, allowing them to get used to your presence.

Even if your cat is on the other side of the room, just repeatedly associating your scent with calm and safety can go a long way in developing trust. Cats have an impressive sense of smell, and it plays a big role in how they interpret the world around them.

During stressful moments like loud noises or visitors, remain calm and provide reassurance through your steady presence. During these times, it can be helpful to keep your cat closed in the safe room to minimize stress.

8. Use Food Strategically

Food is a powerful trust-building tool. Start by sitting near your cat while they eat, gradually decreasing the distance. Once comfortable, try hand feeding treats.

High-value treats like small pieces of plain cooked chicken (but no bones!) can help create positive associations. Always make feeding times consistent and reliable.

9. Engage in Interactive Play

Play builds confidence and strengthens bonds. Use wand toys that allow comfortable distance during play sessions. Let your cat “catch” the toy frequently to build their hunting confidence.

Prey play for the win!

Building Trust Takes Time

How do you get your new cat to trust you? Well, trust develops gradually. Some cats adjust quickly, while others need weeks or months to feel fully comfortable. 

Heck, it took several years for Phoebe to become comfortable with being held for longer than a few seconds, but now she often doesn’t want to be put down. 

Follow your cat’s cues and celebrate small progress. And make sure it’s all on their own terms – never force anything.

When something seems overwhelming or like it’s too much, figure out how to break it into smaller steps or reduce the frequency or duration.

And keep in mind that a cat’s background (experiences before coming to you) will play a big role in just how much trust they will be willing to put in a human. T

he older a cat is when trust building begins, the less distance they are likely to come in developing trust in a person. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less loving!