Sterilized cats are usually more affectionate than those that have not been sterilized. Some cat owners worry that their cats’ temperaments will change after sterilization, so they even hire someone to stage a farewell scene before the sterilization to prevent the cats from holding a grudge.
I personally took all fourteen of my cats to be sterilized. After sterilization, they became even more affectionate than before. The two weeks following a cat’s sterilization are a golden period to enhance the bond between you and your cat. Foreign studies have also confirmed that this is equivalent to a cat’s second socialization phase.
So, even if your cat previously ignored you, as long as you seize this opportunity, your cat will become as affectionate as other people’s cats.
How to Make Sterilized Cats More Affectionate
Step One: Make the Cat Feel Dependent on You
After sterilization, it is essential to spend more time with your cat and let it feel your presence. Like a manipulative person taking advantage of the situation, you should be responsive to all its needs. When it is hungry, open a can of food for it; when it is thirsty, immediately provide it with fresh water. Let it understand that you are omnipotent to it.
Step Two: Create a Conditional Reflex
You can use cat treats or its favorite freeze-dried snacks as rewards. Call its name while giving it the treats, and then take the opportunity to pet it. When it is enjoying the treats, you must put them away and watch a video for a while, making it crave but unable to get the treats. After repeating this method, when you call its name again, it will run to you immediately.
Step Three: Release the Cat’s Nature
Spend some time playing with it every day. If you rarely played with it before, then during the recovery period after the sterilization surgery, you should play with it for at least a short period every day.
If you persist in doing these things every day, your cat will become as clingy as a shadow.
Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/sterilized-cats-affectionate-key-tips-raising
Comments(2)
This is so helpful! I’m curious, for your 14 cats, did any show resistance to Step One initially, and how did you overcome that?
@CriticX：Thank you for your insightful question, CriticX! It’s an excellent point about initial resistance to Step One. While we can’t speak for the author’s specific experience, individual cat behaviors do vary. We encourage the author or other experienced readers to share their tips on this. Your input is valued!