Why Trust Is Everything in Your Cat’s Life

Have you ever stopped to think about how important trust is to your cat?

When I adopted my cat Frankie last year, she was terrified. She didn’t know me, didn’t know if she was safe, and she completely shut down. For the first few days, she hid underneath her cat bed. She wasn’t just shy—she was scared.

Now, a year later, things look very different. I can run around the house playfully yelling “I’m gonna get you!” and “You BETTER run!”—and she loves it. In fact, she often starts these chasey games herself. So how did we go from a cat hiding in fear to a confident, playful companion?

The answer is simple: trust.

There's a cat under there

Building Trust With Your Cat Takes Time

Trust isn’t something you can rush with a cat. It’s built slowly, through consistent, respectful

interactions. From the beginning, I respected Frankie’s boundaries and allowed our relationship to grow at a pace she was comfortable with.

I didn’t force interactions or try to coax her out of hiding with petting or treats. Instead, I let her come to me in her own time. I paid close attention to her body language, looked for her consent before engaging, and reinforced the behaviors I wanted to see with positive reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement and Enrichment Are Key

In addition to honoring her boundaries, I focused on species-specific enrichment to reduce Frankie’s stress and increase her confidence. She had scratching posts, climbing options, puzzle feeders, and plenty of playtime that met her natural feline needs.

As she began to feel more confident in her space, our bond deepened. She started seeking me out, showing affection, and eventually becoming the sassy, playful cat she is today.

Many Cats Live Without True Trust—and It Shows

Unfortunately, not every cat gets the chance to build this kind of relationship. Some cats are adopted into homes where they’re expected to conform to human expectations—like sitting on laps, being carried, or tolerating loud environments—without being given the time, space, or understanding they need to feel secure.

These cats might have food and shelter, but emotionally, they can feel more like prisoners. They may be treated more like furniture than like complex individuals with social, emotional, and physical needs. Unsurprisingly, these cats often develop behavioral issues due to the chronic stress they’re under.

What Happens When a Cat Fears Someone in the Home?

It’s common for cats to bond strongly with one person while avoiding or even fearing other members of the household. But imagine living with someone who scares you—how stressful would that be?

That same tension exists for your cat. If your cat is afraid of your partner, child, or even another pet, they may live in a constant state of low-level stress. Over time, that stress can lead to serious behavior issues, including:

• Aggression

• House soiling

• Overgrooming

• Hiding or isolation

• Destructive scratching

Now Frankie is the ultimate velcro cat

Help Your Cat Feel Safe and Secure

Every cat deserves to feel safe in their own home. If your cat is afraid of someone or seems uncomfortable around certain people or animals, it’s not something to ignore. With the right approach, relationships can be repaired and trust can be built—even in multi-pet or multi-human households.

If you’re unsure how to help your cat feel more secure, a certified cat behavior consultant can guide you through the process. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Let’s work together to improve your cat’s quality of life and bring more harmony to your home. Contact me today to get started.