How Cats Interact With Us
Cats were domesticated more than 5,000 years ago, when the ancient Egyptians realized cats were deserving of their homes and their devotion. The domesticated cat has come a long way since those days along the Nile, but the responsibility we have to care for and love our cats hasn't diminished.
There's no question that cats love and need us, but often this must be on their own terms. It's important to give your cat the space she needs to be herself. With a new cat, let her get used to your home on her own before you introduce her to the rest of your family. Respect the time it takes a cat to become familiar and feel safe with you. By earning her trust this way, your cat will form a closer bond with you.
With children, a bond develops faster than you could imagine, but you must to establish boundaries for both your children and the cat that limits their time together. Too much time with the kids could suffocate your cat's need to be alone, causing your cat to separate herself from your family as much as possible.
As irresistibly cute as cats are, one cannot help but want to hold them. If you aren't careful, though, you could hurt your cat and cause her to be afraid of you. Your cat will come to you when she wants to snuggle. Let her pick the time.