Getting a dog to love you is fairly easy. You feed it and give it a little love. Unless the animal has been through trauma, mission accomplished. But with cats, it’s not that simple.

Cats are much more temperamental than dogs. If, upon getting your cat, you try to win its affection by feeding and petting it, you probably will not see good results. A cat expects you to feed it; that’s not really going the extra mile. And if you try to get too affectionate with your cat too soon, your offended kitty might just begin to avoid you.

But don’t lose hope! I proudly admit that I have won the heart and affection of my precious cat. Here are some of the practical ways I used that might also help you win the paw of your cat.

1. Give your cat some space.

Upon obtaining your precious bundle of fur, you might want to spend a lot of time just snuggling with it. Showing some affection, depending on the age and background of your feline, is fine. However, cats like their space! Give your cat an area, whether it be its own room or even just a little corner, where it can have some alone time.

2. Keep the litter box very clean.

Just think about the Golden Rule for this one: would you want to use a box that looked like that? Uh, no. Your cat will appreciate it so much that they will probably come and use the box in gratitude to you right after you clean it!

3. Provide a window seat.

Cats, both indoor and outdoor, love sitting in windows. They enjoy the fresh air and watching birds. (They want to eat the birds, of course. It’s rather like children window shopping for sweets)

4. Keep the shades open.

Cats love to sunbathe by windows, along with sitting in them. Chances are you will find your cat curled up in odd and uncomfortable places just because sunbeams can reach him from there. Make it easier on your cat! Make sure you have the shades up in at least one room and provide something soft for your cat to lie on.

5. Keep the tunes down!

Cats have very sensitive hearing and therefore do not like loud music. If you are playing loud music in a room, your cat will not want to be with you. Hey, loud music is fun, but keep it down! (Your cat is worth it)

6. Provide many water options.

For some strange reason, cats are picky when it comes to drinking water. Because of this pet peeve, they often look for water in odd places (such as the toilet). Instead, give your cat good options. Leave bowls of water in different places around the house (and keep the toilet lid closed).

7. Play (wild) games with your cat.

Cats are natural predators and they need an outlet to exercise these instincts, especially if your cat is indoor only. Play hunting games with your cat. Creep around on your hands and knees and let your cat “hunt” you. Get a mouse toy and drag it across the floor. Toss LEGOs into the air and watch your cat leap to catch them. Any game, as long as it gets your cat moving.

8. Don’t smoke.

Your cat may not be able to consciously thank you for this one, but it’s very important. If you smoke, your cat has an increased risk of getting cancer! So, even if you don’t consider your own health, consider that of your cat. If you do smoke, kick the habit or find another home for your cat. Unconsciously, he will be eternally grateful to you for making that sacrifice.

9. Blink at your cat.

Yes, this sounds weird, but it's actually one of the ways cats say “I love you!” When you make eye contact with your cat, blink your eyes slowly. Firstly, cats dislike straight eye contact, so blinking prevents this. But, this blinking also sends a message of affection to your cat. If your cat blinks back, then you know that you have succeeded and won its affection!