How can I become my new Maine Coon kitten's "person?"

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Maine Coon kitten
Maine Coon kitten. Not the kitten referred to in the article. Image: MikeB

The person who asked the question in the title on social media also said:

"All of our other cats love my girlfriend more, so when I bought our new Maine Coon, I really wanted to finally have a pet that loved me the most. What are some tips to becoming my Maine Coon's bestest friend?"

My response was:

"Create a bond through a lot of gentle, loving interactions in which you do things that your cat really likes. You'll learn what they like. And plenty of play because they'll like it and it is an interaction between human and cat. Let them share the bed at night and your lap during daytime (if they are a lap cat). Find out their favorite food treats and give them, the same time and the same place to create a routine. He'll ask. Plenty of TLC - tender loving care delivered consistently. Talk to him melodiously (quiet, pleasant voice) and pet him gently and in a way that he likes. Don't overdo petting. Cats have a time limit for being petted and a geographical limit (where they are petted!). Good luck."

What would yours be?! 

There is only one way to have a close relationship with a cat and that is lots of really friendly interactions plus play. It depends to a certain extent on the cat. They have a say in the matter too!

Consistency is a factor too. I think that as a caregiver you have to provide a stable home with routines. The same each day. Cats enjoy predictable arrangements. It makes them feel more secure. Less anxious. This translates to contentment. The objective of all cat caregivers.

The people that domestic cats interact with should be the same every day if possible, to once again create a stable, unsurprising environment.

And ideally the environment should be 'enriched' to suite a cat's needs. I guess you know what that means: vertical spaces. Cats love to climb and Maine Coons are no different. 

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