If you love cats, you probably like to pet them. Many cats seek out affection because they like it. Others are wary of being touched in any way. Most cats enjoy being pet by family members as long as it’s done on their terms. Despite the fact that every cat is different, there are some aspects of having a pet that cats prefer to avoid. A cat’s need for attention depends on their personality, upbringing, and relationship with you.
Just why Cats Love Pets
There are a number of reasons why many cats enjoy being stroked by people. To share scents and pheromones with one another, cats frequently brush and rub against one another. They may engage in conversation with others who share their habits. These are frequently displays of love and affection. You can tell a cat you’re happy by petting it.
In order to care for their kittens, mothers groom and snuggle them. These actions result in an increase in oxytocin, also referred to as the “love hormone.” When people and cats interact affectionately, oxytocin levels rise.
Cats enjoy being petted because it makes them feel happy. Being petted by other cats is uncomfortable or unfamiliar to them, thus they don’t like it. It’s possible that cats don’t like being pet because they don’t like it. Additionally, it could be related to suffering, terror, or a lack of social engagement.
Cats generally prefer to be petted by someone they know and trust rather than accepting caresses from strangers.
Care Instructions for Cats
Despite the fact that it might seem obvious, you shouldn’t just walk up to a cat and start petting it without properly evaluating the circumstances. When caressing a cat, start off slowly and watch the cat’s reaction.
- If the cat is not yours, first confirm with the owner that it is acceptable to pet it. Cats frequently display mistrust and aggression toward strangers.
- Ask the owner if the cat has any unsavory or delicate areas you should stay away from. See if the cat has any favored caressing techniques.
- Allow the cat to approach you first. If you chase the cat, you risk losing your chance to gain their trust.
- Keep your hand away from the cat’s face and slowly and calmly stretch it.
- Let the cat sniff your hand and “examine” you. Your hands or legs may get scratched by the cat.
- Begin by carefully caressing the cat’s cheeks. Let the cat be your guide. When they rub against you, they might exert more force and possibly try to direct your hand in other directions on their body.
- Stop petting the cat if you notice them tensing up or if you hear a high-pitched growl, hiss, or meow.
After getting to know the cat, you might wish to try petting them in other areas. Many cats enjoy being touched by trustworthy people in the following circumstances:
- The sides of the face
- The sides of the body across the shoulders, along the back, under the chin, and the areas of the neck, chin, and under the chin.
If the cat is enjoying being pet, it may start to purr, knead, and even drool. Be aware that a cat may initially respond favorably to touching in some of these locations before feeling exposed or overstimulated later on. Some cats will suddenly meow, hiss, snarl, scratch, or bite while they are being petted. This is over-stimulated aggression or petting-induced animosity.
When the cat wants some attention, it may roll onto its side and expose its tummy. This can be a sign of the cat’s relaxation and comfort. It is usually not a request to touch their belly. They might get in touch with you after everything has settled down. If the cat is yours, you might want to attempt touching it there, but be cautious.
Particularly if your fingernails are long, some cats enjoy giving you a gentle scratch. Start out carefully, and pay attention to the cat’s response.
Observe these Areas
When caressing cats, stay away from “private” areas like the anus and genitalia. It causes cats discomfort and could lead to a cat bite. Don’t pet your cat’s private parts, even if they show them to you.
Although each cat will have different preferences, there are a few items you should stay away from. The majority of cats prefer not to be touched in the following circumstances, though there are always exceptions:
- Feet, legs, and belly The underside of the thighs, especially
As a general guideline, keep your distance from cats unless you are sure they like it and you are right near to them. Your cat might enjoy things that other cats don’t. Contrary to popular belief, not all cats will react to treatment in the same way as your own.
Warning
Before petting a cat, always ask the owner first. Stop petting the cat as soon as it shows signs of resistance.
How to Determine Whether a Cat Wants to Be Petted
Cats communicate with people by using several different signals. When a cat is being petted, if you know what to look for, you might be able to discern that the cat wants you to stop. Do not try to pet a cat if they react in any of the following ways:
- The back arches or pivots away from your hand.
- Elongated ears
- Decreased eyes
- Vocalizations like snarling, hissing, howling, and high-pitched meowing that evade me include a tail that is stiff and elevated high, swishing, or puffed up with fur.
- Hiding
If you observe any of these behaviors, just leave the cat alone. Meanwhile, some cats truly enjoy having their bellies scratched.
READ NEXT: Why Cats Like Being Pet
