Knowing how to pet a cat can save you a lot of trouble and keep you from getting your eyes clawed out if Queen Kitty doesn’t like what you do. You are probably no stranger to petting a cat, whether you are curling up on the couch with your own cat or giving the neighborhood feline a quick pet as you go about your day. Either way, you may believe they enjoy it as much as many other pets, but this actually may not be the case. Cats do enjoy petting but only when it’s on their terms so while you may think your cat loves every minute of your affection, there are certain times they enjoy it more than others. A cat’s petting preference is based on a variety of factors such as their history, personality, and relationship with you. All cats are unique, and what makes them purr one day may make them hiss the next — so, within this blog, you can learn some tips to help pet your cat! You’ve noticed they think they’re royalty right?
Why do cats allow you to pet them and even enjoy it?
Cats communicate with other cats through physical touch such as rubbing, nuzzling, and grooming – all of which transfer scents and pheromones. It is believed they may communicate with humans the same way by showing these signs of love and affection. Cats enjoy physical touch (in the right places) because it mimics sensations from kittenhood. When kittens are born, their mother nurtures them by grooming and licking them, releasing the love hormone oxytocin for both mom and fur baby. This is a pleasant and comforting sensation for the kitten and a human’s touch can mimic this sensation, bringing them back to the comforts of their mother.
Why do some cats NOT want you to pet them?
Some cats truly dislike human touch and this may be down to the fact they could have been orphaned at a young age or just unsocialized. Some cats may seem fickle – enjoying your attention one minute and becoming aggressive the next. A reasonable explanation for this may be that the cat doesn’t enjoy being touched in a certain area, or they have reached their petting threshold.
How to pet a cat (without getting scratched)
If you approach a cat, be sure to assess the situation first and avoid jumping right in because knowing how to pet a cat for the first time is super important. Firstly, if possible, check with the cat’s owner to see if it’s okay that you pet them. Announce yourself and approach slowly, being sure to let your presence be known. Watch the cat’s reactions too. Next hold out your relaxed hand, allowing the cat to sniff and smell you first. The cat would probably prefer that you bow (remember I said they think they’re royalty) but if the stars are aligned, the cat may take the lead by rubbing its head against your hand, giving you the go-ahead. When you begin to pet, ensure you always rub in the direction of the fur to avoid discomfort. If you sense tension or if the cat begins to hiss, stop petting them and give them space. If the cat is a stray, be extra careful as knowing how to pet a stray cat (and when) can be challenging.
Where on the body should you pet a cat?
The main areas that cats seem to enjoy having you pet them are on the back of their neck and chin, long strokes on their backs towards their tail, the sides of their faces, and their nose bridge. You can try out some different spots such as their eyes but only if Queen Kitty has let you know its ok to do so. The closer the relationship, the more you can get away with. While petting, always be sure to watch the cats reaction and their mood.
When receiving some good rubs, a cat might begin to purr and knead. But be aware that what might feel suitable for a cat can change at any minute as they can become over-stimulated. This overstimulation is called petting-induced aggression and can cause cats to become aggressive and scratch and bite.
An affectionate cat may roll on their side exposing its belly but please do not assume this is an invitation to rub its belly. If you decide to try it, be careful. Some cats enjoy having their bellies rubbed while most others do not.
Where to avoid petting a cat
In addition to knowing how to pet a cat, it’s important to know what areas to avoid. They vary from cat to cat but most cats do not want their belly, feet, legs or the underside of their tail rubbed or petted. Many cats dislike any touching of their belly due to instincts as that’s where many of their vital organs are making it a vulnerable area.
Tips for petting a cat
If you have a young child who wants to pet a cat (or any animal), please make sure that they are supervised for both their safety and the animals. Gently petting animals isn’t something that comes naturally for children who can tend to be heavy-handed. Children are drawn to animals but can’t pick up on animals’ reactions as well as adults can. Avoid tears and some scratches by closely supervising the situation and teaching the child good petting basics.
When you meet a new cat for the first time, be patient. Cats can greet new humans but the prospect of being touched by one can be daunting so it can take time to get to a position in the relationship where the cat is open to being touched.
If you think a cat is interested but unsure about having you pet them, break the ice by playing with them with their favorite toys or some delicious treats. Pay attention to the cat’s signals and don’t zone out during the petting. Keep an eye on your cat and make sure they’re enjoying your touch because that’s a big part of knowing how to pet a cat.
Take note of what your cat enjoys and what they dislike as no two cats are the same which means you can’t simply apply the same petting strategy to them all!
And remember never force a cat to let you pet them! Put yourself in that situation and see how you would feel about a strange (non-royal) character mauling you without your permission!
Telltale signs a cat doesn’t want to be touched: If you watch a cat’s reaction, it can be very obvious when they want you to stop petting them. Signs to watch out for include: flattening of their eyes, narrowing of their eyes, their tail swishing, vocalizations, and running away. If you recognize any of these reactions in your cat, stop petting them and give them some space.
Cats are unique animals who have very different petting needs when compared to other pets. No two cats are the same but there are some universal areas they enjoy being rubbed. If you follow the advice in this blog post, you should be able to approach a cat and know exactly where to touch them but also where not to touch them! Compared to many, you are now a cat petting expert! Have fun and don’t forget to bow!
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