People domesticated cats so they could always have a little lion close at hand that’s safe to pet. Petting a cat is wonderful for both you and your pet. Research suggests that stroking a cat can help lower stress and even blood pressure. But this seemingly simple activity has its subtleties, and every loving cat owner should know them.
How and Where to Pet a Cat
The first rule: pet your cat when it wants to be petted, and stop as soon as it’s had enough. That’s part of respecting your pet and its wishes. Many cats don’t like long petting sessions. They may purr happily for the first few minutes and then suddenly bite or scratch. Behaviorists call this “petting-induced aggression,” and it usually means the cat has become overstimulated. Watch for warning signs: a twitching or thumping tail, flattened or rotating ears, skin rippling along the back and a tense body. When you see them, stop. Cats really do like things on their own terms!
Before you start petting, hold out a finger or your hand near your cat’s nose and let it sniff or rub against it. That way, you’ll clearly see whether your cat is up for some affection. If it ignores you, it’s clearly not in the mood. If it starts rubbing against your hand and sniffing it, it’s probably ready to be petted. Open your hand and gently stroke your cat in the direction its fur grows.
1. The area on the head between the ears is one of the spots cats like best. If you’re not sure what your pet enjoys, start with gentle strokes using your fingertips and very light pressure. Move from one ear to the other, pause and gently massage the spot right behind the ear. Within seconds, your cat may start to melt and fire up its purring “Harley-Davidson.”
2. Don’t forget another favorite part of a cat’s face: the cheeks. Some cats go crazy when you stroke the area under their eyes and around the whiskers with your fingertips. Cats have scent glands there, so when your cat rubs its cheeks on your hand, it’s marking you as its own. My own cat would sell her soul for a good cheek rub.
3. The chin, neck and chest of most cats are also very responsive to petting. Start with light fingertip touches under the chin, then slowly move down to the neck. If your cat likes it, it will start purring and stretching out its neck, giving you full access to both the neck and chest.
4. Another way to show your fluffy friend love and affection is to run your palm along its fur from the neck down the back, but don’t touch the area near the tail, and definitely don’t touch the tail itself. If your cat likes what you’re doing, it will arch its back and rub its forehead against your hand, as if asking you to do it again and again. (Some cats do enjoy a gentle scratch at the base of the tail, but many find it overstimulating, so watch your cat’s reaction.)
5. Paws and paw pads are very delicate, sensitive parts of a cat’s body. Many cats dislike having their paws touched, but some love it when you stroke their legs from top to bottom or gently touch their beloved paw pads with your fingertips. You’ll find out quickly whether your cat enjoys it. Getting your cat used to gentle paw handling also makes nail trims much easier.
Read Your Cat’s Body Language
A cat that’s purring or meowing doesn’t necessarily want to play or be petted. Cats sometimes purr not out of pleasure or to get attention but when they’re stressed, in pain or even annoyed.
If your cat jumps into your lap on its own, it may not want to be actively petted or squeezed. It may just want to lie down and relax in your lap, because people are a great source of warmth.
But if your cat is rubbing against you, lying next to you and curling up and stretching out, or practically begging for petting by rubbing its head against your hand, don’t ignore it! Even if you’re very busy, take a minute away from what you’re doing to give your cat a stroke or two. It may just be a brief burst of affection, not a craving for a long cuddle. It’s like running into a friend and shaking hands. And remember, cats can be easily offended.
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Where Not to Pet a Cat
1. Stay away from your cat’s belly. Yes, I know firsthand that when a cat lies on its back, that cute tummy is so tempting, but DON’T. Most cats don’t like their bellies touched, let alone stroked. Showing its belly is a sign of trust, not an invitation. Cats that do let you touch their tummies often want rough play, grabbing your hand with their claws and biting.
2. However carried away you or your cat get, keep your movements gentle, never too vigorous or rough.
3. Don’t pet your cat against the direction of its fur. And don’t overdo it: when your cat says enough, it means enough.
Love your fluffy friends, learn their wishes and habits, and you’ll be rewarded with a grateful “purrrr” in no time.
