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Petting a cat may seem straightforward, but it's crucial, especially for children or those inexperienced with cats, to understand the dos and don'ts of approaching and touching a cat. Petting in the wrong spot or with excessive force or speed can upset some cats, leading to biting or scratching. Experts advise allowing the cat to initiate contact: ask for permission to touch them and let the cat control the interaction. Certain areas, such as those with scent glands, are ideal for petting. By spreading their scent, cats create a comforting environment for themselves. Knowing where to touch and when to refrain ensures a positive experience for both parties.
Key Steps
Targeting Scent Gland Areas
Commence with a gentle chin-scratch. Use your fingertips or nails to softly stroke the chin, focusing on the area where the jawbone meets the skull. The cat may lean into your touch or extend their chin, indicating enjoyment.
Pay attention to the area between or behind the ears. Use your fingertips and apply gentle pressure. The base of the ears is another spot where cats mark their scent.
- If they nuzzle their head against you (known as 'bunting'), they are claiming you as their own.
Gently stroke the cat's cheeks just behind the whiskers. If the cat enjoys this, they may push their whiskers forward, signaling they want more.
Move the back of your hand softly along the side of the face. Once the cat is comfortable, use your middle finger to stroke the cat's 'mustache' (just above the upper lips) while encircling their entire face and stroking the top of the head with your thumb. The cat is yours.
Stroke the cat from head to tail. Begin by petting the forehead, then run your hand from the forehead to the base of the tail, repeating this motion. Massage their neck muscles gently. Apply light pressure and maintain a steady, slow pace. Stroke only in one direction (head to tail), as some cats may not like back-to-front strokes.
- Avoid touching the tail or moving your hand sideways.
- If the cat enjoys your actions, they may arch their back to add more pressure to your hand. As you return your hand to the starting position, the cat may rub their forehead firmly against your hand to encourage you to continue. If the cat flattens their ears, backs away from your hand, or walks away, stop petting.
- You can scratch gently as you move your hand down the cat's back, but avoid lingering in one spot. Keep your hand in motion.
- Apply a bit of pressure at the base of the tail, but be cautious. This area is another scent gland, and some cats enjoy being scratched here. However, others may suddenly snap at your hand when they've had enough.
Allowing the Cat to Approach You
Allow the cat to sniff you before initiating petting, allowing them to feel comfortable with your presence. Offer your hand or finger for the cat to investigate with their nose.
- If the cat shows no interest in your hand or seems wary of it, consider postponing your attempt to pet them. Try again later when the cat may be more receptive.
- If the cat sniffs your hand, meows, and then rubs their chin or the side of their head against it, or rubs their body against you, they are likely receptive to being touched. Extend your open palm and gently stroke their body.
Wait for the cat to nuzzle their head against you. When a cat nudges your hand with their head, it's a sign they desire attention. If you're occupied at the moment, at least give them a brief pet or two to acknowledge their presence.
Offer a single pet to a cat that hops onto your lap and settles down. Observe their behavior. If they remain still, they likely intend to relax and enjoy your warmth. If they squirm, they may prefer to remain in place for relaxation, as humans emit warmth. In such cases, continue to gently stroke their back or the areas mentioned in the previous section.
Stroke a cat when they lie on their side. Cats appreciate being petted when lying on their sides. Lightly stroke the exposed side. If they meow or purr, they're likely expressing pleasure.
- Avoid touching the belly, though (refer to Part 3, Step 3).
Interpret your cat's communication signals. Cats produce various vocalizations, including purring, to convey their mood and desires. Purring indicates a desire for social interaction and attention. When coupled with actions like hip bumps, ankle rubbing, or head butting, it signals the cat's desire for immediate petting. Sometimes, a single stroke suffices, akin to a handshake or greeting, rather than a prolonged cuddle session.
- The volume of a cat's purring reflects its level of happiness. Louder purring signifies greater contentment, while softer purring indicates general satisfaction. However, excessively loud purring may denote excessive happiness, which can abruptly shift to irritation, so proceed with caution.
Be attentive to cues indicating the cat's desire to cease petting. Sometimes, even enjoyable petting can become overwhelming or bothersome to the cat, particularly if it's repetitive. Failure to notice these signals may result in a gentle, restrained bite or scratch as a sign to stop. However, cats often provide several subtle warnings prior to biting to indicate their discomfort. Watch out for these early signs, and if you notice them, discontinue petting:
- Flattening of the ears against the head
- Tail twitching
- Restlessness
- Growling or hissing
Understanding What to Steer Clear Of
Limit your strokes from head to tail without altering direction. Some cats dislike being stroked from tail to head.
Avoid patting the cat. While some cats enjoy it, others may not, and if you're unfamiliar with cats, it's advisable not to experiment unless you're prepared for a potential bite or scratch.
Avoid touching the cat's belly. Although cats may relax and expose their belly, this doesn't always mean they want it rubbed. Many cats dislike this due to their instinct to protect their vulnerable stomach area. Unlike dogs, who are more comfortable with this, cats may react defensively by baring teeth and claws if touched here.
- Some cats may interpret belly rubs as an invitation to play aggressively, using claws to grab and scratch. If a cat grabs your hand with its paws, remain still and allow it to retract its claws. If necessary, gently assist in unhooking the claws. Cats scratch deeply when their claws become lodged unintentionally. They use claws for grasping, so when they signal you to stop moving your hand, they'll cease if you do.
Exercise caution when approaching the cat's feet. Avoid playing with a cat's feet unless you're familiar with the cat and know they enjoy it. Begin by gently petting the cat to help them relax, then seek permission to stroke their feet by lightly touching one foot with your finger.
- Many cats dislike having their feet touched, but they can be trained gradually, using a reward-based approach, for activities like trimming claws.
- If the cat doesn't resist, lightly stroke the foot with one finger in the direction of the fur (from wrist to toes). If the cat pulls their foot away, hisses, flattens their ears, or walks away at any point, stop.
Signs of Feline Stress
Pointers
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Petting a cat can trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.
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If you're unfamiliar to the cat, exercise patience. Cats may tolerate their familiar owners but may be wary of strangers.
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When massaging or scratching your cat while it's lying down, it may stretch out (if it isn't already) to indicate comfort with your actions. This is often accompanied by purring. Additionally, the cat may 'smile' by squinting its eyes at you, signifying enjoyment of your attention.
Cautions
- In case of a severe bite or scratch causing injury, thoroughly cleanse the affected area with antibacterial soap and apply an antiseptic. Seek medical attention promptly, especially for deep puncture wounds, which carry a risk of severe infection.
- Refrain from petting a cat if they appear uncomfortable.
- Exercise caution if the cat displays signs of aggression, as it may lead to injury from bites or scratches.
- Supervise children closely when interacting with cats to prevent potential agitation that could result in bites or scratches. Cats that are friendly towards adults may not exhibit the same behavior towards children. Ensure children maintain a safe distance from the cat, especially avoiding getting their face too close.
- Avoid petting the cat if you suffer from allergies.
