How to Hug a Cat

To strengthen the bond between you and your pet through care and affection, offer your cat a gentle hug. As long as your cat is accustomed to being touched and isn't bothered by your approach, hugging is a great way to express love for your furry friend.

Know your cat's temperament. Before hugging, it's important to understand their personality. Not all cats enjoy being touched a lot and may scratch or bite if hugged too tightly. Make sure your cat enjoys being close before attempting to give them a hug.

• Spend time with your cat. You should spend at least an hour or more close to them. Pay attention to how they interact with you. Does the cat often nuzzle against you and show affection, or are they distant and prefer sitting near you without much contact?
• Sensitive cats tend to relax when lifted and allow humans to touch them. You might try hugging a more friendly cat, but for cats with a more aloof or shy nature, they may not be as fond of being hugged.

Learn cat body language. Even friendly and affectionate cats can suddenly become aggressive if they feel threatened. It's important to take the time to study a cat's body language so you can tell when they are in a good mood.

• When a cat is happy, they show it through their body. Their ears point forward, their pupils constrict, and their eyes are half open. Their tail is raised, their head slightly tilted, their back arched, and their fur lies flat. Additionally, they may purr or softly meow to express excitement when they see you.
• On the other hand, an aggressive or fearful cat will hiss and growl in a low tone. Their pupils dilate, their tail may be tucked under or between their legs, their back arches, and their fur stands up. At this point, it’s best not to hug them.

Observe the cat’s reaction when picked up. Even friendly and easy-going cats might resist being picked up. Cats are independent creatures and dislike the feeling of being controlled. However, cats that live with children are often more accustomed to being held and may allow it. If a cat doesn’t like being picked up, they may swat or squirm to escape your grasp. You can still try to hug them, but don’t hold them tightly in this situation.

Wash your hands. You should wash your hands before hugging or petting a cat. Ensure your hands are free from any irritants that might make the cat uncomfortable.

• Wash your hands with water and scrub thoroughly with soap. Be sure to clean the areas around your nails, beneath your nails, and the back of your hands. Wash for about 20 seconds. You can sing "Happy Birthday" twice to ensure you wash for the recommended time.
• Rinse off the soap with water and dry your hands with a towel.

Let the cat approach you. Don’t sneak up and hug a cat. Also, avoid bothering them when they’re sleeping, playing, or eating. Allow the cat to come to you on their own. Sit in the room with them and wait until they seek your attention. Once the cat approaches and starts purring, placing their paws on you, that's when it's okay to hug them.

Start by gently petting your cat. Don't immediately hug them. This could make them uncomfortable. Take a few minutes to pet them before going for a hug.

• Pet their back, shoulders, under the chin, and behind the ears. Cats don’t like being touched on their belly or sides, as these are sensitive areas.
• Speak to your cat in a calm, gentle tone so they feel at ease.

Hug your cat. Once your cat becomes calm and excited, you can hug them. Proceed slowly, and if your cat seems aggressive, stop immediately.

• Some cats may jump onto your chest when you stand in front of them. In this case, lower yourself and wait to see if they place their paws on your shoulder. Then, gently lift them to your chest by supporting their hind legs with one hand and keeping their back secure with the other.
• Remember that not every cat enjoys being picked up. If they resist, try hugging them by simply wrapping your arms around them when they are sitting or lying next to you. Many cats who dislike being lifted still enjoy this kind of embrace.
• Adapt the hugging style to the personality of each cat. However, most cats prefer having their entire body supported when hugged. Be sure to support their back legs with one hand, while keeping your other hand on their chest or back.

Brush your cat’s fur. Cats love this activity. Brushing helps keep their coat clean and tangle-free. They also enjoy the sensation of being brushed because it reaches areas they can’t access themselves. Hard-to-reach spots like behind the neck or under the chin require gentle brushing to keep their coat neat and tidy. You can purchase a brush specifically designed for cats at pet stores.

Show affection by petting. Most cats enjoy being petted. If they don’t like being picked up, you can pet them daily to show your care.

• Always let them approach you on their own. Cats don’t like to be disturbed while they are engaged in other activities. They will signal that they want affection by gently pawing at your hand, rubbing their fur against you, or jumping into your lap.
• Pay attention to the areas your cat likes to be petted. Some cats have specific spots on their sides or belly that they don’t like being touched. If your cat growls or avoids certain areas, switch to petting elsewhere.

Play with your cat. Cats of any age love to play. Most cats require 15 to 20 minutes of playtime each day.

• Cats are particularly fond of toys that resemble prey from nature. Toys with faux fur are often favorites. You can attach a toy mouse to a string or purchase a bird toy with a rod to make it 'fly' through the air.
• Cats tend to be more energetic in the morning, so if possible, try to play with them after they wake up.