Taking time to stroke your cat can be both relaxing and emotionally rewarding for both of you. However, in terms of human interaction, each cat has a unique preference that they like to follow. So, anytime you meet a new feline companion, spend some time getting to know them. It takes a lot of testing to learn the best way to pet your cat. For some cats, a few minutes of affection is all they need, while other felines prefer not to be handled.
Each cat is unique, and one factor is how they were socialized as a cat. For example, a kitten exposed to a wide variety of individuals will grow up to be a more comfortable and social adult kitty if trained in this way.
How to Pet a Cat?
To be around a strange cat might be a puzzle of confusing messages. Then you get a scrape on your arm, and she adores you. To begin with knowing how to pet a kitten, place your hand near the their nose and let them get a whiff of you. Their cheeks and heads may likely brush against your fingertips if they’re interested in being stroked. Also, this happens when you groom them with the best cat hair brush to minimize their shedding. An indication of whether or not the cat is interested in being petted is when it turns its head or wanders away from you. Respecting a cat’s choice for interaction fosters its well-being and, consequently, makes it a cheerful cat.
How Do Cats Like to Be Petted?
Once your cat is familiar with you, it can relax. Remember that little is more while caressing a cat. Unlike dogs, cats are typically uninterested in human connection. For those who see a little animal and think, “must pet now,” this will need some self-control. Choose well, and they may thank you with a cuddle.
Do you want to know where do cats like to be stroked the most? Well, then the smell glands surrounding a cat’s face are the most excellent spots to touch. When you stretch your arm, and they greet it with pressure on their head or face, they are fluttering their fragrance onto you. Of course, bunting’s scent marks their area, but it’s also a means to convey love. Most cats like having their scent glands caressed between their ears, at the base of their ears, on cheekbones, & under the chin. Next, massage their back and neck, ending just before their tail.
Stepwise Procedure to Pet a Cat
It is common for cats to get alarmed when you suddenly start petting them. It gets worse, if you are a stranger or a new pet owner and have doubts on where to pet a cat. Don’t be stressed, here are few steps that you can take for petting a cat without causing any discomfort to your feline friend.
1. Scratch Chin Gently
The best place to stroke a cat is to gently rub the chin, especially where the jawbone meets the skull. The cat may push towards your touch or thrust out its chin in pleasure
2. Focus on the Earlobes
Apply mild pressure with your finger pads. Cats also scent marks the base of their ears. So if she is “bunting” you, she’s identifying you as hers.
3. Pet the Cat Behind its Whiskers
One of the cats favorite spots to be petted is that it may rotate its whiskers forward to get more, essentially requesting.
4. Gently Run your Hand Down the Side of its Face
After warming up the cat, one of the best cat petting spots is to massage its “moustache” (above the top lip) with your middle finger while encircling its face with your thumb. Your kitty loves this gesture.
5. Stroke the Cat from its Face to Tail
Pet your cat’s head, then repeatedly run the hand from head to tail. Gently squeeze their neck muscles. Apply mild pressure in a gradual motion. No back-to-front strokes since some cats dislike them.
How to Pet a Cat Properly? – Is There a Wrong Way?
Do you often wonder where do cats like to be petted? Then, read on further. Cats are incredibly picky about physical contact; one wrong move may send them fleeing. If your cat dislikes being touched, follow her lead. Cats, like people, enjoy different levels of physical contact.
So, before learning how to pet a cat properly, it is important to know how not to. Cats dislike having their tummies, legs/feet, or tails pet. Of course, there are exceptions—some cats will accept attention from anybody, anywhere. But, generally, don’t pet a stranger’s stomach or extremities.
The below will be the signs that your cat is not enjoying being petted:
- Turning their head towards face yourself or the touch
- Their paws swatting your hand
- hesitating
- Away from you
- Twitching their backs
- Headshaking
- Tail thumps
- Revolving ear
- No reaction (no purring, rubbing, etc.)
How to Tell Whether Your Cat Likes Petting?
Do cats like being petted? This is one question every cat parent has and gets disturbed when their cats are distressed. Don’t be alarmed by potential stress signals. Nigbur, a famous cat whisperer, believes a cat may demonstrate their appreciation in several ways, including the points enlisted below. So these as follows would be the signs of cat enjoying being petted:
- Contacting you and being upfront
- Waving their tail side to side gently
- Ears up and forward
- Relaxed body and face
- Yowling at you
- Rhythmically pawing in and out (kneading)
- Bunting you
If your cat does any (or even all) of the above, you’re patting her appropriately. Keep your touch and attention consistent to make her feel more at ease. Remember that each cat is unique and the best way to pet a cat is to follow their ques. Therefore, their preferences for petting may vary from one person to another. Finally, whenever it comes to touch, follow the cat’s lead.
Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong way to pet a cat, as every feline friend is different. However, by following these simple tips and finding the best places to scratch a cat, you can ensure that you’re giving your kitty the best possible petting experience. And who knows? With a little practice, you might even be able to turn yourself into a certified cat whisperer.