Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Properly Pet A Cat

Don't Miss

What If My Cat Becomes Difficult To Handle

How to Pet a CAT (Properly)

As a species, cats are not well equipped;to handle conflict. Your cat will attempt to avoid an upsetting situation by running away and hiding. If this is not possible, your cat may become aggressive, even with you! If your cat becomes upset, he can remain so for hours and possibly days before calming down. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid triggering such stress whenever possible.

Do not insist on interacting with your upset cat as this may simply escalate his reactions. Instead, simply remove yourself from the situation by going into another room and closing the door. A fairly common cause of your cat becoming very upset is seeing an unfamiliar cat outdoors. It is important not to touch your cat in this situation, but rather try to distract him with loud noises or throwing a large blanket over your cat to distract him from the stressful situation. Remove yourself and any other animals from the room. When your cat is calmer, reward the calmer behavior with treats or toys, and calm praise.

Contributed by Dr. Isabelle Farly, DVM and Dr. Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP

How To Pet A Cat Properly

Cats are elegant, enigmatic animals. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that there are right and wrong ways to pet a cat.

The , and judging by the way theyre at the moment, weve followed suit. However, many of us are in the dark about how to properly pet our feline companions. Given that one of the best ways to communicate and bond with your cat is through touch, such knowledge is invaluable for moggie mums and dads.

take a look at how to successfully approach petting your cat

Where Do Cats Not Like To Be Petted

Most cats do not like to be petted on the belly. Cats dont like belly touches due to instincts. Important organs live in the belly area. Its the most vulnerable area for all of us. A cat showing you his belly means he trusts you, but it is not an invitation for petting.

Most cats also dont like paw touching. However, lightly massaging your cats paws while he naps can be beneficial. This is a good way to get him used to you handling his paws for claw trimmings.

Read Also: How To Make A Shirt For A Cat

How To Pet A Cat Where Cats Like To Be Petted

My cat, Jericho, loves petting sessions. He purrs, and I pet him to sleep. Im going to share with you how to pet a cat with pictures.

So your cat can enjoy some petting too!

Cats most enjoy being petted in areas rich in scent glands.

Here are the best ways to pet a cat:

Note: Every cat is an individual. Its best to test these and take note of what your cat likes and doesnt like.

Never force petting.

Check out the guide today or save THIS PIN to your Cat Care board on Pinterest.

Disclaimer: I earn a commission through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.

Also, nothing I say is medical advice. All photos are of my cats.

Finding Your Cats Spots

How To Pet Animals Illustrated In Diagrams
  • 1Employ a process of trial and error. Every cat is different and enjoys different petting patterns. Some cats love to have their ears scratched while others wont allow you to touch their ears. As such, you need to try petting your cat on different spots and gauge its reaction to that petting to identify what it likes or does not like. Cats will purr and relax themselves when they are enjoying what you doing, so pay close attention to these signals.
  • A cat will often guide you through the petting process, forcing its head or the part of its body that it wants petted into your hand. The pets are for the cat, so let it run the show.
  • 2Start with the cat safe zones. Touch is one of your most important communication tools. While every cat has a different set of purr-zones, there are a few spots on which most cats enjoy being petted universally. The top of the head between the ears, under the chin and along the cheeks are all areas that most cats enjoy being petted so go for these areas first.
  • 3Go for the ears. Try rubbing and gently twisting the cats ears. Ear-oriented cats also like to have a knuckle lightly rubbed inside their ear.
  • Be very careful not to hurt the cat or pull too hard.
  • 4Pet the cats cheeks and chin. The cheeks of cats contain scent glands which allow the cat to leave its scent on things and mark its territory. Scratch your cat’s cheeks from the whiskers back toward the tail, or gently scratch your cat under the jaw and along the neck.XResearch source
  • Also Check: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food

    How To Keep Your Pet Safe This Year

    Covering the cost of your pets healthcarewhether its a standard checkup or a more complicated procedurecan be expensive. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression. Cats and dogs who eat too many fatty foods at once can develop pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to the release of enzymes that shouldnt be there.

    Michelin says regular massage throughout the life of your pet may help prevent the stiffness and pain that contributes to arthritis. Thats not a bad sales pitch, but before you offer to massage other peoples pets for money youll want to learn the proper techniques.

    On a smaller scale, pet transportation services can also cater for local residents who require these services to transport their pets to and from the vet, within a local area or even to the crematorium for pets which have died. It all started with not letting residents know that the buildings management actually loves pets.

    How To Pet Cats In The Right Spots

    Last Updated: August 4, 2021ReferencesApproved

    This article was co-authored by Jessica Char. Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 164,260 times.

    Cats are enigmatic creatures. They slink around your legs, preening for pets. However, when you begin to pet them, they bite you and run away. To lower your risk of upsetting the cat, as well as the risk of being bitten, take some time to learn about your cats tendencies and proclivities when it comes to petting them. When you do, the cat should love you!

    Read Also: How Much Food Should A Cat Eat A Day

    How To Stroke A Cat And Interact With Them

    Finding the best, or the right place to stroke a cat is very important. While there is no perfect spot to pet a cat, follow these rules to help you find the best place to pet any cat.

    Some cats will love nothing more than to spend hours on your lap being stroked, whilst others may prefer only the briefest of chin tickles. Some cats may also enjoy your company and being near to you, but prefer to rest a slight distance away, rather than to be on your knee. Whats important is to figure out your cats preferences, and then respect them.

    Lots of cats will enjoy interacting with people, but some may quickly become over stimulated during petting, or find some forms of touch unpleasant or overwhelming. This can lead to your cat merely tolerating rather than enjoying interactions with you, or in some cases, behaving aggressively . These signals are essentially your cat asking you to stop, or at least change how you are interacting with them.

    Where Do Cats Prefer To Be Petted

    How to Properly Pet a Cat So That They LOVE You!

    Once youve gotten to know each other a bit, Fluffy will be able to relax. Remember that when it comes to petting a cat, less is more. Unlike dogs , cats are often indifferent when it comes to human interaction. This will require some restraint if youre the type of person who sees a small animal and thinks: Must. Pet. Now. Give them as much choice as possible, and they may reward you with some snuggles.

    Cats tend to like soft, gentle strokes that move in the same direction of their fur, rather than back and forth petting, Samantha Nigbur, an ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team Counselor, says.;

    Generally, the best places to pet a cat are where the scent glands are located around her face. If you extend your hand and they meet it with pressure to their head or cheek, this means they are depositing their scent onto you, a practice called bunting. Bunting leaves a scent marking their territory, but its also a way of showing affection. Hotspots where most cats like to be petted include the scent glands that are located between the ears, at the base of the ears, on their cheeks, and under the chin. They may also enjoy light pressure down their neck and back, stopping right before their tail.

    You May Like: Why Does My Cat Attack My Hair

    How To Pet A Mean Cat

    While we might be wondering how to pet a cat, the mental state of the feline needs to be considered. A cat may be permanently mean and difficult to get along with. Similarly, they might have mood swings and be surly at some points more than others. If we have gone to the vet and know that their meanness is not caused by a pathological issue, then we may just have to be careful on our approach.

    In no case should we punish or scold the cat for not wanting to be petted. In fact, if we notice that our cat is being particularly bad-tempered, is scared of petting, rejects contact or even becomes aggressive, we need to consider whether they are stressed.

    Neither should we bother the cat when they are relaxed, asleep or distracted. If we try to force petting on them at this time, we might be the one who is adding stress to their daily routine. Neither should we make sudden movements or noises as this can only make them meaner.

    In shy, scared or mean cats, we should always handle them smoothly, positively, gradually and confidently. We should avoid the prohibited areas we have discussed above and only use positive reinforcement to ensure they are in a positive state. Speaking softly and reassuringly will help and it is not a bad idea to have some treats at hand.

    How To Properly Pet A Cat According To Experts

    Curious about how your cat likes to be petted or even if she likes being touched at all? Find out the best way to pet a cat so you can make sure to scratch all the right spots.

    Cats of all kinds beg to be touched. Most have soft, downy hair fingers love to get lost in, and when they nuzzle up close and loudly purr, we take it as a sign that they love the attention. But is contentment really what shes feeling when you rub her head or belly? Maybe not. Believe it or not, theres a right way and a wrong way to pet a cat and many people dont know the difference.;

    Whether youre a new cat owner looking for all the answers on taking care of your feline family member or a longtime cat-lover just hoping to improve the bond between you and your kitty, anyone interacting with a cat could use a lesson on how they like to be touched. Read on for the secrets to cat contentment.

    Read Also: What Age Can Kittens Have Catnip

    Do You Understand Your Cat

    Cats were known to be solitary animals, incapable of being friends with animals around them until they became domesticated. Modern-day cats, unlike their ancestors, are seen more as companions than pest control animals they were initially used for. Still, your cats natural instinct may be similar to that of a wild cat but it is tamed and conditioned by your interaction with them.

    It is known that human interaction and complex social skills are something cats have to learn within a very short period while they are still very young. If this social conditioning doesnt come at the right time, which is between when they are born to seven weeks, they may tend to behave as wild cats.

    With this, domestic cats have learned to become very social animals, able to form close relationships with humans, other cats and other animals around them.

    Your cat must have made you see how much they like being comfortable. They put their scents everywhere in their environment because it helps them own it and feel at home. Whenever a foreign smelling object or person comes into their space, they may tend to be unfriendly or try to create their scent on you.

    If She Turns Around Gently Stroke Her Belly

    How to properly pet animals

    Cats do not lie on their back too often but when they do, it could mean either of two things. First, they may do that to show that they are ready to fight, especially when theyre in combat with other cats or animals to display their claws. More with the friendlier cats, they may reveal their bellies on fewer occasions when they want you to playfully stroke them and youd notice their excitement.

    Read Also: Why Do Cats Roll On The Ground

    How To Pet A Cat To Sleep

    Many people want to know how they can pet a cat to fall asleep. It’s not that we should enforce sleep on our cats, but they can get a little anxious or rambunctious and helping them to relax can be beneficial. Sleep is a necessity for cats, especially in early developmental stages. Without proper sleep, their health and well-being can be seriously affected.

    To help a cat relax and eventually fall asleep, the ideal is to provide soft and long caresses. Ensure they are in a position where it is beneficial for them to sleep. Don’t do it when the cat is on your lap as you may need to get up after they fall asleep and you ruin your good work. Create an environment conducive to sleep. This means:

    • Comfortable resting place
    • Quiet
    • Low lit

    Start at their head and work your way down their back. Long, slow petting will help them relax and stretch out into a comfortable position. Don’t do it constantly. Instead, take short pauses, especially if you see them start to get agitated. Most importantly, don’t force them to sleep. If they are not ready and they get up to leave, forcing them to stay can be traumatic and negatively affect your bond.

    What To Do Before You Bury Your Cat

    Check with your local council to see if you are permitted to bury a cat in your garden.

    Ensure that there are no underground cables in the area you plan to bury your cat.

    If you are renting, check with your landlord that he or she is okay with you burying your cat in their garden.

    Choose the location carefully.

    Recommended Reading: Why Does My Cat Squint At Me

    How To Start A Pet

    Pets are great company to have around. Theyre non-toxic to pets but your animals cant stand the smell. Falling injuries Tripping over pets, especially dogs causes more than 86,000 falls serious enough to prompt a trip to the emergency room each year in the United States. The lack of training that was available when I started my business is one of the reasons we created PSIs Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting.

    Just glancing at the dog, and generally keeping your eyes averted, might inadvertently communicate to some dogs that you are up to no good, triggering their protective instincts. If its a dog you know and love, you or his pet parent should know where to draw the line but keep the dogs personal space in mind.

    Do Cats Like Being Petted

    How to properly pet a cat (for dummies)

    While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it’s also true that most cats enjoy being petted to some degree. Learning how to pet your cat in a way that’s comfortable and enjoyable can be a great way to bond with your pet, strengthen your relationship and provide some stress-boosting benefits for you as well.

    Recommended Reading: Cat Calorie Needs

    Signs Of Positive Emotion

    It is good to know what your cat is feeling so that you either stop or continue. Positive emotion means she likes whatever youre doing. Some positive signs include:

    • Tail firm and held up or moving from side to side with eagerness to make contact.
    • Gentle purring and kneading softly against you.Looking completely relaxed with ears facing forward, pricked, and eyes closed.
    • Your cat may nudge you gently when you stop stroking her briefly trying to tell you to continue.

    Addressing Problems While Grooming

  • 1Check for skin problems. Whenever you brush, clip, or bathe your cat, check her skin for bumps, bald spots, or cuts. This can indicate health problems such as allergies or stress.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source See your vet if you find any strange or unexplained anomalies on your cats skin or fur. Some skin problems your cat may have are:
  • Parasitic infections from fleas, ear mites, or harvest mites
  • Fungal infections such as ringworm or yeast infections
  • Infections from excess bacteria on the skin
  • Viral infections such as feline cowpox
  • Feline acne or seborrhea
  • Also Check: How To Make A Shirt For A Cat

    More articles

    Popular Articles

    40 Lb Bag Of Cat Food

    Wet Cat Food For Kidney Disease