Cat Behavior: How to Pet a Cat in 3 Good Steps?

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How to pet your cat?

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The right actions to follow

Very often, petting an animal is a spontaneous act, and filled with tenderness. However, your cat does not see it that way. Imagine that you are sleeping and you are woken up by a friend who strokes your hair… Rather strange, right? It must be said that the cat has the same pattern when it comes to your tactile approaches. There are certain places that are more comfortable for the animal, but also certain moments that are more conducive to the smooth running of your outburst of tenderness. It is important to follow the following advice, and to teach it to the youngest. As always, these practices can vary from one cat to another, but their instinct will always follow a similar pattern.

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1. Pet a cat without rushing or attacking it

It is essential to avoid "aggression" of the animal. By this we mean a gesture that it will not like, that it will consider unwelcome. For example, you should not run after your cat to give it the caress that YOU want to give it so much. Most of the time, you will have to prefer the gentler approach, and let it come to you. Cats are fearful animals, in nature they are both hunters and hunted, so they have a highly developed protective instinct. If you want to touch a cat, you will have to let it smell you so that it is comfortable in your presence. This becomes less and less true over the years that you spend with it, but you must always deliver your caress tactfully and without rushing it.

2. Some examples of approaches to petting a cat

A feline can react instinctively to any gesture you make. If you don't know the animal, gently extend your hand towards it so it can size you up. If it doesn't react or stares at you firmly, it might be better to try again at another time. If the cat meows and rubs against your fingers, that's the green light!

Sometimes, it's the cat who will come looking for petting. This often translates into explicit body language. The animal will come and rest its head against you, or bump its nose against your arm. Even if you're busy and don't want to spend 5 minutes scratching your cat, it's a good idea to give it a pet or two, just to make it clear that you're not ignoring it (which could frustrate it and decrease its signs of affection).

3. Where to pet a cat?

The chin and skull part

The chin remains a place to favor. You can caress it gently with your fingers, especially at the junction between the jaw and the skull. If the cat presses against your hand, it is because it appreciates the gesture.

The ears

Like most animals, the space between and behind the ears can be scratched without fear. A simple pressure with your fingers will be enough. If the cat presses against your hand, it is because it considers you as its own.

The cheeks

You can also run your thumb over his cheeks, behind his whiskers. All these gestures are a good way to prepare for a petting session.

If your pet still wants more, you can move on to more intense exercises, such as sliding the back of your hand along the side of his face. If he purrs, it means he is giving in to you and you are the master. You can then stroke a cat from forehead to tail, being careful not to change direction, which can be frustrating for the animal. If you don't know the cat, avoid the belly and paws, which should be reserved for an experienced owner.

4. How do you know if a caress is appreciated?

Cats are very communicative, and they will let you know if your petting is a source of happiness or tension. The obvious sign of tenderness is purring. Cats purr during social moments, and if they do so while moving their hips, ankles, or head, it means they WANT to be petted. The louder the purring, the happier your cat is. Be careful, though, because a cat can quickly get bored, which can lead to physical discomfort. On

the contrary, if your cat doesn't like your petting, they could gently scratch or bite you. However, there are several signs before these minor injuries. If their ears flatten on their head, if their tail vibrates, if they growl, or if they move a little too much, stop.