The 3 Best Ways To Pet A Cat

If you like animals, stroking a cat is usually a great temptation which, among other things, makes you healthier and happier. But the cat, with its great personality, will certainly make you notice if your caresses are excessive or not to his liking. For this reason, it  is important to know the best ways to pet a cat. 

How to stroke a cat if you are a beginner

“God created the cat to offer man the pleasure of stroking a tiger,” French poet, playwright and novelist Victor Hugo once said.

Those who have lived with these animals for a long time have learned, certainly at the cost of a few scratches or bites, which are the best ways to deal with the subject of petting with cats.

But if you don’t have a cat yet, or if you’ve just adopted one, here are some factors to consider when petting it. Read on.

1- The caresses on the head usually do not disappoint

As long as your cat is okay with it, its head (and surroundings) is a good place to start petting. You can lightly scratch his ears and go down to his neck. Also try the cheeks and chin. Surely the pet will close its eyes and start purring.

Keep in mind that on the sides of the muzzle cats have glands that release pheromones with which, for example, they mark the territory. When you stroke these areas, that smell spreads and they feel comfortable.

2- Run along the back, from the neck to the tail

Gently swiping the palm of the hand from the neck to the tail is another very rewarding caress for the feline. It is very likely that the animal arches its body to support the movement of your hand with its back.

We recommend that you never counter the grain. Most cats don’t like being stroked like this.

3- Each cat is different, even for caresses

There is no one feline equal to another. Each has their own well-defined personality. And for caresses it is the same. Determining which other parts of the cat’s body are ideal for petting would be too much risk. Of course, what one cat may like will surely not please another.

It will then depend on the knowledge and trust you will gain from your cat, knowing which areas of his body he likes to be stroked and which ones he doesn’t.

Watch out for the belly!

Some cats love being patted on the tummy, while others are definitely annoying. The fact that a cat throws itself on its back and lets its tummy be stroked is undoubtedly a sign of great trust in you.

However, it is very likely that he can interpret your hand on his belly as a sign of play. And in that case, you run the risk of being scratched and bitten, as the cat will grab your hand with its paws and bring it to its mouth.

Signs that your cat wants to be petted

So how do you know if your cat wants you to pet him? Pay attention to these details:

• Purrs.
• It approaches it and rubs itself against it, usually against the legs.
• He pats you with his head.

Conversely, postpone petting for another time if you notice that your cat:

• Bristles the hair.
• Moves the tail quickly.
• Puffs, hisses, or grunts.
• Fold your ears back.
• He appears restless.

Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to interrupt him when he eats or washes. And, if there are children living in the house, explain to them very well how they should caress it.