Almost everyone does it wrong. How to pet cats so that they enjoy it

Seeing a cat, most people reach out to pet it. But are we doing it right, and do the furry creatures really like this manifestation of our attention?

British scientists emphasize that "cats are not tactile by nature." Therefore, if you want your pet to enjoy petting, do not impose your caresses on him/her, but "watch his/her body language." The stomach and the base of the tail are under a special ban, ScienceFocus writes.

Dr. Lauren Fink, a cat behavior expert at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, says most people believe that petting is a proven way to bond with your cat. However, there is no guarantee that your cat will enjoy this physical contact.

"While some cats definitely like to be petted, many of them probably don't want to be petted the way we usually do. They may just be very tolerant of it because of the benefits that come with a relationship with you – food, treats, and attention. But people should remember that cats, as a species, are not social or tactile by nature," the scientist explains.

What parts of a cat's body are best left untouched?

Dr. Lauren Fink admits that scientifically speaking, we don't know much about tactility in cats. However, recent studies show that cats do not like being stroked at the base of the tail. "This can cause the most negative behavioral reaction in cats," the expert says.

In addition to the lower back, Fink advises staying away from the abdomen, as cats have evolved to keep this area protected. The cat's vital organs are located near the navel, so touching this area is likely to be perceived as a threat.

How to learn to understand cat body language?

The cat behavior expert says that there are areas that felines will allow you to pet. However, it all depends on their personality and their early experience. "Cats that are treated well and socialized by humans from a young age, especially during the 'sensitive' period (two to eight weeks), usually like to be hugged more. However, just because you have a friendly cat doesn't mean it likes to be petted and squeezed. Even if the cat meows and rubs against you, it doesn't mean that it likes any kind of handling. You need to pay attention to its body language," emphasizes Lauren.

Dr. Lauren Fink says that when a cat is irritated, it may turn its head very sharply toward our hands, or turn its head to look at whoever is touching it. Cats may also simply freeze or stop actively encouraging interaction with their owner, such as stopping purring. Usually, when they do this, their ears are not pointed straight ahead – they may be slightly turned or pressed against their head.

"You may also notice nose licking, head shaking, and sudden shaking or waving of the coat. A moving tail (whipping or twitching) that is held horizontally or close to the ground is also usually a negative sign (while a vertically raised tail is usually associated with "positive arousal"). These relatively unnoticeable signs often occur in many of the cats I observe when they are touched. But people tend to overlook them or misinterpret what they really mean," the cat behavior expert explained.

What is the best way to pet a cat?

Scientists say that there are still areas where friendly cats are most likely to enjoy being petted. This is the area around the muzzle – the cheeks, the base of the ears, and the chin.

"This is probably because these areas of the face contain many skin glands that produce odor. Cats are interested in using these areas to spread their scent. That's why they enjoy being stimulated," – Lauren says.

Dr. Lauren Fink wrote out step-by-step recommendations for petting a cat in an interesting abbreviation.

C – control: Give your cat choice and control during the interaction.

1. Gently hold out your hand to the cat, let it come to you, and let it decide whether it wants to interact with you or not.
2. If the cat wants to be touched, it will rub against you. If he does not make contact, avoid petting.
3. Allow the cat to control how much you pet him. If you are petting your cat, pause every 3-5 seconds to "check in" with him – when you stop petting, does he rub against you to ask for more? If not, he may be ready for a break.

I – initiative: pay attention to the cat's behavior and body language, give the initiative to control the situation completely to the cat, following the signs of its body:

1. The cat becomes a little calmer and stops purring, leaning over to pet, or rubbing against you.
2. The cat moves away from you.
3. The ears are pinned back or turned back.
4. Shakes its head.
5. The hair on its back stands up.
6. The cat licks its nose.
7. It becomes slightly immobile, and stops purring and rubbing against you.
8. He turns his head sharply towards you or your hand.
9. Suddenly, he starts stroking himself, which lasts only a few seconds.

T is the area where you touch:

1. Most friendly cats prefer to be touched under the chin, around the cheeks, and at the base of the ears, so try to stick mostly to these areas.
2. Avoid the base of the tail and abdomen, and be careful when touching the cat's back, legs, and tail.

An expert on cat behavior emphasizes that if you follow these recommendations, your cat may love you for real.

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