Cat, how to pet him correctly

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

Petting the cat at home is a habit that can relax even the most troubled souls, an activity that a friend appreciates and often requests personally. Pampering the friend of all time is a gesture that increases harmony and mutual understanding, but for this to happen peacefully it is necessary to establish the right approach. It might seem an easy ritual to implement but each feline has its own nature that can also affect the desire or not to receive caresses, some cats are very sensitive to touch and do not always appreciate the kind of intimacy that is created. Others tolerate everything with unparalleled detachment, while others still demand attention and pampering, repaying with endless purring and meowing. Understanding how to stroke the cat is very important starting from the signals that the cat communicates.

House cat, how to stroke it

Despite the harmony and the daily bond, stroking your cat may not be so easy, because it may not like the constant touch, considering it a bit intrusive. Usually the classic reaction is a snort, a puff or a scratch because, as anticipated, the cat is a very sensitive animal to touch and a repetitive action could make it nervous and destabilize it. It all depends on the type of socialization received by the cat at home, a specimen that has interacted positively since childhood may enjoy cuddling more. Even the character could affect, our friend could be very sociable and playful, or strongly shy and fearful, therefore nervous, anxious and reluctant to contact. To facilitate good interaction it is good to know the areas where to caress him, focusing attention on some points that he likes to be scratched or pampered such as the head, around the ears, under the chin and on the junction of the tail but never against the grain. Some specimens also grant permission to be pampered on the belly, a gesture of trust and openness which, however, could hide a trap: the paw ready for scratching.

Stray cat, how to pet him

A stray cat inspires affection and tenderness but approaching him for some cuddles could prove to be a not always happy choice. Unlike a domestic friend, a stray specimen does not know who stretches out for a cuddle, does not recognize scents and gestures, which is why a too quick and sudden approach could frighten it. It all depends on the socialization of the cat itself, on its ability to interact and trust strangers and therefore on the desire to be cuddled. For the situation to be peaceful, it is good to approach calmly, always leaving an escape route and allowing him to smell his hand even extending some kibble or food without approaching. It will be his choice whether or not to trust the new presence, allowing himself to be caressed and scratched affectionately.

The signals of the cat

The cat speaks through body language so it will be easy to understand his intentions, especially if he is inclined to be cuddled or not. When it is quiet, it usually raises its tail showing its back, often rubbing against the human's leg so as to imbue it with its scent and underline its belonging. He could curl up next to the owner or lie down on his legs inviting him to caress, but it is essential to capture the presence of any signals nervousness such as dilated pupils, ears folded back or the nervous movement of the tail. Even lying on your back showing your belly could prove to be an ambiguous signal, it may not necessarily be an invitation to cuddle but it could turn into a deception: the cat could unsheathe claws ready to scratch.