How to Pet A Cat Correctly

A cats fur is soft and cuddly and it tends to make you want to just bunch it all up and hug it. But cats all over are hoping you won't give in to the urge.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Control

1. 
    

   Most of the time I love to see others petting my cats but sometimes people pet them incorrectly and I struggle not to cringe on my beloved pets behalf.

2. 
    

   One of the most common petting mistakes people make with cats is patting their heads and bodies like a dog. Dog's may enjoy this but most cats do not. If you are really unlucky the cat that your patting may even attack you. If you need a reminder, think of this kind of incorrect petting as "shaking the poor cats brain". If you persist you may very well get bitten.

3. 
    

   Another common error I see people making with cats is rubbing their stomaches. While this is fine for cats that enjoy it and frequently expose their bellies for attention, keep an eye out for signs that the cat is being irritated. Such as a narrowing of the eyes or laying back their ears. another more subtle sign of displeasure is rapidly swishing their tails. Cats that do not show their bellies often, are probably the ones that don't want to be petted there.

4. 
    

   To begin petting a cat correctly gently pet them from the top of their heads down to their lower back. Take care to pet their fur in the direction it lays naturally. Avoid scrunching or flipping their fur upwards or in the opposite direction it naturally lays. While you probably won't get attacked for this behavior you may not get a lot of return visits for affection either.

5. While petting the cat in the proper way increase the pressure of your petting until you get a pleasant response from the cat. They may encourage you by arching their backs to get a longer pet or by leaning into the petting. You may even get rewarded by the gentle purring of feline contentment.

6. 
    

   Never pull or tug on a cats ears, tail, whiskers, or fur. Feet, legs, and paws are really up to the cat. If you want to gently hold/pet their feet, or paws give it a try. But beware if they are not fond of it you will know fairly quickly in the form of a scratch that could be mild or severe depending on how much they dislike it.

7. 
    

   Cats are wonderful companions. They are often amusing and have the unique ability to be very selective in who they choose to be affectionate to. If you pet your cat correctly they will come back for cuddling again and again!

[WolfTech]

on 11/25/2008 I liked this article, it's funny and yet has good tips. You are most certainly right that if the cat in question doesn't want his or her belly rubbed you will know fairly quickly! I'm not sure if my cat is just weird now, but he actually likes being patted on the head (gently of course lol), that and a nice scratch behind the ears and he's content lol.