What’s the Best Way to Pet Your Cat?

Not only is petting your cat a wonderful way to bond with your feline, but it can have a pawsitive impact on your mental health too! The best way to pet your cat will depend on their personality, breed, and life experiences. Not every kitty likes to be stroked the same way, and incorrectly petting your fur friend may cause them to become anxious or aggressive. So, what’s the best way to pet your cat? Cat in a Flat finds out! 

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Do cats like it when you pet them?

Do cats like it when you pet them? Before you can determine the best way to pet your cat, first you need to find out if it’s something your kitty will enjoy. Some felines are more affectionate than others. There are cats that enjoy sleeping on their owners or seeking out cuddles. But other kitties may easily become overstimulated by petting. They might prefer to keep their distance, or simply sit nearby instead of allowing you to pet or hold them.

The important thing to remember is that you should always let your fur friend make the first move. Mr Whiskers’ body language will show you if they want you to pet them, and sometimes even the best way to do it! 

Common signals your kitty DOES want you to pet them:

• Your feline approaches you on their own. 
• Ears are forward-facing and tail is upright. Your kitty’s tail may even have a little curl at the end. 
• Mr Whiskers rubs their face and body against your hand.
• If your kitty is purring and exhibiting relaxed body language, it’s a good sign they feel comfortable around you. 

Common signals your cat DOESN’T want you to pet them:

• Your cat avoids interacting or walks away when you hold your hand out.
• Rigid body language, ears flat against head, tail low and swishing back and forth.
• An anxious fur friend may hiss or growl if they don’t want to be petted. 

Where’s it okay to pet a cat?

Where’s it okay to pet a cat? Many cats enjoy being petted on their heads, cheeks, or behind their ears. When petting your fur friend, keep an eye on their body language and reactions. Even if your kitty generally likes it when you pet them, there could be days where they’re not feeling it or not in the mood. So, it’s important to respect their boundaries and back off when needed. Here are some areas where your cat might like you to pet them: 

1. Head and Face

• Top of the Head: Many felines find this soothing. The best approach is to gently pet the top of your cat’s head. 
• Cheeks: Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and love being rubbed here. It’s both relaxing and a bonding activity.
• Behind the Ears: A gentle scratch behind the ears is often appreciated.
• Chin: Many cats enjoy a light rub or scratch under the chin.

2. Along the Back

• Base of the Neck: Softly stroking the base of your kitty’s neck can be a very calming experience for both of you! 
• Spine: Run your fingers from the neck along Mr Whiskers’ spine and down to the tail. 

3. Base of the Tail

• Many cats enjoy being petted at the base of their tail, just above their hindquarters. Be aware that some felines can find this overstimulating, so watch your fur friend’s body language and stop immediately if they become tense or irritated.

Where NOT to pet a cat

It may not always be clear which areas it’s best to avoid petting. There are some areas that are more sensitive for Mr Whiskers. Unless you know your fur friend enjoys it, it’s usually a good idea to avoid: 

1. Belly

While your dog may love belly rubs, most felines won’t appreciate having their tummies touched. It’s best to avoid petting this area as it can be vulnerable for cats. Touching your kitty’s belly could trigger a defensive reaction—so, unless you want to be on the receiving end of your feline’s claws or teeth, it’s best to stay away! 

2. Paws

Your fur friend has a high concentration of nerve endings in their paws, which make them a particularly sensitive area. This sensitivity is one of the many reasons why you should NEVER declaw your cat; it can be extremely painful for your kitty, even after the claws are gone. But it’s also the reason why many felines dislike it when you touch their paws. 

3. Tail

You should also avoid grabbing, pulling, or overly handling your furry friend’s tail. Not only because it’s a sensitive part of their body, but because Mr Whiskers may find it stressful or threatening. 

4. Whiskers

Your kitty’s whiskers are another ultra-sensitive area that it’s best to avoid. Don’t touch or play with their whiskers. These are sensory tools, and unnecessary contact can overstimulate or irritate them, leading to ‘whisker fatigue’. 

What to do if your cat doesn’t enjoy petting

Don’t worry if your kitty doesn’t like petting, there are many other ways for you to bond and spend time with your fur friend! 

• Play with your cat daily. Interactive play is one of the best ways to bond with Mr Whiskers and build trust too.
• Use positive reinforcement. Train your kitty to do simple tricks like sit and come when you call, then reward them with treats. 
• Follow a routine. One of the best ways to keep your kitty happy is by establishing a daily routine. This means feeding, playing, and spending time with them around the same time each day. And if you’re going out of town, make sure to have a chat with your wonderful cat sitter about your fur friend’s daily routine. This way your pet sitter can aim to schedule visits for a time that works best for you and your cat! 

Want to learn more about the behaviour of our fascinating felines? Check out our blogs posts to find out how cats express love and the many reasons your fur friend likes lying on their back.