June 15th, 2011
|
If you have a cat who doesn’t like petting, part of the problem may be that you’re petting the wrong area of his body. Some cats find strokes down the back to be too stimulating. Some cats don’t like their tails touched while others enjoy those long strokes right to the tail tip. The base of the tail can be too sensitive for some but not for others. Pay attention to areas of his body where he seems to fidget. Those areas may be too stimulating or sensitive. When you aren’t sure what a cat’s petting preference is you can’t just absent-mindedly pet; you have to pay attention and watch body language. Paying heed to petting preference can go a long way toward strengthening the bond between cat and owner.
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC, is a certified cat behavior consultant and author of seven best-selling books on cat behavior. Her website is www.catbehaviorassociates.com. |
See more Cats Around the House tips
See tips related by keyword:petting
Most cats will like to be stroked or lightly scratched under the chin or jaw and between their shoulder blades. Just in front of the tail is a sensitive spot. Some cats will like a very gentle “spanking” in this place and will arch their backs and stretch up. If the cat rolls over on its back, it may enjoy light chest and tummy strokes or scratches. Some cats like having their ears stroked around the base. Books on animal massage can be very helpful in finding your cat’s petting areas.
My cat CoCo prefers to be nuzzled behind her ears or stroked on the top of her head between her ears.She doesn’t like being stroked down the back and her tail is definitely off limits or the claws come out.
Thank you for all the sound advice. I’ve learned so much about cats from your tips.
I have a 2 year old half Siamese cat that doesn’t like to be petted much at all. She will tolerate it for a few minutes,then she turns around and bites me.It doesn’t matter where I pet her,she still bites. Any suggestions?
I have been around cats who will snap at you if you try to pet their back, but are just fine as long as you only pet their head, neck and shoulders. My maine coon is the only cat that has ever (in my entire life!) let me pet his belly–he even rolls over on his back so I can. It seems to be a sensitivity thing, a purr-sonal preference–some cats like it, some cats don’t. The other half maine coon half tabby cat must have his daily chin scratching session, or his day simply cannot begin.
this is very true
my cat loves attention. not necessarily petting but to be held and get hugged. He also brushed up against me. He was paw shy but I got him over that by toughing his feet.