So, in which places do cats like to be petted? The head, chin and neck are often their favorites. While some cats enjoy having their tails touched, others will recoil and even experience pain from a tail stroke.
“Cats typically enjoy being touched on the head, chin, and neck,” says Dr. Carling Matejka, DVM and Spokesperson for Solid Gold. Others don't care for physical touch, and most have no-touch zones in vulnerable spots like their belly and extremities.
In addition to feeling good, this action also deposits pheromones on the rubbed-on surface. Pheromones are special scent molecules that function in animal-to-animal communication. Chin pheromones in cats are thought to be "happy" pheromones.
In general, cats prefer to be stroked along their back or scratched under the chin or around the ears. Paws, tails, their underbellies and their whiskers (which are super sensitive) are best avoided.
Massaging Your Cat's Head and Neck
Most cats love to have their heads massaged. Starting at the top of your cat's head, use the palms of your hands to go in a circular motion before moving onto the temples and cheeks. Use your fingertips to massage around and behind your cat's ears, too.
Cat scruffing takes away their sense of control: This increases their fear and stress, potentially leading to aggression. Scruffing is uncomfortable and may even be painful for the cat. Scruffing could also damage your relationship with your cat.
They can do that because kittens have a reflex in which their bodies go totally limp when picked up by the scruff—a reflex that is lost by adolescence. What is often seen as “relaxation” in a scruffed cat is actually behavioral shutdown. In adult cats, scruffing triggers fear and stress rather than relaxation.
Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they're touched or who's doing it. But generally, you shouldn't pet a cat you don't know on their stomach or extremities.
The “sweet spot” is usually at the end of the back... yes, what is basically the top of the cat's butt! Be sure to stop before you hit the tail - the tail is often off-limits! Base of the Ears: Cats have a lot of scent glands concentrated here, which means it's a good spot for petting.
If you've ever wondered why your cat doesn't like their paws being touched, it's actually because they're one of the most sensitive parts of their body. They're packed full of nerve receptors which enables them to feel vibrations and helps with balance.
It depends on the cat.
Some cats are socialized as kittens to be held and kissed, while others haven't had that exposure and might be put off by a kiss as an expression of love. So, some cats like it and some cats don't—but there are ways of detecting the category into which your feline friend falls.
But now, new research has revealed that cats love getting their head scratched so much because it reminds them of being groomed by their mother as a kitten. It also releases scent glands which can cause a pleasurable response in your cat.
You've Hit the Spot
Although elevator butt may seem rather insulting to us, it's actually the cat's very positive response to the fact that you've hit just the right spot when petting her.
Pinch-induced behavioural inhibition (PIBI), also called dorsal immobility, transport immobility or clipnosis, is a partially inert state which results from a gentle squeeze of the skin behind the neck. It is mostly observed among cats and allows a female cat to carry her kitten easily with her jaws.
Why Do Some Cats Like Belly Rubs? Of course your purring companion may have no better reason for liking belly rubs than the simple fact that it feels good. All cats have those particular spots that get them to purr like lions — the base of the tail, under the chin and for some, the undercarriage area.
Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.
A content cat will often hold their tail in an upright position with a “C-shape” or hook at the very top. They may slowly wag their tail back and forth and allow it to touch you when they are lying next to you. Sometimes they will even rattle their tail while walking when they are very happy to see you.
To be safe, avoid kissing your cat on the lips. A peck on the head is just as affectionate and carries far less chance of disease. To ensure your cat's oral hygiene, you might consider regularly brushing your cat's teeth or administering mouth wash.
Scruffing removes the option to retreat and a sense of control for the cat, which commonly results in an escalation of stress, fear, and anxiety. Lifting a cat or suspending their body weight by the scruff is unnecessary and could be painful.
Reduces stress – Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
Restraining or hugging cats can cause them to become afraid and frustrated [4]. This is a natural and common response of the cat when they feel they do not have control over a situation and can be associated with aggressive behaviour when they are irritated or restrained [4].
Using your fingers, lightly grasp its front legs. Raise the cat slowly upwards, and press it gently against your body. Gently hold its chin with your other hand. Stop immediately and let the cat go if it begins to act aggressively again.
Cats are already intolerant of human forms of punishment, but physically dominating a cat will break your bond with her. Never hold down, shake or hit your cat. Physically harming your cat can actually make the situation worse and cause her to lash out or become withdrawn.