Cats like gentle slaps or pats on their lower back because it stimulates a high concentration of nerve endings there, triggering pleasure and potentially releasing dopamine and oxytocin, mimicking soothing maternal grooming, relieving itches, or even signaling trust and comfort, though it's a very individual preference and can be painful if done too hard or if the cat has feline hyperesthesia.
"Pleasure points Cats have pleasure points along their spine, especially in their lower back. Petting these areas can trigger a pleasurable response, which may cause cats to raise their hindquarters. Nerve endings The base of a cat's tail has many nerve endings, so petting this area may be especially enjoyable.
Hyperesthesia is an extreme sensitivity in an area of a cat's skin, almost always on the back, and often in the area right in front of the tail. This condition is often noticed when owners go to pet this area and their cat suddenly reacts.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
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 Physically harming your cat can actually make the situation worse and cause her to lash out or become withdrawn.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone, offer treats or toys, initiate slow blinking, give space if needed, and respect their boundaries for physical touch, focusing on actions and tone over words to rebuild trust and affection. Don't force interaction, as they respond to reassurance and positive experiences more than human language.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Signs your cat has imprinted on you include following you everywhere, kneading you (making biscuits), rubbing against you (bunting), slow blinking, bringing you "gifts," grooming you, and showing you their vulnerable belly as a sign of deep trust and seeing you as family. They'll also greet you excitedly, sleep near or on you, and communicate with you using unique vocalizations.
Do Cats Really Need Baths? In most cases, no, you really don't need to give your cat a bath. Cats do an extremely good job of keeping themselves clean and their coat and skin benefit from natural oils you don't want to wash away. However, there are times when it may be helpful or even necessary to bathe your cat.
According to feline experts and veterinarians, a cat that “freezes” when you pick them up by the scruff of their neck is experiencing a learned helplessness response, which should not be confused with their being relaxed and content. In fact, it's quite the opposite: The cat is likely feeling pain and fear.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Biology: The base of a cat's tail is loaded with nerve endings. This is a very sensitive area, and gentle pats or scratches can lead to the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. Trust: Because this is such a highly sensitive area, it's a sign of trust when your cat allows you to give them butt pats.
The least favourite petting spots are near the tail, the tummy and the back legs. Many cats have a low tolerance for touching in these areas, and, if your cat associates discomfort with petting, she may avoid you altogether. So don't annoy your cat!
Rosemary and lavender are good for helping you and your feline friend relax. Neroli and chamomile also have a particularly calming effect. However, the following scents are not particularly suitable for cats: cinnamon, clove, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus.
Put down chicken wire - cats hate walking on it.
Reasons cats hate dogs
For example, a dog's wagging tail is universally seen as a sign of friendliness and fun. But cats can view it as a sign of aggression or agitation. Another example is a dog's ears. Dogs can flap their ears and pin them back when they're scared, while cats see it as aggression.
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
The answer is that while cats don't hold grudges in the human sense, their short term memory and long term memory allow them to remember negative experiences and adjust their behavior accordingly. This could last anywhere from a few hours to much longer, depending on the severity of the experience.
Often the best way to deal with a defensively aggressive cat is to simply avoid him until he calms down. Animals of many species strive to expel or keep out other individuals from their territory, and cats are no exception.
“Usually, cats tend to seek physical contact to apologize, meaning they intend to rectify the situation through physical interaction, such as rubbing against their owner's legs, purring, and making subtle and delicate movements on top of their human.
Use positive reinforcement to reward positive interactions.
Positive reinforcement, given consistently, can be a great way to build your cat's trust and communicate that she's done something good. It's also a great way to train your cat to do anything, including tricks…