5 Facts You Must Know Before Petting A Cat

Illustration of why cats like to be petted and which part they like to be petted (iStockphoto)

YOGYAKARTA – Some cats like to be stroked or petted on the stomach, some others bite when they are petted. Well, it turns out that cats have reasons to accept, like, or refuse caresses. Therefore, know the facts so that they are not wrong.

1. Cats like to be petted because the sensation is the same as being cared for by their mother

Most cats are social animals. They communicate with other cats by petting, rubbing, and grooming one another. This action sends pheromones to other cats that help them identify each other and communicate.

When cats love being petted by humans, launches The Spruce Pets, Wednesday, July 27, because it provides the same pleasurable experience as being petted by its mother. The mother cat licks and grooms the kitten to keep it clean. The love hormone, oxytocin, spikes in both mother and child during this action. This experience causes cats to also like to be petted by humans.

Sometimes cats also return love by rubbing their heads against your feet or other parts of your body. But some cats choose otherwise, for reasons of points below the explanation.

Illustration of why cats like to be petted and which part they like to be petted (iStockphoto)

2. Cats don't like to be petted because they rarely interact with humans

Maybe one time, you meet a cat who likes to be petted on the stomach. But in other experiences, you'll find a cat that hisses or is alert when approached. Both include individual cat preferences. But the environment in which they live has a big influence on the cat's behavior.

For example, wild cats, they will be fierce if petted. This is because they rarely interact with humans and live more with other feral cat colonies. Although there are also wild cats that are tame and like to be petted or petted. But some cats are fickle, sometimes fond of being petted but occasionally hissing, growling or clawing when petted.

3. How to pet a cat

If you are new to a cat, let the cat come to you. It is very important especially to bond closely with you. A cat may feel threatened if you approach or chase it. So, make them believe first, then can stroke it.

To avoid aggressive behavior, such as scratching, biting, or hissing, let your cat recognize you first by smell. Try to sit down and show that you are not a threat to them.

4. Avoid directly stroking his back

Cats are usually intolerant of strangers stroking their backs. So avoid this if you don't bond closely with cats. When petting him, pay attention to communication signals and body language. Stop petting your cat if he is tense or away from you.

5. Caress where they like

After making contact with a cat, such as through smell. You can try petting him where he likes. These include, both sides of the face, the top of the head, the neck, under the chin, along the sides of the body, the shoulders, and along the back to the tail. Avoid petting their belly, legs, thighs, and tail because they don't want these areas to be touched.

If the cat enjoys the caress, they may start purring, squeezing, and even drooling. You need to know, certain parts of the cat's body when petted make it comfortable. Well, if they're feeling affectionate, they might roll over to the side and expose their belly. This is a sign that they are relaxed and comfortable.