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Scientific Guidelines to Pet a Cat

Photo Credit: Dr. Marty Becker

Researchers have become curious as to why we are able to pet cats one minute and then they swipe you away the next.

Cats were first known as pest control. They weren’t really regarded as a house pet until around 4,000 years ago, but it appears as though their minds are still wired like their ancestors, the wildcat. Wildcats live solitary lives and communicate with each other through visual and chemical messages so that they can avoid having to see each other.

As a result of this, cats have to learn to enjoy human interaction between two and seven weeks old. Research shows that our personalities, gender, regions of the cat’s body that we touch, and how we generally handle cats all play a role in how the cat responds to our affections.

Science indicates that we need to give cats a choice and control over situations. We can’t just assume they want to be petted. Let them indicate where they enjoy being petted and learn from their cues when they no longer want to be stroked. This is a tough concept for humans who will need to learn some self-restraint.

We must learn to ensure that they are comfortable. As a rule of thumb, less touch is more. Most cats like to be touched where their facial glands are located, especially near their ears, under their chin, and around their cheeks. They prefer this over their stomach, back, and their tails.

It’s important to respect the boundaries that your cat has set. They may tolerate your petting them, but most would prefer to be left alone. They are set in their ways and humans need to learn to understand that. But if you feel them nudging you or purring constantly while being patted, you will know that your cat is accepting your love and affection.

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