Is there a right way to pet a cat?

To pet a cat is easier said than done. While this might look like a simple and enjoyable activity
for both the owner and their pet, it isn’t straightforward. Cats are sensitive creatures, and if
you’re going to touch them, you better know what you are doing.
If you are reading this, you are most likely a cat lover and probably own one as a pet. But how
much do you know about your cute feline friend? For instance, did you know that cats have a
supplementary organ that allows them to taste scents? When it comes to cats, there is much to
learn.
What if we told you that cats developed meowing as a way to communicate exclusively with
humans? What does that tell you? Cats enjoy being pets to humans too. However, if we are to
keep these beautiful creatures as companions, we must understand them. It is necessary to
know where cats love to be touched or if they even like being touched at all. This knowledge will
help improve your human-to-cat interaction and build a better relationship with your pet.

How to touch a cat?
Before you pet a cat, you must understand how to approach the cat. When touching a cat, it is
essential to apply some self-restraint and allow the cat to come to you first. This is an excellent
way to prevent the cat from feeling attacked. As a general rule, when touching a cat, less is
more! Even the most social and friendly cats get exhausted from too much touching.
It is always best to watch and see how they respond to your touch.
Paying attention to the cat’s body language will tell you if they’re comfortable or not. For
instance, if your cat remains relaxed while you pet it, and after a while, it begins to stand and
change its position, this may indicate that it is done with touching. Letting them go at this point
will reinforce trust and prevent them from avoiding your company later in the future.

Where to pet a cat
Most cats enjoy petting. To provide them with pleasure, gently scratch the regions where their
scent glands are located. These areas include the base of their ears, under their chin, and
around their cheeks. Next, you can playfully stroke along their back to help them relax.
However, some areas like the paws, tails, underbellies, and whiskers are best avoided. This is
because the hair follicles on the feet, tails, underbellies, and whiskers are super sensitive to
touch. Therefore, any attempt to pet cats in those areas can be overly stimulating.

How to pet a cat: Other ways to bond
While it is true that petting — stroking, scratching, and gently touching — is pleasurable to the
cat, there are other ways to bond with your feline friend.
You can engage your cat in some physical activities to keep them active. It is believed that
keeping your cats active during the day will help them sleep better at night. To do this, you can
get some toys that could help your cat simulate a real-life hunt for prey, which can help build
your bond with your cat.

How to pet a cat: Conclusion
Touching and petting your cat in the right spot and the right way could help build a strong bond
with your feline companion. In addition to this, engaging your cat in outdoor activities for
enhanced blood flow, body temperature, and regulated sleep patterns is also helpful for
bonding.
These outdoor activities often require using the right toy. Here at AYPETS, we understand the
role of toys in helping you improve your loving relationship with your cat. As a result, we offer a
plethora of toys tailored specifically for cat’s needs to help you train and bond with your adorable
feline companion.