How to Pet a Cat – Things to Do and Not to Do

cat grooming

Cats are complicated creatures. They remain aloof yet crave for your attention and like dogs they need to check regularly, groom and vaccine. Their purrs melt many hearts. However, unlike dogs, you cannot just pet them anywhere. The cats are particular about where they love to be petted. Dr. Marty Becker explains the behavioral psychology behind it in this article.

In this article, we give you some pointers on where to pet your cat.

#1 Chin Base

Rub your cat gently along the underside of the chin, the area where the skull connects to the jawbone. Cats love this because the caress touches the scent glands, and it makes them feel pleasure. Rubbing the base of the chin and the cheeks behind the whiskers releases the scent of the cat onto you. With this, the cat is actually its “scent” onto you. It is known as “scent marking”.

#2 Ear Base

Going with the same idea, the base of the ear is another wonderful place to pet your cat. The process of “scent marking” helps the cat to familiarize itself with the environment and the presence of the family members. You will often see that the cat is bumping its head against you – this is known as “bunting” – the cat is marking its scent. Since the pet is with you continuously, it keeps on marking its scent on you. This gives the cat a sense of security and familiarity.

#3 Tail Base

It is yet another sweet and pleasurable point. Slowly move your palm along the base of the tail and if you notice that the purring considerably increase, you are in very good company! It means the cat is absolutely loving it. Gently increase the pressure on the base of the tail and enjoy all the purring and cuddling.

#4 Belly Rub is Danger

Dogs love the belly rubs but cats hate them. I am sure you must have tried rubbing its belly and have been thanked with scratch marks. Belly rubs draws out the cat claws. You have to understand this from the perspective of the cat. Even when a cat is your pet and it knows that the environment is secure for its wellbeing, the cat has an innate understanding of its role in the food chain, that is, a prey to other animals.

As such, they are automatically attuned to protect its belly from the predators. It is a natural defensive mechanism they received from their ancestors. It does not mean that the cat does not trust you, they are just exercising their instinct.

Keep these easy pointers in mind and always to have your cat be checked by Ivanhoe Veterinary Clinic.



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