Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Understanding your cat
• Part 2 of 3: Cuddling your cat
• Part 3 of 3: Showing affection in other ways

Lovingly strengthen your bond with your cat with a hug. Provided your cat is used to being picked up and doesn't mind being close to you, cuddling your cat can be a great way to show your affection.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Understanding your cat

1. Get to know your cat's character. Before cuddling your cat, you should get to know your cat's character. Not all cats like a lot of physical contact, and they can scratch or bite when you hug them. Make sure your cat is of the cuddly kind before trying to cuddle her.
   • Spend time with your cat. Spend about an hour a day in the same room as your cat. Pay attention to how she communicates with you. Is she cuddly and showing her affection by rubbing her head against you? Or is she more distant, being close to you but not wanting physical affection?
   • Cats that like to touch more are more likely to be picked up. It is probably safe to cuddle a friendly cat, but a cat who is more distant or shy may not enjoy being treated like this.
2. Learn the body language of cats. Even an affectionate cat will lash out when scared. Take the time to learn about cat body language so you can tell when a cat is in a positive mood.
   • When cats are satisfied, they show it with their bodies. Ears are usually set slightly forward, pupils are contracted with half-closed eyes, tails are straight up with a kink at the end, and backs are arched with a flat-lying coat. Cats will also purr or meow gently when they are happy to see you.
   • In contrast, an aggressive or fearful cat will growl or meow loudly at a lower tone. She will dilate her pupils, slap her tail back and forth, or stick it between her legs, and arch her back and keep her fur on end. You shouldn't try to hug a cat in this state.
3. Watch your cat react when you pick her up. Even friendly and affectionate cats can resist when handled. Cats are often independent animals and resist because they feel cornered. But cats that have lived with young children are often used to being carried around and will allow it. If a cat doesn't like to be picked up, she may flounder and wrestle in your arms. It may still be possible to cuddle a cat if she doesn't like to be picked up.

Part 2 of 3: Cuddling your cat

1. Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands before hugging or petting a cat. This way you can be sure your hands are free of irritants that could upset your cat.
   • Wet your hands with clean water and soap. Make sure to wash between your fingers, behind your fingernails, and the backs of your hands. Spend about 20 seconds soaping. Singing "Happy Birthday" twice may help to keep track of the time.
   • Rinse your hands with water. Dry them with a clean towel.
2. Let your cat come to you. You should never sneak up to a cat to cuddle her. You should also not surprise your cat in her sleep, during play or while eating. Let your cat come to you. Sit in the same room as your cat and wait until she wants your attention. When your cat comes up to you and starts purring and touches you with her paw, it is safe to hug her.
3. Pet your cat first. Don't start cuddling right away. This can be upsetting to a cat. Pet your cat for a while before cuddling her.
   • Stroke your cat on her back, shoulders, under her chin and behind her ears. Cats often dislike being touched on their stomachs or sides, as these are sensitive areas.
   • Talk to your cat in a soothing, calm voice so she is relaxed.
4. Hug your cat. Once your cat seems calm and content, you can try cuddling her. Take it easy and if your cat seems annoyed you should stop.
   • Some cats can jump to your chest when you are in front of them. If your cat does this, go downstairs and see if she puts her paws on your shoulders. Then lift her against your chest by lifting her back legs with one hand and supporting her back with the other hand.
   • Keep in mind that not all cats like to be picked up. If your cat doesn't want to be picked up, you can also cuddle her by putting your arms around her while she is sitting or lying down. Many cats who don't want to be picked up enjoy these types of hugs.
   • Depending on their personality, different cats like different cuddling techniques. But almost all cats like it when their whole body is supported when cuddling. Make sure her hind legs are supported. Keep one hand on her chest and support her hind legs with the other hand.

Part 3 of 3: Showing affection in other ways

1. Brush your cat. Cats love to be brushed. It helps keep their coat free of dirt and soil. Cats also enjoy brushing as it scratches areas where their paws cannot reach. Hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of your cat's neck or under her chin, need a gentle brush every now and then to keep them tangle-free. You can buy cat brushes from the pet store.
2. Pet your cat. Most cats love to be petted. If your cat doesn't like to be picked up, you can show affection by petting her every day.
   • As always, let your cat come to you. Cats don't like to be disturbed when they do other things. Cats will show you that they want to be petted by gently scratching your arms, rubbing against you, and climbing onto your lap.
   • Make sure you know where your cat wants to be petted. Some cats have specific areas on their sides and bellies where they don't want to be touched. If your cat growls or pulls away, move her to a different spot.
3. Play with your cat. Cats of all ages love to play. Most cats need 15 to 20 minutes of play time every day.
   • Cats like toys that look like prey they would hunt in the wild. Toys with fake fur and feathers can give cats a lot of fun. Tie a toy mouse on a string or buy a bird toy with something fishy fish on it so you can "fly" the bird.
   • Cats tend to be more energetic in the morning hours, so if possible, try to play with your cat when you wake up.