Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Build trust
• Method 2 of 2: Finding your cat's spots
• Tips
• Warnings

Cats are inscrutable creatures. They sneak around your legs and stroke them for a pat, but when you pet them they bite you and run away. To make sure you don't upset the cat or get bitten, take a moment to get to know your cat's quirks when it comes to petting. Your cat will love you more!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Build trust

1. Take it easy. When you approach a new or unfamiliar cat, don't go straight to pet it. Cats don't really trust strangers, just like people. Couple this fact with the fact that you are ten times the size of a cat, and you will understand why he may be afraid of you at first.
2. Let the cat come to you. When the cat wants your attention, it will let you know. When you enter a room with an unfamiliar cat, go your own way until the cat approaches you and indicates that it wants your attention.
   • Your cat calls for your attention if it rubs your legs, purrs, rubs its head or cheek against you, gets on your lap, or meows at you.
3. Start small. When dealing with a new cat, it is better to start scratching the head between the ears. Do not immediately start petting all over the body, tickling ears, or stroking tails until the cat is completely used to you, and you know the cat's boundaries the other way around.
4. Do not pet a cat when it is lying on its back. A cat sometimes rolls over on its back, exposing its stomach to you and looking at you as cute as possible. For many people this is an invitation to rub the cat's stomach. But it is, in fact, a sign that the cat is showing submission to you and that he is confident that you are not intruding on his personal space. To betray his trust and reach for the cat's belly is asking to be bitten and scratched.
   • While some cats really like to be petted on the stomach, most don't. If an unfamiliar cat rolls onto its back and stares at you, it is likely performing the "belly trap." You will be bitten or scratched if you try to pet it.
5. Recognize an irritated kitten. Most people are attacked by cats when trying to pet them due to a miscommunication. Just because a cat approaches you doesn't mean it wants affection from you. A cat may approach you to sniff you and study you when it wants to play with you or because it is hungry. Some signs that the cat is not in the mood for affection are:
   • Flat ears
   • Enlarged pupils
   • Quickly hit with the in the air or on the ground
   • Don't purr
   • Constantly shifting and twitching
   • Growling or blowing

Method 2 of 2: Finding your cat's spots

1. Try it by trial and error. Every cat is different and likes different cuddly patterns. Some cats love when you scratch their ears, while others won't allow you to touch them. For that reason, you will need to pet your cat in several places and gauge his reaction to that petting to find out what he likes or dislikes. Cats will purr and relax when they enjoy what you are doing, so pay close attention to these signals.
   • A cat will often guide you through the petting process, pushing the part of its head or body that it wants stroked against your hand. You do the petting for the cat, so let him take the lead.
2. Start with the cat's "safe zones". Touch is one of your most important means of communication. While every cat has a different set of spider zones, there are a few places where almost every cat likes to be petted. On the top of the head between the ears, under the chin, and along the cheeks are areas where most cats like to be petted, so try those areas first.
3. Go to the ears. Try rubbing and gently turning the cat's ears. Ear-focused cats also like it when you rub the ear with a knuckle.
   • Be very careful not to hurt or pull the cat too hard.
4. Stroke the cat's cheeks and chin. Cats' cheeks contain scent glands that allow the cat to leave its scent on things and mark its territory. Scratch your cat's cheeks from the whiskers back towards the tail, or gently scratch under the jaw and along the neck.
5. Try to pet all over the body. Start with the crown of the cat's head and, with the open hand, stroke the cat along the spine towards the tail.
   • This type of petting can be wonderful for the cat, but be careful.Cats can easily become overstimulated when petted in this way, causing them to bite or scratch.
6. Stroke the right part of the cat's body. Many cats love when you scratch their back and even brush their coat back briefly. Be enthusiastic when you scratch the back and at the root of the tail. It can make the cat feel great and is a good way to check for fleas.
   • Studies have shown that the tail is a metaphorical "danger zone" when petting cats. So unless you know your cat really loves it, you should avoid petting its tail.
7. Plan your stroking sessions carefully. Cats are more receptive to petting when they are relaxed and feel affectionate. Make sure to pet your cat when it wants to be petted, not just when it suits you. Cats are usually particularly receptive to petting after eating, but each cat is different. So find a time that works best for your cat.

Tips

• Cats that are reluctant or not open to human hand petting can enjoy a good brushing session. So grab a cat brush and see how the cat reacts to the brush.

Warnings

• Don't overdo it - too much of a good thing can overstimulate a cat and cause it to bite.
• Never physically punish a cat or yell at a cat if it bites you when you try to pet it. While you may not know which one, the cat had reasons for biting you. Cats don't understand that you are punishing or yelling at him in response to the biting - and most cats don't care. They will just see you as a threat or danger from then on.