Difference between revisions of "Hug a Cat"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
=== Understanding Your Cat === | === Understanding Your Cat === | ||
#Get to know your cat's temperament. Before attempting to hug your cat, get to know your cat's temperament. Not all cats enjoy a lot of physical contact and could scratch or bite if hugged. Make sure your cat is the affectionate type before attempting a hug. | #Get to know your cat's temperament. Before attempting to hug your cat, get to know your cat's temperament. Not all cats enjoy a lot of physical contact and could scratch or bite if hugged. Make sure your cat is the affectionate type before attempting a hug. | ||
| − | #*Spend time with your cat. Spend an hour or so a day in the same room as your cat. Pay attention to how she interacts with you. Does she tend to be snuggly and affectionate, rubbing her face on you? Or does she tend to be somewhat standoffish, sitting near you but not wanting much physical affection?<ref>http://www.petsafe.net/learn/how-to-hug-your-cat-maybe</ref> | + | #*Spend time with your cat. Spend an hour or so a day in the same room as your cat. Pay attention to how she interacts with you. Does she tend to be snuggly and affectionate, rubbing her face on you? Or does she tend to be somewhat standoffish, sitting near you but not wanting much physical affection?<ref name="rf1">http://www.petsafe.net/learn/how-to-hug-your-cat-maybe</ref> |
| − | #*Cats that are more touchy-feely tend to be more relaxed about being picked up and handled. It's probably safe to try and hug a friendlier cat, but one that seems standoffish or shy may dislike being handled in this fashion.<ref | + | #*Cats that are more touchy-feely tend to be more relaxed about being picked up and handled. It's probably safe to try and hug a friendlier cat, but one that seems standoffish or shy may dislike being handled in this fashion.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Learn about cat body language. Even a warm and affectionate cat will lash out when frightened. Take some time to learn about cat body language so you can gauge when a cat is in a positive mood. | #Learn about cat body language. Even a warm and affectionate cat will lash out when frightened. Take some time to learn about cat body language so you can gauge when a cat is in a positive mood. | ||
| − | #*When cats are happy, they show it with their body. Ears are generally forward slightly, pupils constricted with eyes half closed, tails straight up and curled on the top, and backs arched with fur flattened. Cats will also purr or meow quietly when happy to see you.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_communication.html</ref> | + | #*When cats are happy, they show it with their body. Ears are generally forward slightly, pupils constricted with eyes half closed, tails straight up and curled on the top, and backs arched with fur flattened. Cats will also purr or meow quietly when happy to see you.<ref name="rf2">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_communication.html</ref> |
| − | #*Conversely, an aggressive or frightened cat will growl or meow loudly in a lower pitch. She will dilate her pupils, thrash her tail back and forth or tuck it between her legs, and arch her back and stick her fur up. You should not try to hug a cat in this state.<ref | + | #*Conversely, an aggressive or frightened cat will growl or meow loudly in a lower pitch. She will dilate her pupils, thrash her tail back and forth or tuck it between her legs, and arch her back and stick her fur up. You should not try to hug a cat in this state.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #See how your cat responds to being picked up. Even friendly and affectionate cats might resist being picked up. Cats tend to be more independent animals and often resist feeling confined. However, cats who've lived with young children are often used to be carried around and will allow it. If a cat does not like being held, she might thrash or squirm in your arms. You might still be able to hug a cat who dislikes being picked up, but you'll have to do so without holding her.<ref | + | #See how your cat responds to being picked up. Even friendly and affectionate cats might resist being picked up. Cats tend to be more independent animals and often resist feeling confined. However, cats who've lived with young children are often used to be carried around and will allow it. If a cat does not like being held, she might thrash or squirm in your arms. You might still be able to hug a cat who dislikes being picked up, but you'll have to do so without holding her.<ref name="rf2" /> |
=== Hugging Your Cat === | === Hugging Your Cat === | ||
#Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands before hugging or petting a cat. You want to make sure your hands are free of any irritants that could upset your cat. | #Wash your hands. You should always wash your hands before hugging or petting a cat. You want to make sure your hands are free of any irritants that could upset your cat. | ||
| − | #*Wet your hands with clean water and lather with soap. Make sure to lather between your fingers, behind your fingernails, and the backs of your hands. Spend about 20 seconds lathering. It can help to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to keep track of time.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/</ref> | + | #*Wet your hands with clean water and lather with soap. Make sure to lather between your fingers, behind your fingernails, and the backs of your hands. Spend about 20 seconds lathering. It can help to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to keep track of time.<ref name="rf3">http://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/</ref> |
| − | #*Rinse your hands under water. Dry them with a clean towel.<ref | + | #*Rinse your hands under water. Dry them with a clean towel.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Allow your cat to come to you. You should never sneak up a cat to hug her. You should also not bother your cat when she's sleeping, playing, or eating. Allow your cat to come to you. Sit in the same room as your cat and wait until she decides she wants your attention. When your cat comes up to you and begins purring and pawing at you, it's safe to hug her.<ref>http://www.pet360.com/cat/behavior-and-training/do-cats-like-to-be-hugged/f0Mk4it370y86orS_7RZxg</ref> | + | #Allow your cat to come to you. You should never sneak up a cat to hug her. You should also not bother your cat when she's sleeping, playing, or eating. Allow your cat to come to you. Sit in the same room as your cat and wait until she decides she wants your attention. When your cat comes up to you and begins purring and pawing at you, it's safe to hug her.<ref name="rf4">http://www.pet360.com/cat/behavior-and-training/do-cats-like-to-be-hugged/f0Mk4it370y86orS_7RZxg</ref> |
#Pet your cat first. Do not go straight into the hug. This can be jarring for a cat. Spend a few moments petting your cat before hugging her. | #Pet your cat first. Do not go straight into the hug. This can be jarring for a cat. Spend a few moments petting your cat before hugging her. | ||
| − | #*Pet your cat on the back, shoulders, under the chin, and behind the ears. Cats tend to dislike being touched on the stomach or sides, as these are vulnerable areas.<ref | + | #*Pet your cat on the back, shoulders, under the chin, and behind the ears. Cats tend to dislike being touched on the stomach or sides, as these are vulnerable areas.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Talk to your cat in a calming, gentle voice so she's relaxed.<ref | + | #*Talk to your cat in a calming, gentle voice so she's relaxed.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Hug your cat. Once your cat seems calm and happy, you can try to hug her. Do so slowly and if your cat seems aggravated stop. | #Hug your cat. Once your cat seems calm and happy, you can try to hug her. Do so slowly and if your cat seems aggravated stop. | ||
#*Some cats might jump up on your chest if you stand in front of them. If your cat does this, try leaning down and see if she puts her hands up on your shoulders. Then, gently lift her towards your chest by raising her back legs with one hand and holding her back in place with the other. | #*Some cats might jump up on your chest if you stand in front of them. If your cat does this, try leaning down and see if she puts her hands up on your shoulders. Then, gently lift her towards your chest by raising her back legs with one hand and holding her back in place with the other. | ||
#*Remember, not all cats like being picked up. If your cat resists being held, try hugging her by just putting your arms around her when she's sitting or lying down by her. Many cats that dislike being picked up enjoy these kinds of hugs. | #*Remember, not all cats like being picked up. If your cat resists being held, try hugging her by just putting your arms around her when she's sitting or lying down by her. Many cats that dislike being picked up enjoy these kinds of hugs. | ||
| − | #*Cats prefer different hugging techniques depending on their personalities. However, almost all cats prefer their full body be supported during a hug. Make sure her bottom legs are supported. Try to keep one hand on her chest or back and another supporting her back legs.<ref | + | #*Cats prefer different hugging techniques depending on their personalities. However, almost all cats prefer their full body be supported during a hug. Make sure her bottom legs are supported. Try to keep one hand on her chest or back and another supporting her back legs.<ref name="rf1" /> |
=== Showing Affection in Other Ways === | === Showing Affection in Other Ways === | ||
| − | #Brush your cat. Cats enjoy being brushed. It helps keep their fur free of dirt and debris. Cats also may enjoy the sensation of brushing as it itches places they cannot reach with their paws. Hard to reach spots, like the back of your cat's neck or under her chin, might occasionally need a gentle brushing to keep these areas free of mats. You can get a cat brush at a local pet store.<ref | + | #Brush your cat. Cats enjoy being brushed. It helps keep their fur free of dirt and debris. Cats also may enjoy the sensation of brushing as it itches places they cannot reach with their paws. Hard to reach spots, like the back of your cat's neck or under her chin, might occasionally need a gentle brushing to keep these areas free of mats. You can get a cat brush at a local pet store.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Pet your cat. Most cats enjoy being petted. If your cat dislikes being picked up, you can show affection by petting her each day. | #Pet your cat. Most cats enjoy being petted. If your cat dislikes being picked up, you can show affection by petting her each day. | ||
#*As always, let your cat come to you. Cats dislike being interrupted while they're doing other things. Cats will show you they want to be petted by gently scratching at your arms, rubbing up against you, and climbing in your lap. | #*As always, let your cat come to you. Cats dislike being interrupted while they're doing other things. Cats will show you they want to be petted by gently scratching at your arms, rubbing up against you, and climbing in your lap. | ||
