Difference between revisions of "Pet a Cat"
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| − | Petting a cat may sound simple, but for children or people who haven't spent much time around cats, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of approaching and touching a cat. Petting in the wrong spot or using too much force or speed can agitate some cats, causing them to bite or scratch. Experts recommend letting it happen on the cat's terms: seek permission to touch her, and let the cat have control over the interaction. There are a few places where it's hard to go wrong: areas where cats have scent glands are perfect for petting. Spreading their scent imbues their environment with a familiar smell, which in turn makes them feel happy and content.<ref>http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/four-places-to-pet-your-cat-and-one-to-leave-alone?page=2</ref> Knowing where to touch, and when to stay away, can help ensure that both of you enjoy a little cat-human contact. | + | Petting a cat may sound simple, but for children or people who haven't spent much time around cats, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of approaching and touching a cat. Petting in the wrong spot or using too much force or speed can agitate some cats, causing them to bite or scratch. Experts recommend letting it happen on the cat's terms: seek permission to touch her, and let the cat have control over the interaction. There are a few places where it's hard to go wrong: areas where cats have scent glands are perfect for petting. Spreading their scent imbues their environment with a familiar smell, which in turn makes them feel happy and content.<ref name="rf1">http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/four-places-to-pet-your-cat-and-one-to-leave-alone?page=2</ref> Knowing where to touch, and when to stay away, can help ensure that both of you enjoy a little cat-human contact. |
[[Category:Cats]] | [[Category:Cats]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*If she shows no interest in your hand or just stares at it suspiciously, reconsider your intention to pet her. Try some other time when the cat may be in a different mood. | #*If she shows no interest in your hand or just stares at it suspiciously, reconsider your intention to pet her. Try some other time when the cat may be in a different mood. | ||
#*However, if the cat sniffs your hand, meows, and then rubs her chin or the side of her head against it, or brushes the side of her body on you, chances are she is open to being touched. Open the palm of your hand and softly touch her body. | #*However, if the cat sniffs your hand, meows, and then rubs her chin or the side of her head against it, or brushes the side of her body on you, chances are she is open to being touched. Open the palm of your hand and softly touch her body. | ||
| − | #Wait for the cat to bump her head against you. When a cat bumps her head into your hand, it's a signal she wants attention.<ref>http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/my-cat-from-hell/videos/how-to-properly-pet-your-cat/</ref> If you are busy at the moment, at least pet her once or twice, to let the cat know you aren't ignoring her. | + | #Wait for the cat to bump her head against you. When a cat bumps her head into your hand, it's a signal she wants attention.<ref name="rf2">http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/my-cat-from-hell/videos/how-to-properly-pet-your-cat/</ref> If you are busy at the moment, at least pet her once or twice, to let the cat know you aren't ignoring her. |
#Pet the cat once if she jumps into your lap and lies down. See if she fidgets. If she does, it may be that she just wants to lie there and relax, as humans are a great source of body heat. If she doesn't fidget, you can continue to lightly stroke her spine or in the spots described in Part 2. | #Pet the cat once if she jumps into your lap and lies down. See if she fidgets. If she does, it may be that she just wants to lie there and relax, as humans are a great source of body heat. If she doesn't fidget, you can continue to lightly stroke her spine or in the spots described in Part 2. | ||
#Pet a cat when she's on her side. Cats love to be petted when they are on their sides. Lightly stroke the side that is facing up. If it meows or purrs, it may communicating enjoyment. | #Pet a cat when she's on her side. Cats love to be petted when they are on their sides. Lightly stroke the side that is facing up. If it meows or purrs, it may communicating enjoyment. | ||
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#*Tail twitching | #*Tail twitching | ||
#*Fidgeting | #*Fidgeting | ||
| − | #*Growling or hissing<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/petting-induced-aggression</ref> | + | #*Growling or hissing<ref name="rf3">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/petting-induced-aggression</ref> |
===Focusing on Areas with Scent Glands=== | ===Focusing on Areas with Scent Glands=== | ||
| − | #Start with a soft chin-scratch. Use your fingertips or fingernails to gently rub the chin, particularly where the jawbone connects to the skull. It's possible the cat will push into your stroke or jut out her chin, both signs of enjoyment.<ref | + | #Start with a soft chin-scratch. Use your fingertips or fingernails to gently rub the chin, particularly where the jawbone connects to the skull. It's possible the cat will push into your stroke or jut out her chin, both signs of enjoyment.<ref name="rf1" /><ref name="rf4">http://www.cat-world.com.au/General-Cat-Articles/how-to-pet-a-cat.html</ref> |
| − | #Focus on the area between or behind the ears. Use the pads of your fingers and apply gentle pressure. The base of the ears is another scent-marking spot for cats. If she bumps her head against you (called "bunting"), she's marking you as hers.<ref | + | #Focus on the area between or behind the ears. Use the pads of your fingers and apply gentle pressure. The base of the ears is another scent-marking spot for cats. If she bumps her head against you (called "bunting"), she's marking you as hers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Pet the cat's cheeks just behind the whiskers. If the cat likes this, she may rotate her whiskers forward, effectively asking for more.<ref | + | #Pet the cat's cheeks just behind the whiskers. If the cat likes this, she may rotate her whiskers forward, effectively asking for more.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Gently run the back of your hand along the side of face. Once the cat is warmed up, use your middle finger to stroke the cat's "mustache" (just above the upper lips) while encircling her whole face and stroking the top of head with your thumb. The cat is yours. | #Gently run the back of your hand along the side of face. Once the cat is warmed up, use your middle finger to stroke the cat's "mustache" (just above the upper lips) while encircling her whole face and stroking the top of head with your thumb. The cat is yours. | ||
#Stroke the cat from forehead to tail. Pet the forehead, then run your hand from forehead to the base of tail, going from head to tail repeatedly. Massage her neck muscles by pinching gently. Apply gentle pressure and make it a continuous, slow motion. Work only in one direction (forehead to tail), as some cats do not like back-to-front strokes. | #Stroke the cat from forehead to tail. Pet the forehead, then run your hand from forehead to the base of tail, going from head to tail repeatedly. Massage her neck muscles by pinching gently. Apply gentle pressure and make it a continuous, slow motion. Work only in one direction (forehead to tail), as some cats do not like back-to-front strokes. | ||
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#*If the cat likes what you're doing, she'll arch her back to add more pressure to your hand. When you bring your hand back to where you started, the cat may rub her forehead firmly against your hand to encourage you to do it again. If the cat puts her ears back, cowers away from your hand, or just walks away, stop petting. | #*If the cat likes what you're doing, she'll arch her back to add more pressure to your hand. When you bring your hand back to where you started, the cat may rub her forehead firmly against your hand to encourage you to do it again. If the cat puts her ears back, cowers away from your hand, or just walks away, stop petting. | ||
#*You can scratch gently as you bring your hand down along the cat's back, but don't stop at one spot and scratch there. Keep your hand moving. | #*You can scratch gently as you bring your hand down along the cat's back, but don't stop at one spot and scratch there. Keep your hand moving. | ||
| − | #*Apply a little pressure at the base of the tail, though with caution. This is another scent gland area, and there are cats that like getting scratched right here.<ref | + | #*Apply a little pressure at the base of the tail, though with caution. This is another scent gland area, and there are cats that like getting scratched right here.<ref name="rf1" /> Others, however, have a habit of suddenly snapping their teeth at your hand when they've had enough. |
===Learning What to Avoid=== | ===Learning What to Avoid=== | ||
#Keep your petting from the head to the tail and don't switch directions. Some cats do not like getting stroked from tail to head. | #Keep your petting from the head to the tail and don't switch directions. Some cats do not like getting stroked from tail to head. | ||
#Don't pat the cat. Some cats enjoy it, but some don't, and if you're not used to being around cats, you're better off not experimenting unless you want to risk a bite or scratch. | #Don't pat the cat. Some cats enjoy it, but some don't, and if you're not used to being around cats, you're better off not experimenting unless you want to risk a bite or scratch. | ||
| − | #Stay away from the tummy. When cats are relaxed, they might roll onto their back and expose their belly.<ref>http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-you-shouldnt-pet-your-cats-belly/</ref> Don't always take this as an invitation to rub their tummy, as many cats don't like that at all. This is because in nature cats must be careful to protect themselves from potential predators (as opposed to dogs, who are more confident in this regard – and love having their bellies scratched). The stomach is a vulnerable area where all the vital organs are located, so lots of cats will instinctively bare teeth and claws if touched here.<ref | + | #Stay away from the tummy. When cats are relaxed, they might roll onto their back and expose their belly.<ref name="rf5">http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-you-shouldnt-pet-your-cats-belly/</ref> Don't always take this as an invitation to rub their tummy, as many cats don't like that at all. This is because in nature cats must be careful to protect themselves from potential predators (as opposed to dogs, who are more confident in this regard – and love having their bellies scratched). The stomach is a vulnerable area where all the vital organs are located, so lots of cats will instinctively bare teeth and claws if touched here.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Some cats do like it, but they interpret it as an invitation to play rough or wrestle with claw-grabbing and scratching. They'll wrap their claws around your hand or arm, bite it, and scratch at it vigorously with their front and back paws. This is not always an attack; it's how some cats "wrestle." | #*Some cats do like it, but they interpret it as an invitation to play rough or wrestle with claw-grabbing and scratching. They'll wrap their claws around your hand or arm, bite it, and scratch at it vigorously with their front and back paws. This is not always an attack; it's how some cats "wrestle." | ||
#*If a cat grabs you with its paws, hold still and let the cat disengage her claws. If necessary, reach over with your other hand and gently pull the paw back to unhook the claws. Cats often scratch deep when they don't intend to if their claws get stuck. They use claws to hold and grab, so when the message is for you to stop moving your hand, they'll stop if you stop. | #*If a cat grabs you with its paws, hold still and let the cat disengage her claws. If necessary, reach over with your other hand and gently pull the paw back to unhook the claws. Cats often scratch deep when they don't intend to if their claws get stuck. They use claws to hold and grab, so when the message is for you to stop moving your hand, they'll stop if you stop. | ||
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*Many cats don't like being petted near the tail. To see if yours does or not, pet her there and if she flinches, hisses or meows uncomfortably or angrily, it is a warning to stop. Avoid touching her near that area, and warn guests to do the same. | *Many cats don't like being petted near the tail. To see if yours does or not, pet her there and if she flinches, hisses or meows uncomfortably or angrily, it is a warning to stop. Avoid touching her near that area, and warn guests to do the same. | ||
*If it's your cat you're petting, it's a good idea to be sensitive to changes in her reaction to your established petting routine. An area that's normally okay to pet might become painful to the cat due to some new wound or other health condition. Your cat can meow or withdraw – or even scratch or bite – if you are petting a newly sensitive region. Outdoor cats are especially prone to abscesses due to encounters with other cats. If you discover a painful area or an abscess, take your cat to the vet. | *If it's your cat you're petting, it's a good idea to be sensitive to changes in her reaction to your established petting routine. An area that's normally okay to pet might become painful to the cat due to some new wound or other health condition. Your cat can meow or withdraw – or even scratch or bite – if you are petting a newly sensitive region. Outdoor cats are especially prone to abscesses due to encounters with other cats. If you discover a painful area or an abscess, take your cat to the vet. | ||
| − | *Petting a cat can release stress-reducing relaxation hormones,<ref>http://windermeremedicalcenter.com/how-your-pet-can-help-manage-your-well-being/</ref> lower your blood pressure, and reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke.<ref | + | *Petting a cat can release stress-reducing relaxation hormones,<ref name="rf6">http://windermeremedicalcenter.com/how-your-pet-can-help-manage-your-well-being/</ref> lower your blood pressure, and reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke.<ref name="rf4" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
