The Best Places to Pet a Cat

When you pet your cat, it helps to form a bond between the two of you and improve your relationship. Pet your cat in places on its body that it naturally prefers, in a calm environment, so it enjoys these sessions with you and does not become aggressive. Use a light, gentle touch and give your cat a food reward to encourage this interaction and improve your cat's socialization.

  1. Face

    • Of all the places on your cat's body that it prefers you pet it, the face contains the spots your cat finds most pleasurable. In a 2002 study published in "Anthrozoos," an academic journal featuring articles about human-animal relationships published by the International Society for Anthrozoology, researchers found that cats preferred that you stroke them in the region between their eyes and ears. This area, also called the temporal region, contains a scent gland that cats use to mark us and other objects as "good" and "safe." Cats also enjoyed being stroked on the cheeks, the top of the head, and around the chin area. When petting your cat in these areas, always use a light, gentle touch.

    Body

    • On the body, cats prefer that you pet them on their back and chest. If a cat rolls over and allows you to pet its chest and stomach, very sensitive areas, it is communicating its trust for you. Unless the cat rolls over and lets you pet its tummy, do not forcibly pet this area, since the cat may bite you or become agitated. Cats generally do not like you to pet them around their tail or back legs, according to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Before stroking your cat's body, allow it to smell your hand and start petting it around its head, progressing to its body, always stroking its coat in the direction of the hair growth.

    Body Language

    • While petting your cat, watch its body language to determine the places on its body it prefers you to touch. If, while stroking your cat, it begins to purr, drool, fall asleep or blink very slowly, this means it enjoys the places and the way you are petting it, states the Petfinder website. A cat can easily become agitated if you pet it in a place it does not like and will begin to flatten its ears, swish its tail, growl or hiss. Stop petting your cat if it exhibits any of the signs of aggression, since it could bite or scratch you. For introverted or more wary cats, give them a food reward, such as a cat treat, to reward good behavior and positive body language.

    Considerations

    • Touching and petting your cat communicates your affection to your pet, establishing a human-animal bond. Some cats prefer you to pet them in certain areas of your home, away from any stressful situations, such as the presence of another pet. Certain cats may benefit from a gentle massage to help relieve stress, relax them, and increase their mobility, especially in older pets. If your cat reacts with severe aggression or cries of pain to your petting, take it to a veterinarian to check for any medical problems that may exist.