If you’ve had the pleasure of sharing your life with a kitty, you’re likely aware that there are correct and incorrect ways to pet it. Perhaps you’ve even acquired a few scratch marks as evidence!
Petting your cat should be a mutually enjoyable experience. It helps strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion and provides a means to beat stress and anxiety. However, if you’re not petting your furball correctly, it might react by running away or exhibiting aggressive behavior.
Show concern for your four paws’ health and happiness by petting it correctly and considering being prepared with cat insurance. Pet insurance covers a frisky feline’s testing, treatments, and medications for covered health conditions with minor financial hassle, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn the correct ways to pet your kitty pie.
While your cat craves your attention and affection, it’s important not to overdo it. Be mindful of how much and how you pet your cat, as excessive or improper petting can lead to overstimulation and discomfort for your feline companion. This, in turn, may result in negative behaviors.
Expect the kitty to get up and walk away when it has had enough of petting. The reaction may be physiological and/or temperamental; if you persist, your cat may resort to biting or scratching to communicate their discomfort.
Taking breaks during your TV time to observe your cat’s response and offering interactive play or gentle strokes when it seeks affection can help maintain a positive and comfortable environment for both of you. Pay attention to your cat’s needs and respect boundaries during petting sessions.
Every cat is unique, and their preferences for petting can vary significantly. Some cats may not like full-body petting, where you stroke them from head to tail, while others may find it enjoyable. Also, some kitties may dislike having their stomach or hind legs touched, while others may be more accepting of it. Understanding your individual cat’s preferences is key to petting it correctly.
Use the “finger guide” technique to understand your furball’s petting preferences. Gently place your finger in front of your pet’s nose and allow it to guide your hand to let you know where it enjoys being petted. The kitty may direct your hand to the top of its head, the side of its face, cheek, or neck, among other areas.
Kitties have different thresholds for stimulation, and some may be more sensitive than others. Be mindful of your kitty cat’s body language and cues while petting it. Give it some space if you notice signs of agitation or discomfort, such as tail twitching, flattened ears, or attempts to move away.
This is especially important in a multi-cat household, where the owner must keep all kitties in the house petted and happy. Expect agitated kitties to take out their anger on one other and wreak havoc inside the house as well. This is one reason why you should consider being prepared with cat insurance.
Contemplate purchasing pet insurance so you have a medical financial backup to lean on during distressing health situations with minor economic burden.
