A Stray Cat Question...How to pet a cat?

Question

How do you properly pet a cat? Are their certain spots they dont like?

Oh this cat is totally comfortable wth me it eats from my hands

Answer 1

Cat's love to have their heads scratched. Try scratching it's head for a moment and then pet it from head to tail. My cat loves this and will then spin around and put it's head under my hand so I'll do it again. They generally don't like you to pet against the grain of their hair. Most are protective of their stomachs and paws, but there are always exceptions. My friends' cat will lay on it's back all day and let you rub it's tummy.

When you first meet a cat it is good to just put your hand out and let it sniff you and and rub on you. A cat will show you how it likes to be pet and also let you know what it doesn't like. Unlike a dog, a wagging tail is not a good sign, it means the cat is becoming irritated and may swipe at you. This could happen if are petting it in an unfriendly manor or if you are preoccupied while petting it, or if it is laying comfortably and you are invading it's space, etc...

Answer 2

A LOT of cats don't want their feet, legs, tail or belly touched because they look at that as an attack.

You're usually ok with scritching the top of the head, the underside of the chin, the shoulders and stroke down the back. Watch the cat when you do these, they'll let you know if they feel uncomfortable about anything. If they object, then don't pet them there. It's a trust issue, you have to be 'ok' for them to let you pet everywhere.

Answer 3

First, you make sure the cat is comfortable around you. Some cats don't like to be petted and will bite/scratch if you touch them. Put your hand near the cat's face so he can smell you. If he responds positively, it's time to pet.
Most cats have 'no-no' areas they don't like petted, such as their paws and their tails, so don't touch them there. Also, most cats LOVE their backs and heads petted, and will let you pet their belly once they get used to you. (There are exceptions, however--my cat is very sweet and will let anyone pet him anywhere, as long as they're gentle. Also, some cats hate being petted everywhere but at a certain place, like the head, or even in different rooms, like in the corner of your bathroom.)
Slowly stroke the cat and watch her face. If she closes her eyes, purrs, or does something to show she likes it, keep petting.
Good luck! :D

Answer 4

You've got a lot of good responses already, but I thought I'd add my $.02. :)

Cats are individualized. My two cats both love being scratched behind their ears or rubbed on their tummies. They also like to be scratched on their back right by their tails.

However, my boyfriend's cat hates to be touched anywhere but on her head. My ex-boyfriend's cat hated to be scratched near her tail.

Just pet very gently at first and see if the kitty reacts positively or negatively before you pet more firmly.

Answer 5

Stroke
From the top of its furry little head to the tip of its frisky tail, stroking your pet's fur can elicit purrs (or sighs) of satisfaction.

Rub Belly Nothing hits Spot in the right spot like a good belly rub
Or under the chin and skratch the side of ear

Answer 6

well if its a sray cat i would not pet it unlessx it comes to you and shows its ok to touch it that way it dont bit or claw you. then i would stick to the head back and tail they dont really like being held like babies. dont try to touch the tummy they dont like it unless it lays in your lap on its back and wants you rubb the tummy. also if you want this stray as a pet its always good to leave a little food milk and water outsound so that it no's it has a place for food and keeps coming back. take it slow.

Answer 7

You should keep in mind some stray cats carry diseses if not fleas so be careful and wear a glove

Answer 8

if it's a stray just hold your hand out and let him pet himself... then continue from there watch their necks though if they are apprehensive...