Although we love to show affection to our cats - and they often love to receive it, when it comes to being stroked and petted, most of them appreciate brief periods of interaction. Being handled and touched can be an acquired sensation for cats! Socialising and handling kittens from a young age (2-7 weeks) and beyond, can help them learn to enjoy physical interaction and attention from you.
Although we love to show affection to our cats - and they often love to receive it, when it comes to being stroked and petted, most of them appreciate brief periods of interaction. Being handled and touched can be an acquired sensation for cats! Socializing and handling kittens from a young age (2-7 weeks) and beyond, can help them learn to enjoy physical interaction and attention from you.
Of course, all cats have their own character and their own preferences. While some love being stroked, others prefer a chin tickle. Some are lap cats, and others are just as happy to sit by your side on the sofa.
If you’re not sure where to begin with your cat interactions and handling, our ‘Happy Cat’ expert, Dr Lauren Finka, has produced these ‘CAT’ guidelines for interacting with your cat:
Let’s look at some dos and don’ts for handling your cat.
The most important thing when it comes to interacting with your cat is to understand their body language. Get to know when they are ready to interact with you and understand when they really want to be left alone.
If you do need to pick up your cat, always make sure they feel safe and supported underneath (with one hand supporting their chest and the other supporting their rump), and avoid dangling them in the air. Do not scruff your cat, i.e. grab them by the skin at the back of the neck. Be careful and gentle when placing them on the ground too - some cats may be keen to jump or wriggle out of your arms from a height, but try to avoid this to prevent any injury.
When stroking your cat, always let them approach you, and then gently stroke them around their head. On the top of the head, around the cheeks, the base of the ears, and under their chin may be favourite spots!
As well as making sure their resources (food, water, litter tray, comfy bed and toys) are always nearby, use FELIWAY Optimum to support your cat’s serenity. Plug it into the room where you interact with your cat to create a relaxing environment for them.
Remember how much bigger you are than your cat! They could see you as a threat, so try to get down to their level if possible, or sit beside them on the sofa. They will feel less intimidated that way, especially if they are just getting to know you.
Be mindful of scent – avoid wearing strong smelling perfume, for example, as cats have a sensitive sense of smell and may find this aversive.
Did you know it is possible to train a cat? Training can help your cat tolerate activities such as handling in different situations – grooming, nail clipping, visits to the vet, etc. Regular, short training sessions will help your cat to adjust to being handled regularly.
Children will get excited around cats and want to touch and hold them! So teaching them to be gentle, to stroke in the right places, and to avoid picking cats up or squeezing them is essential!
If your cat reacts differently to your normal interactions, and they seem uncomfortable with the way you would normally handle them, it would be wise to contact your vet as there may be a medical reason, such as a painful area, which could be the cause.
Stroking a cat at the base of their tail or their belly can provoke negative responses, so refrain stroking in these areas. Signs that they are not wanting to be touched can include:
However, different cats will respond in different ways, so get to know your cat and only handle them when you see positive signs.
Choose the right time and place to handle your cat. Make sure you create a calm environment and that there are no sudden noises which could startle them.
Consider your cat’s personality and needs, and don’t assume they want to be petted just because you want to. They may prefer some time playing together rather than being stroked, or they may prefer to sit close to you, rather than on your lap. Find out what your cat’s likes (and dislikes) are.
If your cat shows signs that they are not comfortable with being handled, do not force or reprimand them, as this will make the situation worse. Cats don’t like to be restrained, so allow them to move away when they want to. Having a choice is important!
Avoid areas that your cat doesn’t like being touched. E.g. cats generally do not like to have their belly touched, even if they feel comfortable enough to show it to you. Be aware that the base of a cat’s tail is very sensitive, so even if your cat appears to be comfortable with you touching this area, you should be gentle, otherwise this interaction can become unpleasant for them.