If your cat is busy doing something else, like eating, sleeping or playing they are unlikely to appreciate being touched, or fussed. The same goes for if they're hiding, or in one of their quiet places. If your cat appears scared, or in pain you should generally try and avoid touching them.
Back Stroke. Stroking a finger along your cat's backbone may bring her to attention as she arches in pleasure to grab more of that good cuddly feel. Great for the grooming groove, working your hands along her back gives a cat an allover relaxation reflex, just like a backrub does for humans.
Staring at humans while they sleep is a common cat behavior, albeit a puzzling (and sometimes annoying) one. As it turns out, cats stare at people a lot, not just while they're sleeping. Cats often stare at you while you're awake for the same reasons they stare at you while you're peacefully sleeping.
Sleeping by you means your cat trusts you and feels safe around you. Cats also sleep alongside their humans as a way of bonding. If your cat curls up against you or uses you as a pillow, he may be demonstrating that he likes you and wants to be close to you.
It's Simple: Your Cat Loves You. You're not just a comfy cat bed; your cat loves you too, and laying on your chest is one way they show their love. That's what all those head butts and all that purring mean. They often do other things to get your attention too!
Cats spend a lot of time snoozing, so it stands to reason they'd want to be as comfortable as possible. Your cat sleeps on you because she loves you, wants to spend time with you and views you as a source of warmth.
They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they'll likely choose you to snuggle with. The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it's safe and secure.
Your cat's sleeping choices may just be personal. Some cats just don't feel the need to share our sleeping space, like Cuddles, who belongs to a woman I know. “Cuddles is too good to sleep with humans,” she says.
Most friendly cats will prefer being touched under their chin, around their cheeks and at the base of their ears, so try to stick mainly to these areas.
Holding on for too long can annoy them which will make them think twice before coming to you the next time. Cats are social animals and hugging them makes them feel safe. They feel protected while hugged as long as you're not forceful about it. Respect their space because like humans, sometimes they aren't in the mood.
Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they're touched or who's doing it. But generally, you shouldn't pet a cat you don't know on their stomach or extremities.
The head, chin and neck are often their favorites. While some cats enjoy having their tails touched, others will recoil and even experience pain from a tail stroke. Take it slowly, paying close attention to your cat's reactions to your touch and always respecting their preferences.
Common signals to look for include: tail swishing, skin twitching over the back, flattening of the ears, tenseness, dilated pupils, low growl, walking away and lying down. Stop petting at the first sign of any of these early warning signals.
While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner. But in contrast, "an owner's gender has a much more significant impact on the cat-human bond," she says.
They're trying to bond with you.
In cat's world, cuddle time is productive bonding time. Your kitty needs you for food, warmth, and shelter, and sometimes all they want is show you how much they love and appreciate you. Your cat's headbutts, cuddles, and purrs are all tokens of affection and appreciation.
When your cat is curled up near you, they're simply letting you know that they feel safe. This is your feline friend's way of letting you know that they trust you.
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
Scientists believe that the benefits of loving a cat may even extend to our health. Studies have shown that people are less likely to die of a heart attack if they own a cat (Adnan I Qureshi, 2009). Perhaps even more interesting are the reports of cats' purrs helping people heal.
Cats have the power to sense their owner's emotions. So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions.
THEIR PURRING HELPS TO HEAL BONES, TENDONS AND MUSCLES – A cat purring is one of the most comforting sounds in the world and while it certainly means your cat is happy and comfortable, the sound has also been long associated with a therapeutic healing ability on human bones and muscle.