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.
Head, Shoulders, Cheeks and Nose
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.
Cat paw anatomy
If you've ever wondered why your cat doesn't like their paws being touched, it's actually because they're one of the most sensitive parts of their body. They're packed full of nerve receptors which enables them to feel vibrations and helps with balance.
Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says. (Read how cats know their names.)
Don't pet against the direction of their fur, from tail to head. Usually, a soft pet to the head is the best way to start. Remember, this is a gentle touch where you slide your hand along the back of the fur, not a firm pat like you might give a dog.
“The more points on a cat's body that are touching your body, the more comfortable and relaxed your cat will be,” says Mikkel Becker, a cat training consultant. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs. Picking up a cat the wrong way can cause the animal discomfort or even injury.
Avoid holding your cat in a death grip since this will cause anxiety. Lifting your cat by the scruff is never recommended. Females only carry kittens by their scruff in the first few weeks of life. Although some cats don't mind being scruffed, many find it stressful even if they do not struggle.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
So resist petting the belly even if your cat appears relaxed next to you and is in the belly-up position. This is viewed as a vulnerable spot on a cat's body and touching the belly may cause your cat to stiffen, hiss and even claw you. And avoid tapping the top of his head as you may do for your dog.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
While it's fun to learn about cat whiskers, it's best never to touch them. Whiskers play an essential role in how cats operate in their environment and stay safe and healthy.
Forehead: Very anxious cats are often extremely tight in this area, which is often linked to the appearance of wide, staring eyes and tension around the base of the ears.
Conclusion. Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Hissing, growling, biting, slashing, or digging their nails into your skin are fairly clear indications that a cat is not happy with you. Of course, some cats do play a little rough, and most cats will give a love bite now and then, but if your cat bites you hard enough to break the skin, that is one pissed-off cat.
Does my cat want to spend time with me? Your cat might follow you into the bathroom simply because they love you and want to be with you all the time. Although independent animals, felines still form close bonds with their humans and your cat even misses you when you're not around.
It is a very important and sensitive part of their body. However, if your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you. This small action truly demonstrates that you have created a great bond with your cat as they trust you enough to let you touch one of the most sensitive areas of their body.
This means before napping they may find a vantage point somewhere high up, or they might even bury their head in a basket of laundry to help give them a sense of security. Either way, they know their pretty faces are also their most vulnerable point, so it makes sense that covering them helps them feel more secure.
She recommends scheduling playtime once or twice daily, with about 15 minutes per session. Other cat health and behavior experts offer similar recommendations, with the total amount of playtime ranging from 20 to 60 minutes daily.
The scent is mainly used for bonding as well as socialising, but if you notice your cat headbutt you, then turn their head to their side or tuck it down, it's likely that they're looking for attention. A cat headbutt is a great sign, it shows that your cat trusts you enough to be up close and personal with you.
Cats are very sensitive creatures and will become overstimulated by too much petting, regardless of how much they enjoy it. Some cats are overstimulated much more easily than others and may even react violently if touched in the wrong way.
It is not uncommon for cats to dislike being picked up, even if they're generally affectionate. There are some aspects of cat behaviour which might help to explain this. And some tips to help if you really need to lift your cat. Let's go through why your cat may not wish to be picked up and held.
Don't get too close to the pink part of the nail called "the quick," where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive; cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain.