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Petting cats allows owners to bond and show affection to their pets, but if your pet snaps every time, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Cat behavior experts have found that cats are struck on the direction of their fur, around their legs, the sides of their bodies, and the throat area.
If your pet allows you to pet these areas, he will likely tolerate the procedure in hopes of getting food afterwards.
said Dr Lauren Finca, the expert from Nottingham Trent University BBC Science Focus The best way to pet a cat is only around its face, such as the cheeks, the base of the ears, and under the chin.
Petting cats allows owners to bond and show their pets affection, but if your pet snaps every time, you’re probably doing it wrong.
“This is most likely because these areas of the face have a lot of skin glands that produce the scent,” Finca told the BBC.
“Cats are highly motivated to use these areas to spread their scent, so it is likely that these areas intrinsically feel very nice to be stimulated.”
It has long been believed that the ancient Egyptians first brought cats as pets around 3,600 years ago, but recent advances in DNA testing show that they were alongside humans around 10,000 years ago.
However, cats were seen as royal in ancient Egypt, as they wore jewels and fed on food made for the king.
Today they are the second most popular pet in the world after dogs.
Cats are known for being cuddly, curious, and loyal, but they also have a mischievous side that tends to come out when petted incorrectly.
“When it comes to petting, it’s best to remember that cats as a species are not inherently social or touchy,” said Finka.
She explains that many pet owners may not know that cats also hate belly rubs.
Dr Lauren Fenca, an expert from Nottingham Trent University, told BBC Science Fox the best way to pet a cat is just around its face, such as the cheeks, the base of the ears and under the chin.
This is because they feel vulnerable, their vital organs are exposed, and they can perceive soft stroking as a threat.
Finka also highlighted that just because your furry friend rubs against you doesn’t mean he wants to be handled, but she shared some signs you should look out for.
When cats get upset, they may turn their heads sharply toward our hands. Or they may turn their heads to look at us. They may simply freeze or stop actively encouraging interaction (such as stopping purring), Finka said.
Your cat’s ears will be turned to one side, appearing flat on her head, licking her nose, or her fur wavy.
Another sign of discomfort is if your cat begins to wag its tail or twitch.
“These relatively subtle indications happen often in many of the cats I notice I am affected by, but people usually tend to under-emphasize them — or misinterpret what they actually mean,” said Finka.
However, her research has shown that the opposite happens when you massage your cat around her face.
“This is likely because these areas of the face have a lot of skin glands that produce scent,” said Finka.
“Cats are highly motivated to use these areas to spread their scent, so it is likely that these areas intrinsically feel very nice to be stimulated.”
Experts reveal you may be petting your cat wrong – which is why she’s attacking you