How to pet a cat with pictures

My cat, Jericho, loves petting sessions. He purrs, and I pet him to sleep. I’m going to share with you how to pet a cat with pictures.

So your cat can enjoy some petting too!

Cats most enjoy being petted in areas rich in scent glands.

Here are the best ways to pet a cat:

• Pet the back of the neck with crab hands
• Use crab hands to pet the top of the head
• Pinch those chubby cheeks
• Cats love chin scratches
• Nose bridge petting
• Some cats like rough petting
• Chest rubs and petting

Note: Every cat is an individual. It’s best to test these and take note of what your cat likes and doesn’t like.

Never force petting.

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Pet the back of the neck with crab hands

Make a U-shape with your hand. Now make gentle pinching motions like a crab.

Do this on the back of your cat’s neck.

I’m not saying to pinch your cat’s neck. But mimic this motion gently.

You may find that your cat loves a massage in this area.

Use crab hands to pet the top of the head

Use the same crab hand gentle pinching motion on the top of your cat’s head.

Most cats enjoy being petted between the ears.

This light petting should make your kitty purr.

Pinch those chubby cheeks

Cats love to rub on things to exchange their scent.

They have many scent glands around their lips and cheeks, behind the whiskers.

Jericho loves when I pinch his chubby cheeks.

Again, I use the word pinch, but I mean a much gentler version of this motion.

Cats love chin scratches

You may notice that your cat rubs his chin on things too.

Most cats love a good chin scratch.

Jericho pushes his chin out when I scratch it.

Scratch it the same way you’d scratch an itch.

Or you can use a flat finger to glide along his chin.

Nose bridge petting

Some cats like to have their nose bridge petted.

Use one finger and gently glide up and down your cat’s nose bridge.

Be very careful not to poke his eyes.

Prepare yourself. It may feel so good that your cat moves his head up.

Some cats like rough petting

Some cats enjoy rough petting.

This can be at the base of the tail or on the face.

I’ve had a few cats that liked a light pat on the butt. Some cats will raise their butt when you pet the base of the tail.

My beloved cat, Hemi, loved his butt pats and would do somersaults for them.

Some studies have shown cats don’t like petting at the base of the tail. So you’ll have to test to see what your cat likes.

Some of my client’s cats liked it when I made a loose O-shape with my hand. Then they’d push their face through my hand.

Chest rubs and petting

Jericho is a lap cat. Most of the time he gets his massages and petting when he’s getting comfy in my lap for a nap.

Chest rubs and petting are perfect in this situation.

I usually go through this petting list start to finish to pet him to sleep.

FAQ

How do you know if your cat wants to be petted?

Studies show that cats prefer human interaction to other stimuli. But it has to be on their terms. You’ll know your cat wants to be petted if he’s coming to you for attention. Some cats rub on their owners or sit in their lap when they want to be petted. Every cat is an individual so you will have to pay attention to your cat’s body language.

What is the best way to pet a cat?

The best way to pet a cat is when your cat wants to be petted. I’ve found that cats are friendliest around mealtimes, when you come home, and when they are going down or just coming out of a nap. Start with light petting at the back of the neck, around the face, and chin. These are the most popular places where cats like to be petted.

Where do cats not like to be petted?

Most cats do not like to be petted on the belly. Cats don’t like belly touches due to instincts. Important organs live in the belly area. It’s the most vulnerable area for all of us. A cat showing you his belly means he trusts you, but it is not an invitation for petting.

However, once your cat is comfortable with you he may enjoy belly rubs. Jericho likes belly rubs while he’s getting ready for a nap. But it isn’t a good place to start with a new cat.

Most cats also don’t like paw touching. However, lightly massaging your cat’s paws while he naps can be beneficial. This is a good way to get him used to you handling his paws for claw trimmings.

Cat petting tips

• Make petting sessions a daily routine. Cats love routine.
• Keep a diary of what your cat likes and doesn’t like. Use my Cat Care Binder Bundle to keep track of everything.
• Use healthy treats or organic catnip as a reward after petting sessions.
• Go slowly and add new petting gradually.
• Use petting and massage sessions to detect sensitive areas or hair loss.
• Read your cat’s tail language to know when he’s had enough.

Cat petting chart

Final thoughts on how to pet a cat

Cats love petting in areas rich in scent glands.

The most successful places to pet a cat are the chin, back of the neck, top of the head, and cheeks.

Your cat may enjoy petting at the base of his tail and his nose bridge.

Every cat is an individual. Test these ideas out and keep a diary of what your cat likes and doesn’t like.

Never force petting sessions.

Make petting sessions a routine, and your cat will expect them.

Need more help making your cat happy? Check out my single cat household tips next!