A scientific guide to petting cats (full version)

Many of us may have encountered a cat that seemed to be super friendly and liked being petted one second, but suddenly bit or punched the person the next. At this time, it is easy to blame the cat, but in fact it may be that we are petting the cat in the wrong way .

Don't touch me! | Giphy

To understand why this is the case, we first need to understand the ancestors of cats. Perhaps the ancestors of domestic cats (African wild cats) were only used as animals to control rats , but nowadays, cats are regarded as important companions and even "fur babies".

This shift in the relationship between humans and cats occurred about 4,000 years ago, slightly later than "man's best friend" - the dog. Although such a long time seems to be enough for them to become more "social", this is not the case for domestic cats. Their genetic differentiation is relatively mild , in other words, domestic cats still retain the habits of their ancestors and think like their ancestors.

African wildcat, photographed at Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa | Wikipedia

Wild cats live alone and invest a great deal of time and energy in communicating indirectly , through visual and chemical messages, just to avoid encountering each other , so it is unlikely that domestic cats will inherit the complex social skills of their ancestors .

Humans are a social species by nature . We like to be close to each other and show affection through touch. We are easily attracted to baby-like features - big eyes, wide foreheads, small noses and round faces, which is why most people find cats cute . Therefore, when we see a cat or kitten, our first reaction is to touch, hug and rub it all over. But for cats, human behavior makes them a little bit overwhelmed .

Small round face, big eyes | SOOGIF

Cat's reaction

While many cats do enjoy being petted and will even choose us over food in certain situations, they must learn to enjoy human interaction during a relatively short sensitive period (2-7 weeks of age) .

Human characteristics also matter when it comes to the relationship between humans and cats. Personality, gender, where we touch the cat, and our overall attitude toward the cat can all affect how the cat reacts and how they respond to our affection.

Cool~~ | Giphy

In addition, when faced with unwanted physical contact, some cats may express it through violent reactions, but others may choose to tolerate it simply for the sake of food and a comfortable nest . In other words, a docile cat is not necessarily a happy cat . Cats described by their owners as "tolerant" reported higher levels of stress than cats whose owners showed through their actions that they did not like being petted.

Petting cats is a science. We need to pet cats scientifically without causing them to become stressed out. It would be best if they feel relaxed and refreshed after being petted, and we also feel satisfied after being petted.

Serve me well! | Giphy

So, how do you pet a cat scientifically?

The key is to give cats as much choice and control as possible. In other words, let cats choose whether they want to be petted, which part of their body they want to be petted, and how long they want to be petted - everything must be under their control .

Since we humans are naturally vulnerable to cute things, this method may not be easy for many people to implement. And it may require a little self-control. But it is worth it. Studies have shown that cat petting time can be longer when the cat, rather than the person, initiates the interaction first .

Hey! Come on, get up and play with me! | Giphy

When petting a cat, it is also important to pay attention to the cat's behavior and posture to ensure that they feel comfortable and not bored. When it comes to petting a cat, "less is more" . Not only when the veterinarian is treating them, but also when they are relaxing with people, they do not want to have too much contact with people .

Generally speaking, most good-tempered cats like to be stroked in areas where facial glands are located , including the base of the ears, under the chin, and around the cheeks . Areas such as the belly, back, and base of the tail are less appealing .

I wish I had more hands to pet cats~ | Giphy

How do you know if they are enjoying themselves or bored? Here are some of the iconic movements of cats when they are happy and when they are not so happy, for your reference~

Happy time sign

Tail upright, actively initiate interaction

It purrs and pushes you gently with its front paws.

Gently wags the tail from side to side while held high

Posture and facial expression relaxed, ears pointed forward

When you stop suddenly, it pushes you gently

Signs of dislike or nervousness

Turn your head away from you

Stay passive (not snoring or rubbing against you)

Exaggerated blinking, shaking the head, body movement, or nose licking

Fast and crazy haircut

Rising or twitching of the skin (usually along the back)

Swishing the tail quickly and vigorously, making sounds by tapping the tail

Ears that flatten or rotate backwards

Suddenly turns his head toward you or your hands

Whether a cat can bite, pat or scratch your hand and become an excellent "fur baby" is still controversial. Some cats like to be petted, some cats may not like it, and some cats can only passively endure the fate of being "petted".

But cats are cats after all, and it’s important to respect their boundaries (including wild cats) , even if it means only being able to admire their cuteness from afar.

Find a good friend ~ | Giphy

Compiled from:

How to stroke a cat, according to science, Lauren Finka

https://theconversation.com/how-to-stroke-a-cat-according-to-science-116025

By Lauren Finka

Translation: Mo Xuan

Editor: Yakumo

This article is reproduced with permission from Guokr (ID: Guokr42)

If you need to reprint, please contact [email protected]

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