How to stroke your cat to make them happy: Understanding their favorite spots

When stroking a cat, it makes me feel so happy. The way they purr and close their eyes... seeing a cat look so comfortable is truly soothing.

What is the best way to stroke your cat to make them even happier? Are there places where cats love to be petted, and conversely, areas they don't want to be touched?

This time, we have put together a guide on how to stroke a cat so they enjoy it, to help you enjoy more intimate communication with your cat.

Stroking your cat is an important form of communication!

If you have a cute cat right in front of you, it’s only natural to want to pet them. "Stroking" is one of the most important forms of communication between a cat and their owner.

Stroking your cat has a very significant meaning.

An expression of affection

To a cat, their owner is their "mom." Gently stroking your cat makes them feel as if they are being groomed by their mother.

It is said that when a cat strikes a pose with their bottom held high while being stroked, they are remembering the time their mother used to lick their bottom. They might sometimes insist that you keep petting them, but since it's a sign of trust, try to accommodate them as much as possible.

Building a bond of trust

The reason why stroking your cat makes you feel happy is likely due to the release of "oxytocin," known as the happiness hormone. Oxytocin is known not only to calm the mind but also to deepen a sense of trust in the other person.

Both the cat and the owner can spend a happy time together as the release of oxytocin increases for both.

Health checks

By stroking your cat every day, you can immediately notice any physical abnormalities. Finding small changes such as the presence of lumps, shedding or dandruff, skin abnormalities, or a bloated belly leads to better health management for your beloved cat.

Practice for brushing and tooth brushing

Some cats are not comfortable with their bodies being touched. By getting them used to being stroked little by little, you can make brushing and teeth cleaning go more smoothly.

It may also cause them less stress when they need to have an examination at a veterinary clinic.

Places cats love to be stroked

Cats have "places they love to be stroked" and "ways of being stroked that feel good."

For example, many cats love having their "face area" and "back" stroked, where they rub themselves against you to leave their scent. They also like having the "area under their chin" stroked, which they cannot groom themselves.

However, you must not forget that there is also a time when cats want to be stroked. Do not force them when they are in a bad mood. Also, avoid stroking them while they are eating or grooming.

Be sure to pet them when they come near you or when they are relaxed.

How to stroke a cat's "back"

Let's start with the back. Slowly stroke them from the top of their head down to their tail, following the direction of their fur. Stroking their back with your palm as if to loosen it up also has a massage-like effect.

Some cats hate having the base of their tail touched, while others love it, so please observe your cat carefully.

How to stroke a cat's "chin"

Because cats have scent glands under their chin, it's a place where dirt easily accumulates and they often feel itchy. If you stroke it as if you were lightly scratching them, they will likely give you a blissful expression. At the same time, check to see if they have any "cat acne" on their chin.

How to stroke a cat's "face area"

Since cats cannot groom their own faces or heads, this is a spot they love to have petted.

First, start with the base of the ears. Try gently kneading the base of their ears as if you were grabbing them. Then, using the pads of your fingers, stroke their cheeks, nose bridge, and forehead, following the grain of the fur. Finally, stroke from their mouth area along the line toward their ears, slightly pulling the fur on both sides at the same time.

The trick is to imagine you are the cat's esthetician.

How to stroke a cat's "shoulders"

Just like humans, cats seem to get stiff around their shoulder blades. Try massaging the back of their neck and shoulders in circular motions to work out the stiffness.

Signs that your cat is feeling happy

When you stroke your cat, you might see the following behaviors. These are signs that your cat is feeling happy, so feel free to continue stroking them gently.

• Closing their eyes
• Purring
• Flattening their ears
• Stretching their neck
• Pushing their face against you
• Holding their tail up
• Raising their hips high

Don't miss the "Stop!" sign

You'll want to keep petting your cat forever, but even they get tired. When a cat starts flicking their tail or flicking their ears backward, it’s a sign that they want you to "Stop!" Please stop stroking them.

Places cats hate to be stroked

There are "places cats do not want to be touched." Be careful, because if you try to touch them there, you might get bitten or cause them stress.

"Paws," "tail," and "belly" are places they dislike being touched

Cats dislike having their extremities, such as their paws or tail, touched, as these are highly sensitive areas packed with nerves. They also dislike having their paw pads touched, so do not force it.

They also dislike having their belly touched, as it is a vital part of their body. Unless the cat is very easygoing, they will likely only allow the owner with whom they have built a bond of trust to touch them there.

Tips for how to stroke a cat so they feel happy

To make your cat happy, stroking techniques are important, but so is building a bond of trust.

To help your cat feel truly relaxed, make sure you keep these tips for stroking in mind.

Approach them while speaking to them

Instead of starting to stroke them suddenly, approach them slowly from the side or behind while speaking gently.

When stroking a cat that is timid or one you are meeting for the first time, first hold out your index finger in front of their nose to let them sniff it and "greet" you.

Do not suddenly stroke their head

Cats are cautious of things that are higher than them. If you reach out from above to stroke their head, they might feel scared and run away.

Approaching from a low posture while talking to the cat and gently stroking their back first will help them feel safe.

Find how your cat likes to be stroked

Every cat has their own preferences for how they like to be stroked. Some love long, slow strokes, while others prefer to be stroked in a ticklish way. Some cats dislike the sensation of being grabbed and prefer to be stroked using the back of your hand.

Find your cat's favorite way to be stroked.

Summary

Cats have places where they love to be touched and ways they like to be stroked. Also, since there are times when they want to be petted, try to put your cat first when engaging in physical contact.

Knowing how to stroke your cat also allows you to notice any physical abnormalities quickly. Spend a happy time with your cat while observing how they are doing.

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