Imagine it’s snowing outside, you’re sitting on a cozy couch, and reading a favorite romantic novel. But right in the middle of reading, you felt a warm and furry touch on your arm. Yes, your beloved cat with her adorable face, constantly nudging your hand until you start petting her.
It’s a common scenario for many cat owners, but have you ever stopped to wonder why your cat is always seeking your affection? Is it just because she loves you, or is there something deeper at play? Well, dear reader, you don’t have to rack your brains now!
Because through this article, we’ll provide you with all the answers you seek. So, relax, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of felines, where your cat always needs petting!!
Why does my cat always want to be petted
If you have a cat, you probably know how much they love to be petted. But do you know why they always crave your touch so much? You may be thinking, “because my kitty loves me so much ?!” Is that so? Well, there are a few reasons why your little tabby constantly wants you to pet her.
- Your cat loves your attention and affection: Just like how we humans crave love and attention from our loved ones, cats also are no exception. They also desire our affection all the time. When you pet your kitty, you make her feel safe, comfortable and happy. She knows you care for her and she trusts you.
- She wants to mark you with her scent: Cats have scent glands on their paws, cheeks, chin, and forehead. So, when they rub their face on you, or make you pet them, they leave their scent on you and mark you as their territory. It’s like she wants to tell other cats or pets that “this hooman is belongs to me!!”
[a must watch video: Signs your cat imprinted on you]
- She wants to strengthen the bond between you two: Just like other mammals, cats are also highly social creatures. They form strong attachments with their owner. When you pet her, you communicate your love and respect for her. At the same time, you also stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and trust between you and your furry friend.
- Your cat wants to soothe areas she can’t groom: We all have to admit that cats are very clean animals, and they groom themselves regularly. However, there are some areas that they can’t reach, such as the top of their head, behind the ear, or the base of their tail. When they nuzzle or headbutt you, they are asking you to help them out by petting those hard-to-reach areas.
What happens if I don’t pet my cat
Now you already know why your little companion seems to constantly demand your attention for pets and scratches. But you may be wondering what will happen if you don’t pet your feline friend.
Well, if you skip petting your cat for some moments, it won’t have any immediate consequences. But there are some things to keep in mind if you neglect your cat’s need for affection.
One consequence of not petting your cat is that they may become more anxious or depressed. Because cats often use physical touch to comfort themselves, and without this they may feel more isolated and stressed. This may lead to behavioral issues such as hiding from you, or aggressive behavior.
Another consequence is it can damage your bond with them. Cats may start to associate you with negative feelings if they feel ignored or neglected. This can strain your cat-human relationship over time.
Petting your kitty is not only a way to show your love and bond with your whiskers friend, but also a way to improve both of your health and well-being. Despite their independent and aloof nature, cats still need attention and affection from their owner.
Some of you may think that your cat doesn’t care whether you pet them or not, but you would be wrong.
They are highly social creatures, and always crave for physical contact as well as stimulation from their owner. If you don’t pet your cat, you could definitely harm their mental and physical health, and your own as well.
How to pet a cat correctly
Cats are wonderful companions that can bring joy and comfort to their owner. If you didn’t read our previous article then do visit ‘Why do I get so happy when I see my cat’. Well, petting a cat may seem like an easy-pissy and simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid accidentally stressing out or even hurting your kitty.
Whether you are a new cat owner or just want to make sure you are doing it right, here are some effective tips for correctly petting a cat-
- First, let your cat sniff your hand and see if they are interested in being petted. If they rub their head or body against you, that’s a good sign. But if they hiss, growl, or move away, then give them space. Respect their choice and don’t force them to interact with you.
- If the cat is receptive, gently stroke their head, chin, cheeks and ears. These are the areas they usually enjoy when you scratch there. Avoid touching their whiskers, eyes, nose and mouth. Because these are their sensitive areas and it may irritate them. Just like a RED ZONE!!
- Move your hand slowly down their back and tail, following the direction of their fur. Some cats like having their tail stroked, while others may find it annoying. So, pay attention to their reaction, and stop if they twitch or flick their tail.
- Avoid touching their belly, paws, and legs unless you know they like it. These are vulnerable areas that cats may perceive as a threat if you touch them. Some cats may tolerate or even enjoy belly rubs, but others may bite or scratch you if you try, or you don’t have close bonding with them yet.
- Watch for cues that tell you when to stop petting. Such as, flattering their ears, dilating their pupils, tensing their body, swishing their tail, biting or scratching you. These are signs that the cat is overstimulated or annoyed, and wants you to leave them alone.
To pet a cat correctly, you need to understand their body language, respect their boundaries and find out what they like or dislike. Before you end your petting session, try to give them treats or a toy for positive reinforcement.
Sometimes it can be difficult for us to treat our cat by reading those monotonous lines! So for your convenience, we provide you a visual representation to understand properly how to pet them. Let’s see what a cat owner tells us about ‘The Right Way to Pet a Cat’.
Conclusion
So, that’s it. Everything we’ve known about why our kitty cat always wants us to pet her. Besides, we also have ideas about what would happen if we don’t pet a cat, and how to pet them properly.
Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that petting your cat is an important part of your bond and relationship with them. By taking the time to pet her, understanding her needs, and providing her with the love and care she deserves will strengthen your connection.
So go ahead, give your furry friend a good petting session and cherish the moments of joy and affection that you share together!!
And of course, don’t forget to share that moment with us in the comment section, we’d love to hear from you!