If you are trying to warm up to a new cat and are unsure about where it might like to be petted, here are a few places that most cats love to be petted. Matthew Wildman, Client Service Manager for the New York Pet Help Program of The Humane Society of the United States reminds us that all cats are individuals and you should pay attention to their body language to know if they are truly enjoying the attention.
#1 – Chin
One of the first place Wildman recommends you try is the chin. “This is an area that cats will often groom each other and most cats are receptive to petting there,” he says.
#2 – Back of Head
Like the chin, Wildman says most cats like a good head scratch, which is another place cats groom each other.
#3 – Back
Some cats do like being stroked down the back. Wildman follows this with a bit of caution, however. “[Some] may react defensively when stroked on the back.”
#4 – Base of Tail
There is something about a nice scratch at the base of the tail that makes almost every cat arch up and purr. It may have something to do with the fact that it is a hard to reach spot for the cat.
#5 – Chest
Softly stroking your cat’s chest can calm them down. Though, like the back of the head, some kitties may not enjoy this one.
#6 – Cheeks
If you stroke your cat right behind his whiskers, you may find he reacts by moving his whiskers forward and rubbing into your hand. Most cat’s love it when you stimulate that spot, which has scent glands.
#7 – Ears
There is something about the ears–most animals love to have them scratched, and cats are no exception. Tip: if your cat moves away quickly, shakes his head, and/or acts painful, he could have an ear infection.
#8 – Belly
Wildman cautions that the LEAST liked spot on a cat is the belly. “Petting a cat’s stomach will more often than not lead to scratching of the person as the belly is the most vulnerable surface on the cat’s body and, consequently, most cats are uncomfortable being pet there.” There are cats that like it, but they are a minority.
