What are safe petting zones?
Most cats like to be pet from what I call the collar-up. They like to be scratched under their collar—it’s kind of like at the end of the day when behind your bra strap it really itches a lot. It probably feels good like that. Try petting them up around the ears and sometimes on the ears, giving them little noogies in the ears. The side of the cheeks and under the chin they love. They’ll sometimes enjoy the chest, but not so much below the collar.
In fact, I made a really funny chart at one point that shows that the safe petting zones for your dog are pretty much everywhere. Anywhere you touch a dog, they’re thinking, “oh yes, this is awesome!” And then the safe petting zones for your cat are much different. The safe petting zones are mostly limited to the collar-up, and sometimes at the base of the back, on the tail.
I think a lot of people who aren’t familiar with cats will walk up to their cat or an unknown cat and just pet down their back. Maybe that’s because they’re trying to stay away from the mouth because they’re scared of being bitten, I’m not sure. But cats much prefer the collar-up zone.
So your bonding tip: when you’re petting your cat, stay collar-up and he will enjoy it more. And refer back to our Bonding Tip from a couple months ago, about the 5-second petting rule. Only pet for 5 seconds and then wait to see if your cat wants you to continue.
So until next time, keep calm and purr on!
What Cats Are Really Into Bonding Tips of the Month are created in cooperation with Molly DeVoss, Certified Feline Behavior Specialist and Cat Behavior Consultant, and Vitakraft Cat Treats.
Please visit www.vitakraft.us/cats to learn more about Vitakraft’s collection of small-batch cat treats packed with healthy and flavorful ingredients in the shapes, flavors, and textures your favorite feline will love. Plus, find the best tips for cat owners to strengthen the bond with their cats. Follow Vitakraft on Instagram @VitakraftUS or on Facebook@VitrakraftUS, and tag your pets enjoying Vitakraft Cat Treats.
For more information on Molly DeVoss, Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist, go to:
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