Many cats appear to be unpredictable when being patted, one second they are lapping it up and enjoying it, the next they are attached to your arm by their claws and teeth!
Cats have 3 times more touch receptors in their skin than we do. So even petting that we consider light is quite an experience for your cat.
Most cats let us know when they have had enough, we just don’t speak cat very well and often miss them telling us to stop.
Cat body language can be very subtle. Small adjustments in whiskers, ears and tail, will indicate if they want you to continue, take a break or stop all together.
Be a master of your cats’ body language and notice the small things. As with all things in the feline world, subtle changes make a big difference, so don’t assume your cat is in for a long session just because they approached you!
We encourage you to practice the CONSENT TEST with each and every interaction:
- Let your cat come to you.
- Offer the back of your hand to the cat, if they smell your hand or move towards you, go ahead and try one stroke (many cats prefer the back of your hand and find it less threatening)
- PAUSE: take a break of at least 5 seconds and watch your cat carefully. If they are neutral or move away slightly, STOP!
- If they move towards you: repeat steps 2-3.
By stopping at step 3, your cat will learn to trust that you will not overwhelm them and be happier to hang around some more. It is a trusting relationship you are building.