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Posted on 10/08/2013 10:23:25 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows
If you really love your cat, don’t stroke it.
Researchers say that the pets become stressed if they’re constantly petted.
Animal behaviour experts discovered that cats released hormones linked to anxiety when they were handled by humans.
In fact, the tests appeared to show that no cats enjoyed being stroked.
Some were prepared to tolerate it – but they were the individuals that showed the highest levels of distress.
The researchers concluded that genuine cat lovers should avoid constantly petting their feline friends to spare their feelings.
-snip-
The research also dispelled the popular belief that cats are solitary creatures who struggle to live happily together in groups.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Exactly. And if ours is on the bed with me, and I am only petting him with ONE hand, he pulls the other one in to be sure he’s getting the full quality experience.
They're fickle like that.
Why not just avoid having them in your family entirely?
Agreed. Our cats come and go all day long, but are sure to demand a brushing each time they come in. They get brushed 4-6 times a day, if not more.
Cats love it when you scratch right where the tail attaches to the body. They can’t reach that area, also inside the ears.
When they want petted, they like being petted. When they don’t want petted, petting them just makes them angry. I won’t restate my theory about guys being like dogs and women being like cats here.
My guess is that they forced themselves on a bunch of cats that weren’t in the mood.
:))
Yup.
I think the article might make sense. Not much for cats, but we always had several growing up. Cats want you to “rub them”, in face, near ears, neck. Since they mark their territory and property (e.g. you) by rubbing in this way, it follows that it’s why they encourage you to rub them there. What the article is talking about seems to be handling, e.g. picking the cat up, or holding them while stroking their fur (e.g. back, belly). As the article points out, many cats will tolerate this, some are not happy. Very few that I’ve seen actively seek this out... and some respond by either trying to escape, or clawing/biting.
Where do I need to apply for a grant so I can do a study why dogs like to go walking and chase sticks, balls or Frisbees?
Our cats love to be petted. If we sit down in one of our lawn chairs, you can bet one or both will be there wanting attention.
I think most people on this thread will heartily agree that almost no one purposely includes a cat in their family. They invade, both your home and your heart, in the way only a cat can. I personally have never sought out a cat-person for my home.
Guess this guy never tried to read a book with a cat around. My cat will purposely put himself between my book and my face.
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It must be my imagination that they lay on my hands while I’m on the computer, rub against me, are glad when I get home, can’t stand to have a door shut against them and leap into bed to snuggle at night.
My dog has never liked to be pet. He always sits an arm’s length away.
True, they want what they want; like when my cat leaps onto my chest, claws extended, hanging on for life as he massages my chin with his head - I take it as a subtle hint that he wants me to hold him. Other times, not so much.
"Want to show your human affection? Think twice before you share your hard-fought prey with it."
Cat: What?!!!! This study is Squirrel-sh*t!!!
Best way to chill out a stressed kitten: full body stroking. I call BS.
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