How To Pet a Cat for Maximum Purrs

You've probably already noticed that your cat has preferences when it comes to petting. Learning those preferences will allow you to give your cat maximum enjoyment so that your cat will then produce maximum purrs.

Pet the Sides of Your Cat's Face

Cats have scent glands located around their cheeks and mouth, and you've likely seen your cat rub up against furniture, walls, and people. Your cat is marking the object or human as its own, and this feels extra good. That's why most cats enjoy petting along the sides of the face, for it triggers those glands as well as big purrs. You can also extend your petting down to your cat's chin, rubbing firmly right underneath. You can pet and even scratch quite vigorously along your cat's face and chin. Your cat will probably react with squeezed eyes, a lifted head, a loud rumble, and perhaps even a few silent meows, which indicate extreme pleasure.

Pet Your Cat's Head

Most cats also enjoy petting on the head. Start right between your cat's eyes, and gently work your way backwards over the top of the head. Then move outward, and rub gently, with a circular motion, at the base of your cat's ears. Start the process over if your cat is purring. Your cat might also bump its head against you, asking for more. You might think of this as something of a kitty-massage, and it is indeed relaxing to your pet. If your cat is on your lap during a massage session, though, watch out for kneading. Cats knead their paws as a sign of contentment. When they were kittens, they kneaded their mothers as they were nursing. However, most cats do tend to extend their claws when they knead, and those claws can go right into your leg. Have a blanket handy to tuck under your cat's paws.

Pet Your Cat's Back

Finally, many cats appreciate petting that starts at the shoulders and extends along the back all the way to the tail. If your cat is one of them, this kind of petting will lead to purrs, rubbing, and a tail extending straight up. Watch for warning signs, though, because not all cats enjoy being touched near their tails. If your cat's tail starts lashing, or if your cat moves away from you, stop this kind of petting. Learning how to pet your cat can greatly increase enjoyment for both of you and the bond between you.