IF you love the fuzzy faces, the swishy tails, and the whole never-have-to-go-outside-multiple-times-daily thing that comes along with cat ownership, you’re far from alone.

However, despite the prevalence of these furry friends in modern homes, many owners aren’t well-acquainted with how to appease their feline housemates.

“A cat is not a small dog, and they don’t want to be pet like one,” says American veterinarian Dr. Liz Bales, founder of Doc&Phoebe’s Cat Co. “Many dogs enjoy a good belly rub, but cats are an entirely different story. Cats are highly reactive to belly rubs and are likely to ‘attack’ a hand that tries to give them one. When a cat is resting and shows you her belly, this means that she is relaxed and trusts you. Make no mistake: This is not an invitation for your hand.”

In addition to avoiding their bellies, many cats will eagerly tell their owners that any part south of the neck is a no-go. “Many cats enjoy being pet on their head and neck but not necessarily any lower down on their body,” says Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinary expert with Rover.com. “A good rule of thumb with cats is to let them tell you where they enjoy being touched. They are certainly not shy about telling us what they like and what they don’t!”

If you want to play it safe, around the ears and under the chin are generally good bets.

However, as appealing as a fluffy tail might be, that’s a definite no-no when it comes to petting. In fact, if you take it from researchers at the University of Lincoln, in the United Kingdom, petting your cat on or near their tail is a surefire way to irritate them.

And never pet your cat for too long.

While giving your pet the kind of affection he or she wants — and avoiding those sore spots — can make them even more dopily grateful to you, that’s far from the only benefit. In fact, according to a review of research published in Frontiers in Psychology, petting an animal can increase oxytocin production, helping you form a closer bond with your pet, reducing stress, lowering your blood pressure, and improving your own health.

(SD-Agencies)

(SD-Agencies)