Why doesn't my cat like petting?

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 25 January 2021
Update Date: 20 November 2024
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Where to Pet a Cat? - FAVORITE PLACES and TIPS
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Each cat has its own personality and this is the most interesting thing about these animals. Some cats simply want to get away from the world, without being too fanatical about caressing and pampering, while others could be in your arms all day. Their indifference is often due to their particular nature. However, sometimes there are some obstacles that stand in the way of your affection for your pet.

It is important to know these possibilities to avoid labeling the feline an obnoxious or elusive cat. Next, in PeritoAnimal we will explain because your cat doesn't like petting, thus knowing the reasons for the physical distance of your dear pet. Maybe it's just a creature of reserved tastes.


cat socialization

You must understand that breeding, education and socialization are going to be fundamental pillars of a good part of the cat's personality. Animals raised in a loving home in which they have been constantly petted since their young age will be so much more receptive to human contact.

Likewise, if they have lived with other felines since they were small, it is likely that they are more sociable with other cats. If they have had a good socialization and have been used to receiving affection, they will stop being caressed and will enjoy being caressed.

However, cats that live in abusive environments, on the street or that have suffered some trauma (due to abuse, abandonment or illness), will be much more apprehensive and will be more cautious in the face of any kind of caress. If your human companions have never hugged you before, you probably don't want them to do so now.


If you don't know your feline's past history, you can always try to socialize an adult cat, however you should know that it is a long and complicated process, so it's worth working with a cat educator who specializes in feline ethology.

Aggressiveness and negative behaviors

You must be very attentive to this point because you may have a cat with a tendency to aggressiveness in your hands, a feline that doesn't like to be petted or simply a cat that doesn't know how to play calmly and without hurting.

Some cats don't like constant human affection and ask you to give them your space, others don't like you to constantly pet them at certain points of the body, or rather, at the same point.

Studies claim that continually stroking an area can be counterproductive, causing more unpleasant sensations than pleasant ones. The solution: don't always stay at the same spot and caress your pet's entire body. If your cat twitches its ears or scratches its hand while petting you in a particular place, it's a signal to stop and move to another area.


The best way to get the physical closeness of a cat is do not insist or force the interaction, but encourage him to want the contact. As much as your intentions are the best, avoid petting him against his will.

Start with the basics: salute him, sit at his level, reach out and let him approach you. Choose a time when you are relaxed and gradually gain their confidence. When you approach him and ask for a caress, surprise him with a prize or a kind word, your cat will associate the approach with a positive moment. At the first sign he doesn't want to, let him go. Freedom will generate security and comfort for you.

Fears and traumas

At PeritoAnimal we like to remind you that cats are very sensitive and sensitive animals who are also afraid. They suffer from situations that cause fear, such as fireworks, storms, loud sounds, strangers or strangers and many other situations. We speak of apprehension. The brain needs to be attentive and active and the caresses represent a distraction and a moment of relaxation. Often the very act of caressing them is a fright and makes them anxious in moments of tension.

The best thing in this case is to be patient with your cat and the situation, not provide contact if they don't want to and let them be themselves. Stay present but don't caress him or hold him in his arms, unless he's the one asking for it, let him adapt little by little. He will know that you are accepting your terms, this will surely have more and better effect in the future.

pain and illness

It can happen that your cat is in pain and does not enjoy the caresses because it is physically very sensitive. A gentle caress or gentle pressure can even be painful for him. If your cat has always been very kind, and suddenly changed character, it may be that something is hurting you, that you have some wound or internal discomfort. If the change was drastic, it's best to take him to the vet for a general checkup.

There are a lot of unpleasant things for cats, read our article on 13 things cats don't like.