Most pets have favorite places on their bodies where they like to be scratched or petted. But there are also areas where most cats or dogs to hate To be touched. Learn about the good, the bad, and the go-to places to pet cats or dogs with our handy infographics. We’ll also see how to know when enough is enough and it’s time to quit pets.
No! Not here!
Let’s see where is usually located first not a good place to touch a cat or dog, hopefully saving you both some angst. Dogs generally don’t like to be touched on the top of their head or on their muzzle, paws, paws or tail. Cats also don’t like having their paws, paws, or tails touched, and unlike dogs, their bellies are a no-go area. There are a number of reasons why these areas could be off limits to your pet, including sensitivity to touch or that they make your pet uncomfortable or vulnerable.
Ahhh, this is the place!
So where are the best leg-shaking spots? Cats generally like to be petted along their backs, around their cheeks and the base of their ears, and under their chin. For dogs, where the tail meets the upper back is a particularly good place for a scratch. They also love tickling under the chin and rubbing on the back of their neck near their collar. And of course, the good old belly rub is one of almost every dog’s favorite places.
Read the signs of when to stop
Too many good things are possible, which is why it’s important to read your pet’s body language while giving them pets. If they’re not comfortable with the area you’re touching or if they want to do something different, they’ll let you know quickly through their posture, facial expressions, and maybe even low or low grunts. rapid whistles. Of course, running away from you is another clear indicator that you’re in the wrong place or they’ve had enough.
If you have a cat And a dog, it is important to know that some of their body languages have very different meanings. For example, a lying dog with its belly exposed is a submissive greeting or an invitation to rub its belly. However, this is a self-defense posture for a cat as it allows it to have all of its paws ready to react to a threat (i.e. it is not an invitation for a belly massage).
Tails also exhibit different signals between cats and dogs. A wagging (or whipping) tail on a cat suggests that a potentially unpleasant interaction is about to occur while a relaxed, friendly cat will hold its tail high. On the other leg, a wagging tail on a dog is usually a friendly sign, but a dog with a high tail signals restlessness and possibly aggression.
Hugs are good for both of you
Petting cats or dogs can not only make them purr with joy, but also help relieve stress for their owners. Petting a dog can lead to lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate, and one study found that just 10 minutes of petting with a dog or cat reduced levels of cortisol (a key stress-related hormone) in dogs. students. Blows and rubs are also a good opportunity to give your cat or dog a calm, not-so-obvious checkup to make sure they don’t have any bumps, bumps, ticks, or other health problems.
Where to pet a cat
We’ve taken the guesswork out of where cats like, like and hate to be petted with this handy infographic. But remember that every cat is different, so these go/don’t go places may not be right for all cats.
Where to pet a dog
Dogs have more “Yes!” than cats, but there are still areas where dogs prefer not to be touched. Discover all the good and not so good spots here. But keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to all dogs – you need to learn the right places for your dog.
Every animal is different, and while one dog likes having the base of its tail scratched, another does not. Over time, you will get to know your pet’s favorite spot and which body parts to avoid. And if you meet a new pet, always ask the owner about the best place to pet their dog or cat (and if it’s okay to pet them in general).
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