Why doesn’t the cat want to be petted?
Just like people, cats also have their own personalities. The cat that doesn’t want to be petted he may have a shy nature or have some problem that causes him not to accept, let alone seek, physical contact.
The secret is to find the right balance, which varies from feline to feline, between looking after and respecting other people’s spaces. Certainly, as independent as he is, the cat needs attention, but he also has his own character and nature that must be taken into account.
The more you know your furry friend, the more you become the perfect human dad or mom. If we are at the first experience with a pet, then it is good to let your veterinarian or an expert ethologist advise you. Let’s not make the mistake of thinking that our rules also apply to a species which, although domesticated, is however very different from man.
My cat is elusive
The cat who doesn’t want to be petted just might not get used to the contact human. Indeed, like all living beings, when he is born, after a phase of symbiosis with his mother, he needs to learn to interact with the world around him, respecting all the players involved. The first lessons come thanks to the closeness with the one who gave him life and with his little brothers, then – slowly, slowly – he broadens his horizons and explores what lies beyond family protection.
This stage is called socialization and greatly affects Miao’s disposition. An elusive feline, unaccustomed to pampering may not know the subject and pull back for mere fear of the consequences. If, on the other hand, contact with bipeds takes place from the first weeks of life, it is more probable that empathy towards humans is more spontaneous and immediate.
It is no coincidence that i Stray cats who live in solitary areas, are more shy than those who are used to the comings and goings or, even, by those who are used to having a ‘mixed’ family until after weaning (if not before due to abandonment or sudden deaths of the mothers ).
Traumatized Cat Behavior
The more socialization takes place over the months, the more difficult it is to recover and make Micio trust you. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It’s about having a little more patience learn to interpret the language of cats correctly and what it means to adopt a traumatized cat or, more simply, less accustomed to contact with others.
To win over a cat who doesn’t want to be petted, the first step is understand the reasons which push him to isolate himself or even to become defensive and aggressive. In this regard, it may be useful to know more about the possessive aggression of the cat. Most of the time, in fact, it is a question of fear, fear of what is not known.
In other cases it is alone question of character which we have a duty to respect without expecting anything that is not natural or that we learn gradually, without unnecessary traumas that are often difficult to overcome.
Experts have shown, for example, that insisting on the same point over and over is counterproductive. The memory of our four-legged friend works by associations. These can be positive or negative, but contributing to the formation of the latter does not lead to anything good. On the other hand, they are the pleasant experiences that must be induced, perhaps even with ad hoc training from puppyhood.
Knowing where not to pet the cat is essential for avoid certain areas and focus on others more prone to experimentation, if we want to call it that. The cat’s ears, especially their position, tell us a lot about Miao’s state of mind. If they’re backwards, for example, it’s best to postpone cuddling; if he, on the other hand, has just woken up, in one of the sleeping cat positions that indicate well-being and security, we could find him in yes.
My Cat Is Not Affectionate
The cat that doesn’t want to be petted anymore may have a some discomfort, momentary or otherwise, that caused him to change his behavior. Contacting an expert ethologist in feline behavior could help unravel the skein, otherwise we can proceed by degrees and attempts, without forcing the steps and forcing.
Sit on the ground, at his own level so that he doesn’t feel physically overwhelmed, can be a first step in attempting a gradual approach. If he approaches, but is still hesitant, try offering him a succulent snack or playing a fun game. In this way he will associate us with positive sensations and will no longer have a reason to fear us. If, on the other hand, he wants to leave, let’s not insist and respect his timing.
Many People Have Also Asked Us
When it comes to Miao’s mental and physical health, doubts and uncertainties of responsible owners are the order of the day. This is why it is important to rely on specialized medical and behavioral personnel. Among the most frequently asked questions are these.
Why Doesn’T My Cat Sleep With Me Anymore?
In these cases – in which there is a before and an after, a change in the interaction – it is possible that our four-legged friend has suffered a trauma. Fireworks, loud noises, changing routines are all situations that can make your cat stressed and shy. Creating a relaxing situation and talking to the cat in a way that makes him feel protected and safe could help. The watchword is always and in any case “patience”, it is a matter of gaining Miao’s trust.
If Your Cat Doesn’T Want To Be Petted, When Should You Worry?
The cat that doesn’t want to be petted might as well have some health problem causing him pain or discomfort. There are cases, in fact, in which even the most delicate physical contact can cause discomfort. Here then is that our four-legged friend hides under the bed or chooses more isolated parts of the house.
If we succeed without forcing, the ideal would be to check that the cat has no wounds or signs of external trauma. In any case it is always important to ask for the intervention of the trusted vet in order not to worsen, even if unintentionally, a condition of malaise.
If your cat has always been very affectionate and loves being stroked but you have suddenly noticed changes in this behaviour, it is probably is injured or in pain. If the change has been drastic, it is best to take him to the vet to diagnose any disease.
If we notice a sudden change in Miao’s demeanor, we will investigate as soon as possible. Better an extra visit and be reassured, than neglect a problem that grows over time and becomes more difficult to eliminate.
