Do Cats Actually Like Being Pet? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Truth About Cats and Petting: A Love-Hate Relationship?

So, you're sitting there, petting your cat, and you think, "Does she actually like this, or is she just tolerating it?" It's a question that seems to come up every time your cat gives you that "half-interested" look while you're trying to shower her with affection.

Let’s be real here, cats are weird when it comes to petting. Sometimes they love it, sometimes they run away, and you’re left thinking, “What did I do wrong?” To get to the bottom of this, we need to dig a little deeper into the cat’s mind. Spoiler: it's not as simple as it seems.

Why Do Cats Seem So Picky About Petting?

Cats Have Boundaries (And They Won’t Hesitate to Show It)

First off, cats are independent creatures. Unlike dogs, who often crave human touch and affection, cats are a bit more... selective. One moment, they’re purring and rubbing against your leg, and the next, they’re swatting at your hand like you just committed a cardinal sin.

Take my friend Jen, for example. She has this adorable Maine Coon who, on good days, is the fluffiest lap cat you've ever seen. But one day, she tried petting him right on his belly (a big no-no for many cats), and he gave her a good scratch as if to say, "Don't test me!" It turns out, some cats, especially those with a strong sense of territory, just don’t like their personal space invaded. A gentle belly rub is, for many cats, like poking a ticking time bomb.

Overstimulation: How Much Is Too Much?

You might be petting your cat and feeling her body go stiff—there’s a reason for that. Cats can get overstimulated by petting, especially if you're going at it too long or in the wrong areas. I remember my own cat, Luna. She’s usually all about the chin scratches, but after about five minutes, she’ll start twitching her tail, signaling she’s had enough. If I don’t stop, she’ll either give me a little nip or walk away.

So, yeah, it’s a fine line. If your cat starts shifting her body, flicking her tail, or flattening her ears, it’s a sign that you’ve crossed the line. Some cats just don’t handle prolonged attention the same way dogs do.

What Areas Do Cats Like to Be Pet the Most?

The Head and Chin: Sweet Spots for Most Cats

Okay, now that we’ve got the warnings out of the way, let’s talk about the good stuff. What do cats actually enjoy? Surprisingly, most cats love getting their heads scratched. Around the ears, under the chin, or the back of the head—these areas are typically safe zones for your feline friend.

I was chatting with a vet last week, and she told me that the spots cats like most are the areas where they can feel the most relaxed. So, you might have noticed that your cat goes crazy when you scratch just behind her ears—that’s because it's one of their favorite places!

The Back and Neck: A Mixed Bag

Many cats will allow you to pet them along their backs, but beware of the “sweet spot” syndrome. Cats have different tolerance levels, and while some cats are totally into it, others can’t stand it. And, yes, if you get too close to the tail, you might get a hiss or a swipe. You’ve been warned.

But hey, I’ve got to admit, my own cat absolutely melts when I hit the right spot along her neck. It's like she's turned to jelly, and it feels pretty amazing when you finally discover that magic spot.

Signs Your Cat is Enjoying the Petting

Purring, Kneading, and Tail Positions: The Happy Indicators

If your cat is purring and kneading with her paws, congratulations! You’ve probably found a spot she loves. Purring, especially when paired with kneading, is a sign that your cat is content and enjoying the moment. The tail position is another giveaway: a relaxed, slightly flicking tail usually means she's comfortable, whereas a stiff, high tail could indicate excitement or overstimulation.

I remember talking to my buddy Mark about his cat, Smokey. He said, “Man, when Smokey starts kneading on my lap, I know I’m doing something right!” And he’s right—kittens do this with their mothers, so it's a behavior deeply linked to feeling safe and loved.

The Not-So-Obvious Signs: Watch the Ears and Eyes

It’s easy to miss, but you should also pay attention to the position of your cat’s ears and eyes. If her ears are pointing backward or she’s narrowing her eyes, those could be signs that she’s starting to feel uneasy. I’ve had it happen to me with my cat Luna—at first, she’s purring, then her eyes start squinting, and that’s when I know I need to back off before I get swiped.

How to Approach Petting to Keep It Positive for Your Cat

Let Your Cat Take the Lead

Here’s the thing: petting your cat should never feel forced. Let her come to you. A cat who’s feeling overwhelmed won’t shy away from telling you with body language, and it's up to you to respect that. I've learned the hard way that trying to pet a cat who's not in the mood is an invitation for scratches, no matter how much you love her.

So, the best advice I can give? Follow your cat’s cues. If she jumps into your lap and starts rubbing against you, that’s your green light to go ahead and pet her. But if she’s sitting a few feet away, just watching, don’t push it. Let her come to you when she’s ready.

Be Mindful of Her Body Language

When in doubt, always look for signs that your cat is still enjoying the petting session. You’ll quickly learn to recognize the tail flicks, ear positions, and subtle shifts in her body that signal her mood. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll both enjoy your cuddle time much more!

Conclusion: Do Cats Actually Like Being Pet?

To sum it up: yes, cats do like being pet, but on their own terms. They’re not like dogs who beg for belly rubs 24/7. But when you get it right—hitting the right spots, knowing when to stop, and following your cat’s cues—she’ll definitely show her appreciation.

Just remember: a cat’s affection is earned, not demanded. So next time your cat cuddles up with you, enjoy the moment, but always keep in mind that she’s in charge of the petting session.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.