When we care about someone, we typically want to hug them. Itโs natural to want to embrace someone you care aboutโso why would our cats be any different? We all care about our cats, but we know cats show and interpret affection differently from how we do. What humans could find sentimental, a cat could even find offensive.
Many of us will bestow little forehead kisses on our cats, but have you ever wondered if cats like hugs, too? And more so, do cats understand hugs? Here, weโll look closer to see if our kitties know when we give them hugs, how they interpret them, and whether or not they like this type of affection.
Do cats understand hugs? Well, not entirely.
We know cats will contort their fluffy bodies to fit in the tiniest spaces. But a tight fit on their terms doesnโt always mean theyโre eager to receive a big squeeze from you. Your cat is probably quick to cuddle with you on their terms, and many cats out there fancy themselves as lap cats, too. But remember, this is your cat embracing you in a way that allows them to feel comfortable.
As we mentioned above, your cat might not fully understand what a hug is and what it means to you. This is because cats donโt go around hugging other cats. Itโs really that simple. However, your cat is intelligent enough to know that a hug is something special to youโฆthatโs why theyโll sometimes oblige you when you give them kitty hugs.
A hug might not be a comfortable position for your cat
Your cat might know precisely when and where their next meal comes from, but that doesnโt mean their fight-or-flight instincts arenโt hardwired into their brain. When your cat hugs you, or should we say, when you initiate a hug with your cat, it usually has their body and limbs stretched out, which can feel awkward in their minds. That may be why your cat doesnโt like hugs or why they might be quick to shift their bodies the moment theyโve decided your quick hug is done.
A hug might be relaxing, but the same cannot always be said for your cat. Additionally, there are breeds of cats known for being more laidback than others, like Ragdolls and Persians. These cat breeds might even like hugs. Also, your catโs socialization in kittenhood can play a big role in whether or not they welcome closer human contact.
Should I give my cat hugs?
Cats are truly individuals by nature. What one cat could detest, another could adore. Additionally, life experiences can shape your feline friendโs mental awareness of personal space. You might even have a cat that loves hugs, and if you do, well, consider yourself pretty lucky! Youโve got yourself a super laidback cat that others can admire. Just as cats have weird ways of showing affection, we need to learn to interpret; your cat could view your human hug as an odd way of showing them that you care.
We know all too well that cats prefer things strictly on their terms. So, forcing affection on your feline friend is something that no cat owner should ever doโฆunless they want to end up with an arm full of scratches. If your cat likes hugs, youโll be the first to know because they will allow you to hug them and wonโt push back on it. If you sense a struggle, slowly let go and allow your cat the ability to go. Forcing affection on your cat repeatedly will make them develop distrust in you, and thatโs something you never want to do with your cat. Show your cat affection with gentle scratches, loving pets, brushing their coat, mental stimulation, and, in moderation, extra treats. Itโs important to bond with your cat, but remember, how we bond with cats can differ significantly from how we bond with humans.
Allow your kitty to show you affection on their terms.
Although weโd never think to flash our rear to people we respect, our cats are not people. The ways of the feline kind donโt have to be mysterious, and learning more about cat body language will allow you to see how your cat shows you affection. Some of these ways are pretty obvious, like rubbing and bunting, but cats bestow affection onto us in many other ways.
Do you want to know some weird ways cats show affection that you may not have known? Check out this next article here on CattitudeDaily.com.ย
