When you want to play and pet your cat, sit down on a chair, couch, or on the floor to make yourself seem less menacing. If it’s comfortable, you can even lie down on the ground. You can use treats or toys to get her attention, but try to let the cat come to you.
As long as the cat is calm and not scared, slowly and gently reach out and pet her. Start by petting the areas that cats use most often to mark their scents. Many cats enjoy being pet in these areas, which include the base of the chin, ears, and tail, as well as the cheeks. [3] X Research source
After your kitten approaches and smells your hand, slowly move your hand below her chin and use the back of your hand or your fingertips to rub and scratch under her chin and where the jaw and skull connect.
If the kitten rotates her head and pushes her face into your hand, this is a sign that she enjoys your petting.
Slowly move your hand from her chin to her cheeks to her ears, petting and gently scratching her face as you move between these areas.
Some cats may not like having the base of their tail touched, so stop if your cat starts acting up. [7] X Research source Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
Once your cat is used to being pet, you can rub her chin, cheeks, and around her ears, and then stroke your hand down her back to her tail, where you can rub her haunches.
When you hold her, place one hand behind her front legs and use the other to support her backside. Older children must be taught how to handle the kitten gently and how to hold her properly, and they should never be allowed to grab the kitten by her scruff. Children under five shouldn’t be allowed to handle kittens at all, because they may not understand the difference between gentle and rough touching. [9] X Research source
Hissing, growling, and spitting Ears that are turned back, sideways, or flat against the head[11] X Research source An arched back Fur standing on end[12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Socializing kittens and getting them used to being touched is most important during the first seven weeks of their lives (minus the first week or two). [13] X Research source
Start by gently rubbing your kitten’s chest between her two front legs, and slowly move your hand down one of her legs until you’re touching her paw. Go back to her chest and repeat with the other leg. When you’ve done this, reward her with a treat. [15] X Research source Gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her paws until your kitten becomes accustomed to having them touched. Be sure to reward her with treats.
Each time you do this, gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her ear, until it’s no longer an issue. When you’re getting her used to this, don’t forget to reward her with treats.
