Expert reveal you may be petting your cat wrong – and that’s why they snap at you

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Petting cats helps owners bond with their pet and show them affection, but if your pet snaps every time, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Cat behavior experts have found that felines dislike being petted against the direction of their fur, around their legs, sides of their bodies and throat area.

If your pet lets you caress these areas, he’s likely tolerating the action in the hopes of being fed afterwards.

Dr. Lauren Finka, an expert from Nottingham Trent University, shared BBC Science Focus that the best way to pet a cat is only around its face, such as the cheeks, the base of the ears and under the chin.

Petting cats helps owners bond with their pet and show them affection, but if your pet snaps every time, you’re probably doing it wrong

“This is probably because these parts of the face contain many skin glands that produce scent,” Finka told the BBC.

“Cats are very motivated to use these areas to spread their scent, so these areas probably intrinsically feel quite nice to be stimulated.”

It was long believed that cats were first brought as pets by the ancient Egyptians some 3,600 years ago, but recent advances in DNA testing show that they have been by humans’ side for around 10,000 years.

However, in ancient Egypt, felines were seen as royalty, wearing jewelry and feasting on food made for a king.

Today they are the world’s second most popular pet, after dogs.

Cats are known for being cuddly, curious and loyal, but they also have an evil side that often comes out when petted the wrong way.

“When it comes to petting, it’s best to remember that cats as a species aren’t inherently social or tactile,” Finka said.

She explained that many pet owners may not know that cats also hate belly rubs.

Dr.  Lauren Finka, an expert from Nottingham Trent University, told BBC Science Focus that the best way to pet a cat is only around its face, such as the cheeks, the base of the ears and under the chin.

Dr. Lauren Finka, an expert from Nottingham Trent University, told BBC Science Focus that the best way to pet a cat is only around its face, such as the cheeks, the base of the ears and under the chin.

This is because he feels vulnerable, as his vital organs are exposed and they may see the gentle caress as a threat.

Finka also stressed that just because your furry friend is rubbing up against you doesn’t mean he wants to be treated, but she shared some signs to watch out for.

When irritated, cats can turn their heads very sharply towards our hands. Or they can turn their heads to look at us. They may also just freeze or stop actively encouraging the interaction (such as stopping spinning),” Finka said.

Your cat’s ears will likely turn to the side or appear flat on its head or they will lick its nose or ruffled fur.

Another sign of annoyance is if your cat starts rumbling or twitching its tail.

“These relatively subtle indicators are quite common in many cats that I see being touched, but people usually tend not to focus on them — or misinterpret what they actually mean,” Finka said.

However, her research shows that the opposite happens when you pet your cat’s face.

“This is likely because these areas of the face contain many skin glands that produce odor,” Finka said.

“Cats are very motivated to use these areas to spread their scent, so these areas probably intrinsically feel quite nice to be stimulated.”