Q&A for How to Pet a Cat

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Can cats be trained?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes they can. You need to find a treat the cat really loves and is prepared to work for. Then used a reward-based training method, teaching little but often

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Question

How do you get a cat to like you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Less is more. Avoid staring directly at the cat. Instead, sit quietly and scatter a few treats near your feet. Wait for the cat to come to you and then drop her more treats. Only reach out to stroke her once she is confident enough to bump her head against your legs or hand.

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Question

Where do cats like to be petted?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This depends on the cat as they all have different favorite spots. Some like an ear rub, others a chin rub, but the safest area if you aren't familiar with a particular cat is to gently stroke along their back, in the direction the fur lies.

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Question

How do you play with your cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Cats love games that mimic hunting behavior. The best games involve the cat leaping, pouncing and swatting. Great options for this are toys on string (wiggle it around to make it move like a mouse) or ping-pong balls, which you can gently flick across the floor.

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Question

Why do cats lift their bum when you pet them?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Cats are very tactile creatures and love the sensation of being petted, especially over the rump. You may also notice that when she lifts her rump she lowers her head and rubs it against you. This is to spread her scent and 'claim' you as hers.

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