Texts From Mittens by Angie Bailey for March 12, 2023

My Girls like a whole head rub. I make a claw motion and either of them will lean in and get a head massage.

Jaw line, tip of the jaw, behind the ears, around the neck, and shoulders. Nothing below the shoulders especially where the tail and body join. It is the most sensitive part of the cat’s body.

Both my girls love a tummy rub.

#bellyisofflimits

Most of my cats like a belly rub when they feel like it. My first tabby, Random Numbers, often wanted a good rub. Monroe is one we won’t try for a good while, as kittens must have their reflexes. That and when we get close, he wrestles our wrists. Achilles wants one from both of us in bed. Showing the belly is signaling trust, not that they need or want it rubbed.

Cheeks, chin, top of head, and base of the tail are good cat-petting areas. Achilles purrs when we pet his side, of all places. That’s his thing.

#setyourbounderies

My two love their tummy rubs. Ears and chins, not so much.

Our calico cat is one of the few cats I’ve met that actually loves belly rubs. However, she doesn’t like her paws touched, which makes nail trims extra fun

Don’t forget the base of the tail!

One of my cats enjoys respectful rubs on the head and upper body. The other cat will trance out on my lap and I can do anything up to dislocating joints as long as I put them back. :)

Cats are great people.

All my cats liked belly rubs.