Telltale Signs

Help your cat get the most out of petting sessions by giving him what he likes.

It's a simple matter of body language. If your pet purrs or presses into your hand, you're doing something right. If he pulls away or pushes you away, he's telling you he'd like you to move on. Sweet spots: most cats really appreciate strokes on the head and around the cheeks and chin. Another favorite for many: shoulder massages. Some also like a light scratching where the lower back and tail join. Use petting time to look for any matted areas or other irregularities.