How do animals prefer to be petted? It’s a question that has stumped many pet owners for centuries, but science now has an answer.
In this video, we’ll discuss exactly where and how your pet prefer to be stroked, and where they would rather you keep your hands off.














Part I. How to pet a cat
Cats see petting as akin to grooming or licking, which happens between two friendly felines. Most cats prefer being touched around the regions where their facial scent glands are located. This includes the base of their ears, under their chin, and around their cheeks. This kind of petting mimics the kind of grooming cats do by licking one another. A study published in 2015 in the journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science found that cats show more positive behavioral responses—like purring or kneading—when they are pet between the eyes and ears. And they display more negative responses—like hissing, swatting or swishing their tails—when they are pet around their tummy, back and base of their tail.
Yes, that’s right. Cats don’t actually enjoy being stroked at the base of their tail at least, that was the case for most of the 54 cats in this study. Researchers believe that a cat’s tail area is an erogenous zone, and petting this part of their body may overstimulate them.
The common mistake that we humans make when it comes to meeting a new cat is that we assert our touch on top of them. Cats need plenty personal space, and if you go up to the cat, corner them, and try to pet them to win them over, chances are they will move away.
The key to success is to provide the cat with as much choice and control as possible during interactions. Let them be on their terms. Instead of insisting them to accept your touch, gently offer your nonthreatening fingertip at their nose level.
And always let the cat make the first move. Research has shown that human interactions with cats last longer when the cat, rather than the human, initiates them.
Part II. How to pet a dog
A study published in Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs show more signs of stress—like yawning, freezing, lip licking, or elevated heart rates—when they are pet on the head, muzzle, shoulders or paws. Petting on the chest however, is associated with a decrease of heart rate, and is more calming to a dog. Nevertheless, many dogs are comfortable with any types of interactions—even with strangers—because they’re used to being around people.
New research has revealed that dogs show more interest in petting when it is accompanied with praise. If you want to make your dog feel EXTRA good when petting them, talk to them while you stroke them. Tell them how much you love them and how good of a dog they are.
So talking to your dog using your dog voice while petting them, is a great way to show them you love them.
Dogs get a secure feeling when you pet them. It reduces their heart rate, lowers their blood pressure, and increases a bonding hormone in them called Oxytocin. It helps them know that you still love them and care for them.
And you have probably noticed that when you scratch your dog’s belly, they start kicking their back leg. This movement is an involuntary reaction called scratch reflex. It’s much like the kneejerk reflex that occurs when the doctor taps below your knee.
Although it may seem funny to see your dog jerking their back leg, this involuntary kicking response may be irritating to them. Some people think that rubbing this spot on a dog's belly is what they want, but in most cases, dogs would prefer to lie next to you and receive gentle touches on the chest instead.
The best way to initiate contact with a new dog is to hold your hand out flat and let the dog sniff it.
Also keep an eye on the tail – if it is lowered or tucked between the legs, they are not very happy. On the contrary, if the dog is leaning against you, it’s a good sign they are enjoying it.
Part III. How to pet a rabbit
In the wild, rabbits groom each other to keep each other clean, comfort their friends, and show they care about one another. Rabbits see petting as akin to grooming, which happens between two friendly bunnies.
The best places to pet rabbits are their forehead and behind their ears. They also love getting strokes down their back or around the shoulders. With that said, they dislike being touched on their bottom, feet, stomach or tail.
Some rabbits may lick you while you pet them. This is a rabbit’s way to pet you back.
Part IV. How to pet a guinea pig
Most guinea pigs don’t like being touched on their rear end. They prefer to be petted on the nose, under the chin or behind the ears, but try to keep your hands away from their butt. This is especially true with male guinea pigs. Touching their butt is an act of dominance and they don’t like being dominated. Only hold a guinea pig for around fifteen minutes at a time because they pee every fifteen minutes and will start to feel uncomfortable as they try to hold it in.