.jpg)
Introduction: The Cat Conundrum
People have lived with cats for a very long time. Some people wonder, "Do cats like it when we pet them? Or do they just sit there and let us?" A recent study made some believe that petting might upset cats. That left many cat lovers feeling sad or confused.
Let’s explore what the study actually said, what it didn’t, and how we can better understand our cats. A scientific study recently made headlines claiming that petting causes stress in cats. As often happens, the media oversimplified the findings, and the truth is far more complex.
In this article, we’ll examine the original research, clarify the facts, and explain the emotional and biological reasons why cats may or may not enjoy being petted.
The Study That Sparked the Rumor Mill
In 2013, a study by Ramos et al., titled "Are cats (Felis catus) from multi-cat households more stressed? Evidence from assessment of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analysis," was published in the journal Physiology & Behavior.
This research looked at whether cats living in multi-cat homes were more stressed than cats living alone. However, the media focused on one small part of the study related to petting preferences, and greatly exaggerated its significance.
Some headlines included:
- "Your cat is stressed out by your perpetual petting"
- "Oops: Petting Your Cat Stresses Her Out"
- "Science: Your cat might hate getting pet"
- "Don’t Touch Kitty: Petting May Stress Out Your Cat"
- "An Unstroked Kitty Is A Happier Cat, Says Study"
But did the study really prove that petting stresses cats out?
What the Research Actually Explored
Ramos and her team focused on typical household cats. The study included 60 homes:
- 23 with one cat
- 20 with two cats
- 17 with 3 to 4 cats
In total, 120 cats were studied. The cats were separated by age (under two and over two years old). All were indoor-only and not exposed to recent stressors like vet visits. None had known behavior issues.
The researchers measured glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs), hormones that indicate stress, using fecal samples. Owners were also asked to describe their cats' personalities and whether their pets enjoyed, tolerated, or disliked being petted.
Key Findings: Group Living and Cat Stress
The number of cats in a home didn’t directly affect stress hormone levels. However, the combination of age and group size revealed some interesting patterns:
- Younger cats (<2 years old): Had higher stress hormones when living alone and lower levels when living with 3–4 other cats.
- Older cats (>2 years old): Showed higher stress in multi-cat households and lower stress when living alone or with one other cat.
- Cats living in pairs: Had similar stress levels across all ages.
These findings suggest younger cats might enjoy having companions, while older cats could prefer solitude. The dynamics between cats, personalities, histories, and how well they get along, likely also play a role.
The Petting Question: What Did It Really Say?
The petting question was based entirely on owner opinion. Owners were asked whether their cat enjoyed, tolerated, or disliked petting. That’s it. There were no observed petting sessions, no detailed follow-up, and no effort to track frequency or context of petting.
Here’s what we do know:
- Only four cats were reported to dislike petting.
- There was no statistically significant difference in stress hormones among the groups.
- The study did not report how strong or meaningful any differences might be.
Interestingly, cats that tolerated petting had slightly higher GCM levels than those who disliked it, but not higher than cats who enjoyed petting. The researchers speculated that cats who dislike petting might avoid it, while those who tolerate it may receive more unwanted interaction.
Still, this remains speculative. The study didn’t examine actual petting behavior, so any conclusions on this front are weak at best.
Understanding Cat Stress Hormones
Stress hormones offer only a snapshot of how an animal feels in a moment. Many factors can affect GCM levels, including:
- Time of day
- Excitement or arousal
- Play behavior
- Meal timing
- Environmental noise
Blaming petting for increased hormone levels is an overreach, especially since no petting was observed. The study focused on how group size affects stress, not how cats respond to being petted.
Still, the media latched onto the petting angle and ignored the rest.
The Role of the Media: Misleading the Public
This case demonstrates a common problem: scientific studies are often misunderstood or misrepresented in the media.
Instead of explaining the age-related nuances of cat stress, media outlets ran sensational headlines that reinforced outdated stereotypes, that cats don’t like affection and are inherently distant.
In truth, cats are complex. Some love petting, some like it occasionally, and some prefer minimal contact. Just like people, cats have distinct personalities shaped by their upbringing, genetics, and social experiences.
How to Tell If Your Cat Likes Petting
You don’t need a lab test to know how your cat feels. Just pay attention to their body language.
Signs a Cat Enjoys Petting
- Purring or slow blinking
- Rubbing their head or body on you
- Leaning into your hand
- Kneading with their paws
- Tail standing tall and gently swaying
Signs a Cat Tolerates Petting
- Remaining still
- Briefly accepting touch before walking away
- Tail flicking or twitching
- Ears flattening slightly
- Quick glances at your hand
Signs a Cat Dislikes Petting
- Swishing or thrashing tail
- Dilated pupils
- Ears pinned back
- Growling, hissing, or swatting
- Attempting to escape or hide
Respect your cat’s boundaries. When cats feel safe and in control, they are more likely to seek out affection.
Are Cats Really Solitary Animals?
Cats often get labeled as loners, but that’s an oversimplification. In the wild, cats will form social groups when food is plentiful. They groom one another, raise kittens together, and form bonds.
Domestic cats can also thrive in groups, but only when their environment supports it. To reduce stress and avoid conflict, provide:
One litter box per cat, plus one extra- Separate feeding areas
- Cat trees or vertical shelves
- Private hiding spots
- Space to escape or retreat
When adding a new cat to your home, introduce them slowly and carefully.
So, Do Cats Really Hate Petting?
The short answer: some do, some don’t, and most are somewhere in the middle.
The Ramos study does not prove that petting stresses out cats. Instead, it offers insight into how age and household size might affect feline stress levels. The media took a minor detail and blew it out of proportion.
To truly understand your cat, learn their preferences. Watch their body language, listen to their cues, and always respect their boundaries. Petting can be a meaningful way to bond, when the cat wants it.
What Future Research Should Explore
To better understand how cats feel about petting, future studies should:
- Observe real-time petting interactions
- Measure physiological and behavioral responses
- Compare petting styles, timing, and duration
- Conduct long-term studies to track changing preferences
And hopefully, future headlines will present these findings with clarity and care.
Cats aren’t mysterious or aloof, they’re intelligent, emotional creatures. When welcomed, petting is just one of the many ways we can connect with our feline companions.
"I DON'T HOLD GRUDGES..."
>> BUY HERE <<
.jpg)