Is it possible to hug cats and cats in principle?
The answer is simple - of course, you can, because many cats are thrilled by tactile sensations. You may get the feeling that these cute creatures can rub against their owner for hours. These pets always climb onto a person’s lap when a person sits down, they can even hug him in a fit of feline devotion and love.
For such cats, hugs from their owners are one of the most pleasant moments, along with scratching behind the ear and stroking the head or back. Such a pet will not think about whether it is possible to hug cats, but will rather take on this mission.
Almost every person has at least once met such a cute animal, sometimes even too annoying in terms of begging for affection. There are quite a lot of cats like this and this pattern of behavior most often persists with them throughout their lives. Owners of such affectionate pets get used to this peculiarity of the animal and believe that it cannot be any other way.
Why does a cat hug a kitten?
When human mothers give birth, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which gives them a feeling of intense connection with their baby.
This same hormone is released when cats give birth, and it also helps them fall in love with their kittens.
It's wonderful to watch a mother cat care for her kittens, feed them, protect them, provide them with the warmth they need, and teach them how to hunt!
But is this a hug in our human understanding?
Not really. Although the mother cat does not know that she is hugging the kitten, she is showing an element of maternal protection and affection towards her kitten, she is warming it up in what looks like a hug.
How to learn to hug cats
- Understand your pet's nature. Not every animal is happy when they grab it and start hugging it. It’s good if the animal you come across is calm, well-mannered and will simply tolerate unpleasant displays of attention. But a cat is a beast, even though it is small and can easily claw or scratch a careless offender. If you have purchased a kitten and love hugs, carry it in your arms more often. So the animal will little by little get used to you and, perhaps, will love the closeness of a person. Now you know why you can’t hug cats before preliminary acquaintance, and it’s time to move on to the second point.
- Find the right time for hugs. This is as important a factor as in humans. For example, you start cuddling the kitten, and at this time he wants to eat or, even worse, to go to the toilet. It is clear that in this case you will not get the expected effect. The best time to hug a cat is when you are relaxed, calm and well-fed.
- Decide right away how you will hug the cat: quickly or gradually, after stroking. The choice should be made taking into account several factors: temperament, location, mood. You can feel a particularly exciting moment if you curl up around the fluffy and hug him as lightly, tenderly and comfortably as possible.
- Hug your cat, but don't forget two important points. Firstly, this is a small animal and in any case it is much weaker and more fragile than you. Secondly, he can compensate for his weaknesses with sharp claws and teeth, and this hurts. And even if the pet submits to your pressure and does not bite into your hands, this does not mean that in the future it will not attack you for revenge. So when hugging cats and cats, you need more tenderness, accuracy and care. This way you let the animal know that you value him as a loved one.
Cat hugs dog
Throughout history, cats and dogs have been portrayed as not the best of buddies, we even coined the phrase "like cats and dogs"!
Yes, cats and dogs are two species on opposite ends of the social and behavioral spectrum - cats like to evaluate new situations from a distance, while dogs try to immediately take part in any event.
Let's say a dog approaches a cat, the cat will perceive it as a threat and will likely run away, eliciting a playful response from the dog. It is clear that neither the cat nor the dog understands the intentions of the other.
So, for a cat to be close enough to a dog to hug him, she shouldn't be afraid of him. A typical case is when a cat grew up with a dog as a kitten and puppy and does not perceive him as a threat.
She will even use the dog as a comfortable, warm bed, but this is the exception rather than the rule, and making friends between a cat and a dog is not so easy.
Hugging Tips
You have already figured out whether it is possible to hug cats and kittens, you have found out how to do it correctly, but your pet rejects all possible intimacy. So the first piece of advice is to respect the choice. Pussy can adore you, not get off your lap and wait for hours for stroking, but cannot stand being hugged. So this is not her profile, love her for who she is.
Cats and cats can be taught to hug you if you first give them soft toys, they remind them of their brothers, and they love to cuddle with each other. Ideally, get a second pet.
Cats hugging each other
Cats look like they are hugging when they curl up together. Yes, cats can find themselves in very strange positions to get as close to each other as possible. But in reality, cats huddle together to stay warm and stay warm, even if it's hot in your home.
So, what may look like a cat hug is a random position they've fallen into to keep warm.
It's clear that we humans are very social, we can enjoy physical contact (especially hugging furry, cute animals).
We love our cats and want them to love us and show it in ways we are used to seeing, but we may unintentionally attribute human behavior to them. Of course cats are clearly capable of showing a lot of physical affection, it's just that our interpretation of a hug may be different from theirs, and that's something to keep in mind!
Why and when you can’t hug cats and kittens
Here we come to the serious part of our story, which reveals what harm can be done if you hug a cat. Many people believe that hugging pets is a bad and dangerous activity. And they can be understood, because if you hug a sick animal, you can catch a dangerous disease from it.
Do cats like to cuddle?
Cats do not have complex social relationships. This is due to the fact that their ancestors, African wild cats, were solitary predators.
This will make our social interactions seem strange to cats, since most people use touch all the time, whether it's a handshake, a light touch on the arm, or trying to walk together holding hands. For cats, even if they look like they're cuddling, it looks and means a little different.
Petting a cat has all sorts of benefits for human health, reducing stress and improving our mood.
Many countries even have a national cat day!
But is it as good for them as it is for us? Some cats love contact with us, others that can accept affection and hugs from a person or not, and others avoid physical contact with the owner, but this does not mean that the cat does not love him.
This is because cats love to maintain a sense of control, which includes being able to escape from any situation.
When we hug cats, we are actually containing them in our embrace and limiting their movement.
Dangerous diseases of cats and cats
Worms or helminthiases. The larvae of these harmful worms can be found on the animal’s fur and, if a person does not follow the rules of hygiene (washing hands), they can become infected.
Fleas and ticks. The danger of these parasites is not even in their bites, but in the diseases they carry. It could be:
- ehrlichiosis;
- encephalitis;
- Lyme disease.
Bartonellosis. You can become infected from a sick cat through a scratch or bite. Once in the body, the infection causes inflammation around the damaged skin. Then a blister forms there. After some time, a feverish feeling and headache appear.
Lichen. It is most often transmitted to children and people with weak immune systems.
Staphylococcus is a kind of dermatitis. The animal begins to itch and its hair falls out. Most often, children become infected when hugging a sick cat; the second risk group includes older people. If a disease is detected, the animal must be taken to the clinic, and everything at home should be cleaned using detergent.
Toxoplasmosis. You can get infected from just one hug, if you touch the fur that the cat licked after visiting the litter box.
Chlamydia is also transmitted from animals, cats being one of them.
Now, I think, everyone already understands why you can’t hug cats and cats, especially those about whom nothing is known (neighbors, strays). And the most annoying thing is that the main carriers of infection are cute kittens. After all, their body does not yet have immunity capable of fighting various diseases. And the only chance to completely avoid any risk is to protect yourself from contact with cute creatures. But we all understand how difficult it is sometimes, and this is what our final paragraph is dedicated to.
How to hug a cat
First, it is important to understand your cat's individual requirements for physical contact.
If he reacts neutrally or tries to break free and run away, do not touch him.
If you have a cat that likes to cuddle with you, wait until she interacts with you first before you cuddle.
Always be gentle, limit the amount of time you cuddle, watch your pet's body language, any signs of anxiety, and always stop if your cat starts to struggle.
Rules for safe hugs
Don't avoid cats completely. They are able to bring warmth and joy to the home. The main thing is to adhere to the rules:
- It is better not to approach street cats. If you decide to adopt a “stray”, then the first step is to wash the new pet and then show it to the veterinarian.
- Get dewormed and take other tests. If necessary, treat the animal
- If you avoid biting and scratching, it is better not to disturb your cat while eating and sleeping.
- Don't forget to change the filler. After cleaning the tray, disinfect your hands, or better yet use gloves.
- Eliminate raw foods from your pet's diet, such as fish, eggs, meat.
- When you get home, shine your shoes and tidy up the hallway. After all, you can bring helminths or microbes home with dirt.
- After you cuddle with a cat, wash your hands.
- Don't forget about general cleaning.
- Forbid the animal from touching your face and do not give it food from your utensils.
- If possible, do not let your pet outside, and if this happens, it is better to wash the pussy with shampoo with antibacterial properties.
As you can see, we have successfully and positively dealt with the question – is it possible to hug cats? Remember to be patient with your pet, study him, and take care of his health. Only then will you be able to hug your cat without the risk of getting infected, scratched or rejected.
Rules for safe communication
For a serene neighborhood with your pet, simple respect towards him is enough. There is no need to grab the cat if he is sleeping. You don't need to get in his way when he's eating. Then the risk of getting a couple of claw hits is minimized. These rules need to be taught to children too.
If Barsik is an avid summer resident, then upon arrival in the city you must take him to the doctor to check for lichen, and also regularly give him anthelmintic drugs.
Recluse cats do not need constant bathing. But if the kitty nevertheless jumped out onto the stairwell, then a hygienic shower would not hurt her.
The soft fur of cats causes a pleasant tactile sensation. But common sense and concern for your health should prevail when communicating with your pet. And respect for a pet should generally take first place in a relationship. Therefore, all tenderness should be in moderation and in no case be intrusive. Then your life together will be calm and serene.
Heart cats
Here is another mustachioed one who is simply doomed to be loved! The goddess of love herself, probably playing a shawl, drew a lovely heart on his chest. Well, we're already in love!
And this baby has a heart drawn on a less romantic part of his body. However, this is not so important - after all, he is also marked with love!
And another “hearty” kitty! She had clearly heard more than one declaration of love in her life. At least her face says she knows how good she is. The main thing is that this beauty’s heart is not prone to betrayal.
And some people love even in their dreams. If you gently hug your loved one with soft paws and lean your cheek against him, then you will definitely have the sweetest and most romantic dream!
