June 4th is Hug Your Cat Day! It’s a wonderful thing to see our feline friends celebrated. While we think that kitties should be hugged every day, this is a great chance to pamper your pet a bit. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA vet discusses some do’s and don’ts of hugging cats.

Fluffy’s Hug Requests

Some of our feline friends are quite the little cuddlebugs! If your furball loves to be petted and held, she may meow or tap you with a paw to request snuggles. Kitties also sometimes jump into our laps, or sprawl out on top of our books or computer keyboards, when they want to be petted. Fluffy’s timing isn’t always that great, however. In fact, cats seem to have a knack for demanding attention when we’re in the middle of something. Of course, that’s just one of their quirky charms!

When To Hug Your Kitty

There’s no set time for kitty hugs. As long as Fluffy looks relaxed and content, go ahead and hug her. On the other hand, if your cat has her ears back, is swishing her tail, or is busy smacking one of her toys around, you may want to wait a bit.

Alternatives

Some cats just don’t care for being petted, and prefer to quietly observe their humans. If you have an aloof furball, don’t force attention on her: offer her toys and treats instead. You can also pamper Fluffy by getting her a new bed or pet tent.

How To Properly Hug Your Cat

When you pick Fluffy up, support her weight by holding her bottom and back legs with one hand. You can stroke your furball’s head or scratch her chin with the other hand. Be very gentle when putting your cat down: don’t let go until her paws are on the ground.

Purrs

The fact that cats vibrate with happiness is definitely one of their most adorable qualities. Did you know that purring cats are actually good for us? That cute little rumble relaxes us and soothes anxiety, and is a great sleep aid. Studies even show that people with kitties have lower risks of several serious health conditions, including strokes, heart disease, and high blood pressure! Do you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? Call Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA animal hospital, today!