Question for cat owners !!!

[catquestion1]

do you mind if people pet your cats or is it best to leave them alone?

Full disclosure- I’m NOT a cat person. I’m actually quite scared of them (I was badly scratched by one as a child)

tonight I was walking over a grass field and I suddenly saw this little face in the grass and a cat popped up! It came over and even though I was scared, I could tell it was a nice cat and I gave it a little stroke. I tried to walk off and it followed me and was actually jumping up on me like a puppy to get petted! It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. If I walked away it would actually follow me and sit directly infront of me so that I petted it again!

I wondered if it was a kitten because it was quite small, and I checked our local Facebook page for any missing cat posts and immediately found one with someone else who had come across the cat and wondered if it was a lost kitten. The owner had replied that they get that a lot and that she’s a fully grown cat who just loves attention 🤣

I think I petted her for about 15 minutes, she was absolutely adorable! I just had a question for anyone who knows anything about cats- was it acceptable to stroke her? I keep horses and don’t really like random people petting them at the fence, only because I’m scared of jealousy in the herd if they see others getting attention, or in case they learn it and charge at the fence when they see people, and also because I don’t trust the public not to feed them/go in the field/do something stupid. Obviously it’s not ok to feed other peoples cats, but is it ok to pet them? I really wasn’t sure if I did the right thing or not.

Another question, when I was stroking her, she arched her back- I thought she seemed happy but Google said cats do that when they feel threatened? I hope I hadn’t made her upset at all.

I think she’s actually fixed my fear of cats, she was so adorable!

Lots of people pet my cat and he runs to people too. It's fine and lovely you did that. What I hate is people who feed my cat and then because he's a greedy bugger, he eats at home and then throws up 🥴

We have cats and have a few neighborhood cats that we all fuss over. One is so adorable, completely fluffy and just loves cuddles and fuss. Friendliest cat and just absolutely gorgeous. Cats are amazing

As long as you didn't try to pick him up, I'd be fine with it.

No, he's black and white and has a big wobbly white tum.

This cat sounds like my male cat. Arsehole 😁

My cat only wants to be petted on his terms. So like you, all I have to do is hold my hand out and he'll pet himself. But God forbid if I try to take the initiative and start stroking him.

My advice, just hold your hand out, let the cat pet him/herself.

We live on a road which a lot few locals and tourists use as a walking route. My cat cat seems to recognise some people and dart over for a fuss, others she stays out of reach until they are gone. She knows her own mind and will wander off when she has had enough.

As long as she is happy then I am happy and I love to stroke other cats.

I think it's lovely if I look out the window and see a passer by petting my cat.

Or if we have workmen and I hear them chatting to the cat or fussing it.

I love meeting other people's pets and like it when mine can return the favour.

As long as the person is being kind then I know the cat will enjoy the fuss (he's a tart) so it's win/win.

I don't mind if people pet my cat. I have had neighbors walk their children and grandchildren over to my house especially to visit my cat, she was so sweet and friendly.

I mind people taking my cat, whether it's to their house or the shelter. Cats are allowed to roam where I live, even if some people don't approve. It doesn't mean every cat you see is lost.

Everything a cat does is always on their terms. They can be friendly, rubbing around your legs, purring.....a nanosecond later they will attempt to seriously injure you. That's how they roll 🤣🤣🤣

This is my soft void cat. You can kiss him, bear hug him, blow raspberries on his belly. He never gets fed up of being fussed
He does like to give head bops by slamming his head into mine enthusiastically

Absolutely fine, mine loves the attention and stares me out whilst getting affection from others in some sort of bid to make me jealous!

Cats do what they like

Wouldn't bother me at all

The cat arching their back means they are enjoying being petted

Agree cats do what they like.

I had a neighbour recently, who lives about 10 houses along ( each house detached with large garden, so ages away basically). Come and tell me to stop letting my cat sit on garage opposite her house as he sits there and taunts her dogs when she walks by. There’s not much I can do frankly if he’s outside

Kitty wanted petting and was really enjoying it.
The arching the back when threatened is accompanied by hissing and serious fluffing up! It is a very clear sign.
I am so happy that you conquered your fear of cats! Most cats are like this at home indeed. The owner will be happy, we know our charges lol
Also, some cats can just give you a playfull nibble while you pet them. They are enjoying it. It should not hurt, just feel firm. But if you react by pulling your hand back, the cat may feel threaten and strike.
When they attack, they tend to use their claws instead as this keeps you further away from them than bitting.
They are complicated to be honest. You need to observe and get to know them to get the hint.
Better not to approach a cat but wait for them to come to you, so you know they want the interaction.

Mines a house cat so I'd be a bit concerned if I found you stroking her as you'd either be in my house, or she'd gotten out

As a PP said mine can seem like she wants belly rubs, lying on her back, all cute "stroke me" eyes but she'll have your eyes out as soon as you touch her. So do just be aware that not all invitations to stroke the belly floof are genuine 🤣

I stroke my neigbours' cats. If cats enjoy it, it wouldn't bother me, as the owner. One of my cats really loves being in the centre of attention and needs to be stroked by our guests.

Stroking yes, feeding no. And if you're my neighbours and you leave your back door open, watching him stroll into your house and park his arse down like it's his second property! Not that they mind, they'll let him sleep and give him a fuss but they don't feed him and he knows here is his house, theirs is his fortress of solitude

Any cat owner knows that their opinion on matters concerning their furry dictator are irrelevant. If the cat decides they wish to permit someone to touch their person , then you should honour their wishes. As the prospective touchee, you await the signal from the cat.

I'm happy for someone to pet my cat. I was the same as a child. Cats didn't seem to like me but they gravitate towards my dd so I get what you mean. Just no feeding as above. If their tail is up they're happy