**Petting Aggression: How to Avoid Being a Bite Victim**

Cats are irresistibly cuddly, soft, and cute. Many of us will do anything for a bit of their affection and love because cats are simply the best! However, our feline friends are also predators at heart. Sometimes, when you pet your cat, she purrs, stretches, and seems to enjoy the attention. Then, suddenly, she might latch onto your hand and bite down hard. She may even wrap her paws around your hand and "bunny kick" your arm with her hind claws. Ouch! How can a cat switch from sweet to ferocious so quickly?

This behavior is known as petting aggression. Not all cats exhibit it, and there’s a spectrum of tolerance when it comes to being touched. Some cats love being petted anytime, anywhere, while others will hiss if you merely raise your hand to pat their head. What triggers petting aggression? It primarily comes down to two factors: where the cat is touched and how long the touching lasts.

First, cats have varying preferences for where they like to be touched, much like people. However, unlike people, cats often cannot avoid unwanted physical contact. Think about it—have you ever force-cuddled a cat who didn’t want to be cuddled? Or chased after a cat who desperately wanted to escape your affection? While some cats can squirm or run away, others might feel trapped and resort to biting to communicate their discomfort. Cats can also be unpredictable, changing their mind about what feels pleasant from one moment to the next.

Let’s examine petting location and its impact on petting aggression. Favorite spots vary from cat to cat. For example, Lola and Sasha from 2 Blogging Cats enjoy having their heads rubbed. However, Lola dislikes having her feet and legs touched, while Sasha doesn't mind. Sasha isn’t fond of tummy rubs, but Lola loves them. It’s essential to learn where your cat enjoys being touched and respect those preferences to avoid being painfully reminded when your cat disapproves.

Next, consider petting duration. Some cats enjoy prolonged petting sessions, while others are satisfied with just a few strokes. It can be frustrating when your cat doesn't enjoy the interaction as much as you do. To increase your cat’s tolerance, use desensitization and counter-conditioning to show her that petting can be rewarding.

Here’s how to do it:

1. **Find a Rewarding Treat**: Choose a treat your cat loves, such as a commercial cat treat, chicken breast, or a small piece of cheese. Ensure the treat doesn’t upset her stomach. If she doesn’t care for treats, use sweet talk to encourage her.

2. **Pet When She’s Relaxed**: Avoid times when she’s active or asleep. The best time is when she’s relaxed and wants to interact.

3. **Start Slowly**: With your cat comfortably sitting next to you, gently stroke her head or back once, then give her a treat. If she enjoys it, continue slowly, increasing the number of strokes gradually, and always giving a treat afterward. Keep sessions short initially and watch for signs of discomfort, such as dilated pupils, ears turning back, body shifting away, or a flicking tail.

4. **End on a Good Note**: Stop before your cat becomes uncomfortable. Pay close attention to her body language to end the session on a positive note.

By observing these guidelines, you’ll learn your cat’s preferences and build a trusting relationship. Here are additional tips to reduce petting aggression:

- **Avoid Using Hands as Toys**: Playing with your hands can train your cat to play rough and not distinguish between toys and your fingers.

- **Less is More**: If unsure whether your cat is enjoying the interaction, it’s better to stop early. This helps build trust.

- **Gentle Petting**: Start with light, gentle strokes and avoid overstimulation.

If you do get attacked, try to remain calm and still. Moving your hand slightly towards your cat and going limp can often stop the attack. Avoid yelling or hitting the cat; instead, say "OUCH" firmly and walk away once free.

Remember, not all cats are naturally affectionate lap-cats, and that’s okay. With patience and time, you can build trust and teach your cat that petting sessions can be enjoyable. Respect your cat’s personal space and limitations, and you’ll have pain-free interactions, even with the little predator that hides within that cute, fluffy exterior.