My point is that there are areas (like around the head and along the spine) where generally they’re vastly more tolerant of taking contact, much of that likely because it’s pleasurable… even from total strangers.
Contrast that to their flanks, belly, tail, paws… all of which they tend to be more guarded around, all things being equal. Indeed, their bellies are such a key point of vulnerability (as highlighted by a typical cat fight), that they even developed the “dewlap” as a protective layer.
It’s also because they have more ‘sensors’ on most parts of their bodies except for their head (except whiskers) and so it’s extremely overstimulating to have these ‘sensors’ even slightly touched.
My point is that there are areas (like around the head and along the spine) where generally they’re vastly more tolerant of taking contact, much of that likely because it’s pleasurable… even from total strangers.
Contrast that to their flanks, belly, tail, paws… all of which they tend to be more guarded around, all things being equal. Indeed, their bellies are such a key point of vulnerability (as highlighted by a typical cat fight), that they even developed the “dewlap” as a protective layer.
It’s also because they have more ‘sensors’ on most parts of their bodies except for their head (except whiskers) and so it’s extremely overstimulating to have these ‘sensors’ even slightly touched.
Well, they don’t like being overstimulated. I can certainly agree with you there.
And on that note let’s cue Pinky, a “very loving cat.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ubQxtEukvw