Vet Reveals the #1 Mistake People Make When Cuddling Cats

The challenge for cat owners is knowing how to express love in a way that their feline friends truly appreciate.

A veterinarian, known as “Cat the Vet” on social media, recently shared her expert insights on TikTok, helping cat owners bridge the communication gap with their pets.

Three Ways to Show Love to Your Cat

According to the vet, the best way to show love to a cat is to respect its natural preferences. Unlike dogs, cats don’t always enjoy being picked up or tightly cuddled. Instead, here are three better ways to show affection:

1. Gentle Petting on Their Terms – Cats love to be stroked but prefer to have control over when and how. Watch for their body language to know when they want attention.
2. Feeding in a Way That Mimics Their Natural Instincts – Instead of leaving a full bowl of food out all day, offering smaller, frequent meals or using puzzle feeders can keep them mentally and physically engaged.
3. Providing a Comfortable and Private Litter Space – Cats like their litter box to be clean, spacious, and located in a quiet, secure spot where they can see their surroundings.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Do

While some pet owners love to smother their cats with affection, the vet warns that big, tight hugs and forced cuddles can actually make cats uncomfortable.

Most cats prefer interactions to be on their terms, and forcing affection can make them feel anxious or stressed.

By understanding how cats naturally express and receive love, owners can build a stronger bond with their pets—one based on trust and respect.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.