Hug Your Cat Day

May 30th is International Hug Your Cat Day! We’re more than happy to shed some light on this kitty holiday. Our feline pals can be very affectionate, and often love being petted and held. Here, a San Antonio, TX vet offers some tips on hugging your cat.

Cats can be, well, a bit temperamental. Some are very cuddly, while others are more aloof. There are also kitties that randomly go back and forth between the two. Regardless of where your pet falls on that spectrum, you should never force attention on her. That’s a good way to get scratched! Always let your feline friend decide when to cuddle, and when cuddle time is over. This is an important kitty rule!

Be very careful when holding Fluffy. Your kitty may decide to wrap herself around your neck, put her paws on your shoulders, or just lean against your chest. That’s fine, as long as she is comfortable. Make sure your furry pal’s weight is supported properly. Never hold a cat by the stomach: this can actually cause internal injuries.

As it turns out, those cuddle sessions are good for both you and Fluffy. This actually causes both of your brains to release a hormone called oxytocin, which is also called the cuddle hormone. This helps strengthen feelings of love and bonding between you and your furry friend.

Does your feline buddy hate being held or petted? There’s nothing wrong with that! Some kitties only tolerate being picked up every now and then. If Fluffy prefers to be admired from a distance, spoil her with toys, treats, and catnip instead. 

One of the many adorable things about cats is the way they vibrate when they’re happy. Hugging a purring cat can be very soothing! Fluffy’s purrs actually have some very interesting properties. Kitties motors run at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz. These same frequencies have been shown to promote tissue growth and improve bone mass. Of course, we probably don’t need to tell you that holding a purring kitty is also very soothing. This can be helpful to people dealing with grief, stress, trauma, or anxiety, or anyone who just needs a hug.