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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-petting-three-seconds

International Cat Care's petting tip: stroke a cat for about how long, then pause?

About 3 seconds, then let the cat choose.

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  1. About 3 minutes
  2. Until it purrs loudly
  3. About 3 seconds ✔

Why: Use the 3 second rule: stroke the cheeks, chin or head for about 3 seconds, then stop. If the cat rubs against you for more, keep going. If not, it has had enough.

Huh, didn't know that: International Cat Care says cats prefer short, frequent, gentle touches over long bouts of stroking.

The dad joke
Why did the cat stop the petting? It needed a little pause, or paws.
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References

Answer: About 3 seconds. Use the 3 second rule: stroke the cheeks, chin or head for about 3 seconds, then stop. If the cat rubs against you for more, keep going. If not, it has had enough.

  1. International Cat Care: Cat Friendly Interaction icatcare.org/articles/cat-friendly-interaction
    Use the ‘3-second rule’: touch for 3 seconds, then pause to see if the cat wants more.
  2. International Cat Care: How to greet a cat icatcare.org/articles/how-to-greet-a-cat
    Cats tend to prefer short, frequent, low-intensity interactions over long-lasting high-intensity bouts of stroking.

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