Pet an Affectionate Cat Without Injury

Even an affectionate, loving cat can cause small injuries. At least they can if they still have their claws. You can keep them from 'kneading' your lap and causing tiny little marks on your skin though. Read on.

Steps

 * 1) Before you sit down, find something to put on your lap. Some good items are denim, like your jeans or a skirt, or something with some thickness to it. However, soft items or pieces of cloth work as well. Remember that your cat likes anything that they can dig their nails into. Also, cats are creatures who prefer soft over rough.[[Image:Pet an Affectionate Cat Without Injury Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Sit down and spread the material on your lap. If you don't want to be scratched while petting, spread the material to cover entirely your legs, that way the claws won't dig in. Because ouch, that would hurt![[Image:Pet an Affectionate Cat Without Injury Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Be sure that there is material to move around. While your cat is being petted, they will move around and so will his claws. They might start out with your lap and roll over and want to knead your chest.[[Image:Pet an Affectionate Cat Without Injury Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Call your cat over and enjoy some pain free kitty bonding![[Image:Pet an Affectionate Cat Without Injury Step 4.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * You might want to have something available in most rooms. Affectionate cats aren't affectionate in only one place.
 * You don't have to just pet a cat on your couch. If your cat happens to be on the floor, walk up to them and see if they will lie on her back. Most pet owners know that cats lying on their backs are their ways of telling their owners that they love and trust them. However, cats also like to play, and sometimes they will attack you instead of letting you love them up! This is very common with cats.

Related wikiHows

 * Take Care of Kittens
 * Cool Your Cat Down in the Summer
 * Keep Your Cat Safe from Fourth of July Fireworks
 * Communicate with Your Cat
 * Pet a High Strung Cat
 * Find Alternatives to De Clawing Your Cat
 * Train a Cat