Most cats appear to ‘enjoy’ being stroked by their owners. This apparent willingness on the part of cats to succumb to human needs suggests that there is a benefit to them in this behavior. However, it is probably more accurate to analyze the interaction as the cat perceiving that the human is performing marking behavior as they stroke the cat and, seemingly deliberately, leave their skin scent behind on it. Cats may not fight against being stroked (although some cats do shy away or become aggressive during interaction that involves stroking), and they may even thrive on the cross-marking behavior. In this analysis, there would clearly be a benefit to being stroked, but it may not be equally balanced between human and cat.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Liz // Dec 10, 2007 at 9:34 pm
As I write this my cat is lying on my desk resting on my left arm purring like mad! Makes my typing very slow!
I think they like stroking because it mimics the mother cat licking them and domestic cats are really just grown up kittens. Also they like to lick themselves- another form of stroking.
2 Bev // May 11, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Stray cat in yard…out of nowhere…gentle and seemingly loving…crying aloud much of time. Tried to feed can of tuna and milk…can’t seem to get alot down without crying more. I can’t handle as pet, but want to do right! Please, advise.
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