Although the dog is considered man’s best friend, the truth is that cats are equally loving companions. An unmistakable sign of affection is when the fur noses cuddle with humans. But that is by no means all. Here you can find out what else this cute cat behaviour is all about.
Most cats love to cuddle with people – provided they can choose when they feel like it. Why is this so and what are the reasons behind velvet-pointed cuddling?
Cats cuddle for warmth and security
Baby cats are only able to regulate their body heat themselves from the age of about three weeks. Until then they are dependent on nestling very closely to their mother and siblings. Snuggling up serves to prevent them from cooling down.
Even later, cats like to choose the warmest places to rest – and that’s where it’s especially nice to sit on the lap of your favourite person. Just as important as warmth is security for the well-being of your cat. In the wild, she is exposed to various dangers, for example from larger predators. Therefore she is always on her guard and ready to flee at the slightest unknown noise or smell.
If she is in a safe place, she can relax and let her alertness drop a little. So when your cat cuddles with you a lot, she’ll feel safe with you and know she can trust you one hundred percent. Cats also cuddle up with other cats and other pets where they feel warm and safe.
Cat creates bonds through cuddling
Cuddling also serves cats to create a bond. Kittens and their family and groups of cats in the wild nestle close together to mix their scents and create a common group scent. This strengthens the bond and gives the fur noses a feeling of security.
Cuddling is essential for their social behaviour. When cats want to cuddle a lot with humans, they treat you like a member of their family and show their affection.
Cat wants to cuddle: Attention through expressions of love
However, it is not always completely unselfish when cats cuddle up to people. In addition to warmth and security they also get attention. And they need that attention when they are hungry or thirsty, when their litter box needs cleaning, when they want to play or go outside.
The clever little guys quickly learn that we humans are ready to meet their needs when they come over for a cuddle. The attention cuddling is usually accompanied by meowing and paw poking to emphasize the demand.
Attention! If your cat is not normally a cuddly tiger and suddenly shows affectionate behaviour for no apparent reason, have her checked out by the vet as a precaution – she may want to alert you that she is in pain or ill.
Cuddly cat breeds: Which cats like to cuddle?
Although each cat has its own personality – some are more trusting than others – there are certain breeds of cats where an affectionate and cuddly nature is most likely and they like to cuddle a lot.
To the cuddly cat breeds belong for example Ragdoll cats, Maine Coons, Siamese cats, British Shorthair (BKH) and Balinese.
Cat is a cuddly muff: How to get used to cuddling?
So fluffy and sweet – you would like to pet them all day long. But not every…
Cat does not cuddle: Why is that so?
On the other hand, there are also cats that don’t like cuddling people. This can have different reasons. Some pelt-noses are simply reserved in their personality and do not need much cuddling.
It is also possible that your cat was not sufficiently socialised as a baby and did not have positive contact with people. In this case, their instinct warns them that humans are a potential danger, so they prefer to be shy as a precaution. If velvet paws have even had bad experiences with people, they become particularly fearful in their presence.
In this case, your animal must first learn that you do not pose a danger. But can cats be educated to cuddle? As far as this question is concerned, you should not force your cat to do anything and you should leave him alone and stay calm and relaxed yourself.
Give your animal the time and space it needs to gain enough trust in you. Make sure that your pet’s daily routine is as routine as possible and avoid noise in the presence of your cat. In this way, your four-legged friend will approach you all by himself, and he will do so when he is ready.
Example situation: Make yourself comfortable on the couch and read a book – this way, your pelt-nose can determine the pace at which it observes you, assesses you and approaches you. You can also strengthen her confidence by playing with her a lot, talking gently to her and offering her treats.
