Approach slowly and calmly
Let the cat see and smell your hand first
Offer your hand at the cat’s level
Pet under the chin or on the cheeks first
Use gentle, slow strokes
Watch for signs the cat likes it
Stop if the cat pulls away, swats, or tenses up
Avoid the belly unless the cat clearly invites it
Avoid grabbing, squeezing, or patting hard
Let the cat leave when it wants to