How to Hug a Cat

1)Wash your hands. You're going to have to be clean because cats are clean and they like clean owners too. If your cat is strict, maybe take a shower. If she hates your perfume, don't spray it on when intending to hug her. And wash your hands after the hug; your cat's clean on her terms but that doesn't mean she's clean enough to prevent the transfer of pathogens when you eat or pick your nose.

2)Decide whether you'll hug her on the spot or pick her up and give her a hug. This will depend on her temperament, where she is currently sitting, sprawling, or chasing her tail around. If hugging her on the spot, simply open your arms wide and maneuver yourself so that you can get down close to her on her chair (your chair that she won long ago), on the floor, on her favorite basket, wherever. It's also really special to curl up next to her on the sofa or bed and just hang out together for a bit, nice and cozy. If you're going to pick her up, decide whether you'll hug her standing or whether you'll go and sit down together for a hug (the latter being a little more stable if she decides to struggle).
When picking up a cat, scoop her up with one hand under her chest and the other hand supporting her rear quarters with the tail tucked over. Keep her close to your body as this will ensure that she feels secure.



3)You could also try hugging your cat while you're lying down. This makes it very easy on both of you because she can see you're already harmless and therefore vulnerable and she can simply sit on top of you for the hug, safe in the knowledge that she can get away when it all gets too much.

4)Hug your cat. Remember two very important things: One, your cat is a lot smaller than you and no matter how beefy she seems, she is delicate and fragile while you are not by comparison. Two, she has claws and sharp teeth; should you antagonize her in any way whatsoever, she is unlikely to hold back but will let you know only too well that you've been too brusque, invasive, or downright bossy. So, when hugging her, be gentle, be considerate, and don't crowd her out. Hug her as you would hug a human being but far more gently and with consideration for the fact that she is, after all, a cat.
Give her lots of pats and strokes before and after hugging her. This is a moment of togetherness and she'll enjoy the extra attention. Even if the hug doesn't thrill her, she'll love all the affection and attention.

5)Be sure to snuggle into her fur with your nose and face as you hug. Cats smell wonderful to many people, so snuggling is enjoyable (did you know that the reason they smell so good is because their saliva contains a cleaning agent and a deodorant?)