this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2023
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I find it funny that besides intellect, us humans possess the greatest power, which is petting. Petting allows us to be friends with most animals that would otherwise kill us
Idk, i feel like control over food supply might be a bigger factor on these friendships :p
Food is a good reason. But I'm friends with several cats I don't feed. Petting works!
Cats didn't domesticate themselves by being fed directly by humans. But humans still brought the food because humans bring rats and mice with them, cats stuck around for the greater volume of prey.
And the scritches, obviously.
Pretty sure my cat would still kill me if he had the ability. He'll be like "Give me pets. Scratch my belly. Now DIE!"
AFAIR it's because the cat showing you their belly is not "scratch my belly" but rather "I'm not afraid of you so I show you my most fragile of bits"
This for sure. Next time your cat shows you their belly, scratch the back of their head or pet their back like you normally would and see if they react better.
My cat actually loves belly rubs, but I remember that little tidbit with other cats.
Some cats do like it! Depending on situation, mine do as well, but my roommates have a cat who will quickly flop over to show her belly if you pet her, but will act offended and give a warning bite if you try to pet her there
I don't know about that... Try petting a bear.