Scratch My Back (I'm a Cat of Discontent)

You know, I'm a cat. A sophisticated feline with refined tastes. And what I love more than catnip, belly rubs, and laser pointers is a good ol' scratch behind the ears.

But, alas, my human friends often forget that I have a scratch threshold. A delicate balance of gentle and firm. Too much, and I'm a hissing, spitting ball of fury. Too little, and I'm a bored, unimpressed whiskerface.

So, here's a scratch guide for the uninitiated:

• Start with a gentle touch. A light, soothing scratch that says, "Ah, yes, I'm here for you, kitty."
• Gradually increase the pressure. A firm but gentle, like a gentle but firm.
• If I begin to purr, you're doing it right!
• But, if I start to bite, you're doing it WRONG. Like, "I'll have you know, human, I'm a cat of discerning taste, and this is NOT what I meant!"

So, there you have it. A scratch guide for the uninitiated. Follow it carefully, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a master scratcher. Ignore it, and... well, you've been warned.

Scratching Posts for your convenience.

Scratching 101 for the basics.