Don't stroke your cat.

One of my cats, Angel (possibly the most inappropriately named cat ever), will wrap herself lovingly round the legs of unsuspecting guests so that they reach down to stroke her, whereupon she'll launch a frenzied attack on the approaching hand and stalk off imperiously. This never seems to cause her any anxiety whatsoever.

One of my cats sits on my armchair side and pulls my hand towards her to be stroked and petted -the other one lies on his back and paws the air begging to have his tummy tickled (oops sorry thats my DDH) - joking aside it is the cat. Yes, my little Mau also head butts for attention and taps me on the nose when I am asleep to wake me for food, to be let out or a stroking session.

I always thought our bad tempered old cat Sweetie had the most inappropriate name Maggiemaybe but I bow before Angel
My youngest cat hates being stroked and never purrs, but if he comes to bed with me he's all over me????

Ignore a cat at your peril. Hiding behind a bush as you walk by, jumping out and performing that 'winding round your legs' routine is actually designed to trip you up!

I have just consulted Dingbat (aka Fatty), a cat that is so laid-back that he is almost horizontal. He wriggled his head further under my hand for ear scratching, then rolled over on his side so that I could reach his belly. Meanwhile, Frutiger sat on the arm of the sofa, pushing her head under my other hand. Bodoni stayed curled up on my lap occasionally kneading my thigh. I didn't really detect a sign of stress.

Absent, your cats certainly do no like to be petted!!!

My poem "Whatever's the matter with Maurice" covers the lengths he will go to with regard to my sleep deprivation, head tapping, loud purring etc. Bastard!

I'd advise you not to bow before Angel, Deedaa - she'd have your scalp off in an instant.

Over the past week, I have seen a cat in my garden every time I go out.
It snarls at me as if I have no right to be in my garden. It's there in the front and the back, and I've never sen it before. I certainly would not go up to it to pick it up and stroke it!