It’s a sad day for cat lovers as new research reveals an affectionate cuddle or stroke can stress out your moggy.

An animal welfare charity found cats favour space and peace over being petted by their owners.

Despite the fact that 53% of cat owners questioned for the study said they give their pets a little cuddle when it seems unhappy, experts at Cat Protection found that the best way to chill them out is to leave them alone.

Cats Protection behaviour manager Nicky Trevorrow said: “Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats.

“Space and peace is often what they need – they’re not small furry humans so what would comfort us won’t necessarily comfort them.”

GettyStroking your cat will stress it outFurry: You might like stroking your cat, but it doesn’t always enjoy it

The findings also show that cat owners are at a loss when it comes to working out when their feline is stressed and how to deal with it.

More than half of owners – 55% – didn’t realise that living with another cat or dog can be stressful for their pet, while 50% were unaware that other cats coming into the house could be a cause of stress.

More than a third of owners let neighbouring cats in while 51% of the 1,300 cat lovers surveyed failed to identify wetting and soiling in the house as a sign of stress.

These Patrons make the Fowler Show possible ($20+ monthly donation on Patreon.com/FowlerShow) & we couldn’t do it without them!

Truthservers.com

Are you a fan of The Fowler Show? Become a Patron & help support independent media! Learn more here:

http://www.patreon.com/fowlershow

Want to help out but don’t have any money to donate? Donate your account & help us get our stories out on social media. Learn more here:

http://www.donateyouraccount.com/fowlershow

If you liked this clip, share it with your friends and hit that “like” button!

1,500 Subscriber Behind The Scenes Reward Video –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT9x1PvQTBU

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes for free!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-richard-fowler-show/id510713880

@fowlershow

@richardafowler

http://www.facebook.com/richardfowlershow

http://www.fowlershow.com

http://fowlershow.tumblr.com/

Story: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dont-stroke-your-cat-long-4389299