For many people, hugging, petting, and cuddling with a cat can make them feel better. However for many cats, they’d prefer having space than having someone too close to them.

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s behaviour manager, 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.’

The next time you need comfort, you likely won’t get it from your cat. Then again if you already own a cat, you probably know that already.

To read more about how to keep your cat from being stressed out (while ignoring your own levels of stress), click here.