Cat lovers, it may be best to pet your kitty only when it is in the mood for it, as according to a recent study on Science Daily, cats that reluctantly let you stroke them may be more stressed than those who totally avoid your affections.

Researchers from the University of Lincoln in the UK, the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Australia worked together to gain a deeper understanding about how felines adjust and cope with living alongside humans and others of their kind in a home setting.

Researchers found that although felines are thought of as unsocial creatures, staying with other cats does not necessarily stress them out. In fact, younger kitties feel more at ease when they’re part of a group than when they’re on their own. On the other hand, owners who incessantly interact with their cats by stroking and petting them may be causing more anxiety.

"Our data suggests that cats who tolerate, rather than enjoy or dislike being petted, seem to be the most stressed," Daniel Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln, said.

In order to avoid this, researchers recommend giving cats their own autonomy. They can take care of themselves just fine. After all, cats always land on their feet.

(Photo by A. Davey via Flickr Creative Commons)