If your cat gets angsty when you approach it, perhaps you've not been stroking correctly.

Research by Lauren Robin Finka, a postdoctoral research associate at the UK's Nottingham Trent University, published widely in the UK, claims to show that the reason why some felines are super-friendly and others are not. The reason apparently partly down to how the cat is being stroked.

The research shows different signs of enjoyment that cats will show when being petted, including purring and kneading owners with their front paws, to even going as far as giving gentle nudges when the owner stops.

According to the research, signs of cat enjoyment include:
:: tail held upright and choosing to initiate contact
:: purring and kneading you with their front paws
:: gently waving their tail from side to side while held in the air
:: a relaxed posture and facial expression, ears pricked and pointed forwards

The research also outlines some of the signs that the cats are not happy - often confused for happiness - such as swishing their tails.

Dr Finka has a PhD in Animal behaviour and Welfare and is a specialist consultant for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, according to her biography on the Nottingham Trent University website.

Footage here shows Jimi the ragdoll at home in Bergen County, New Jersey, demanding to be stroked by initiating contact with his owner and his ears pricked.

"Jimi the ragdoll is so sweet. He will tap his owner on the hand to be stroked," the filmer wrote online.

Jimi the ragdoll gently taps owners hand so he can receive a petting.
A cute video has emerged from the US of a Ragdoll cat demanding to be stroked.

The footage, shot on Monday in New Jersey, shows Jimi gently tapping its owner's hand in order to be petted.