Fondle a cat or stroke a cat

[Patrick87]

Hi there,

which expression would you use? Do you say: I like stroking my cat. Or I like fondleing my cat. Can you use the expression to stroke with a pet as well, or does it only apply to humans?


Best regards,
Patrick

[emsr2d2]

Hi there,

which expression would you use? Do you say: I like stroking my cat. Or I like fondleing my cat. Can you use the expression to stroke with a pet as well, or does it only apply to humans?


Best regards,
Patrick

We use "to stroke" for pets. "Fondle" has a somewhat more intimate, even sexual, connotation.

[riquecohen]

We use "to stroke" for pets. "Fondle" has a somewhat more intimate, even sexual, connotation.

In AmE, "to pet" is most frequently heard.

[Patrick87]

Thanks. I didn't know that "to pet" can be used for animals as well. Do you say: "I like petting my cat." ? I always thought that this would have a sexual connotation.

[emsr2d2]

Thanks. I didn't know that "to pet" can be used for animals as well. Do you say: "I like petting my cat." ? I always thought that this would have a sexual connotation.

"Petting" and "heavy petting" are like "making out" or, in BrE, "snogging"! It's kissing and playing around but doesn't go as far as actual sex.

But petting your cat is just stroking and generally doing what you do to a cat!