Show affection to animals

[tufguy]

What do we say it, when we stroke our hand on an animal like dog and cat to show our affection? Do we say I padded my dog and cat?

 

[emsr2d2]

What do we say [STRIKE]it,[/STRIKE] when we stroke our hand on an animal like a dog [STRIKE]and[/STRIKE] or a cat to show our affection? Do we say "I padded my dog and cat"?

No. You actually used the correct word in your question. "I stroked my dog/cat". If you touch the animal gently, like a tap, with the flat of your hand and then take your hand away (and repeat), then it's "I patted my dog/cat".

 

[Roman55]

You can also say, 'I petted my dog/cat'.

 

[Barb_D]

I would say that "to pet" is the most common of those verbs here, to talk about a dog or cat.

My cats frequently tell me to pet them. Non-verbally, but quite effectively.

 

[Tdol]

Pet is quite affectionate in BrE, so I would use pat in the instance that Emsr2d2 is describing.

 

[SoothingDave]

Pet is quite affectionate in BrE, so I would use pat in the instance that Emsr2d2 is describing.

Do you still refer to them as "pets?"

 

[Tdol]

We do, but you have to know a dog to pet it IMO. Anyone can pat a dog if they're close to it,

 

[MikeNewYork]

Depending on temperament, even unfamiliar or stray dogs like being petted.