Be very careful not to hurt the cat or pull too hard. Ear-oriented cats also like to have a knuckle lightly rubbed inside their ear. Scratch backwards along the cheeks from the whiskers toward the tail, or try scratching under the jaw and along the neck. Cats have been known to fall over with pleasure when you scratch under their collar. Like humans, cats enjoy a good rubbing under the forelegs and around the shoulder blades.
Many cats like to have their backs scratched and even to have their fur brushed backwards briefly.
Use some enthusiasm while scratching the base of your cat's tail. It can make the cat feel great, and it's a good way to detect the presence of fleas. If your cat crouches low to the ground, he or she is feeling uneasy. If your cat stands on his or her toes, you are probably being asked to pick up your cat. Raised hair on the back and a puffed-out tail are universal signs of hostility or defensiveness.