Also, cats don't necessarily like to be touched on their flanks, unless they're in the mood and/or trust you.
this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2025
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I think that applies to all cat parts, some especially friendly cats excepted.
My point is that there are areas (like around the head and along the spine) where generally they're vastly more tolerant of taking contact, much of that likely because it's pleasurable... even from total strangers.
Contrast that to their flanks, belly, tail, paws... all of which they tend to be more guarded around, all things being equal. Indeed, their bellies are such a key point of vulnerability (as highlighted by a typical cat fight), that they even developed the "dewlap" as a protective layer.
It's also because they have more 'sensors' on most parts of their bodies except for their head (except whiskers) and so it's extremely overstimulating to have these 'sensors' even slightly touched.
Well, they don't like being overstimulated. I can certainly agree with you there.
And on that note let's cue Pinky, a "very loving cat."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ubQxtEukvw
Anecdotally: If your cat really likes you, it won't mind getting your scent on it's fur, even right after it's been grooming itself.