It's long been shown that petting an animal can help relieve stress and anxiety in humans, but that doesn't mean you're the only one getting any benefits. Petting your cat in a way that's enjoyable for him — more on that below — is a way to interact socially with your feline friend and help develop your bond. Petting your cat also helps you detect if there are any issues happening under their hair that you can't see, such as fleas, ticks, scratches, bumps or areas that are swollen or painful. It can be very difficult to tell when a cat is sick or in pain, and being aware of these first signs can help ensure you get your cat to the vet early on.