yes, to my still fraidy cat-open fingers to her mean I am trying to pick her up. I curl my fingers in and pet her head which she absolutely loves. then her body down to her tail. sometimes I put one had under her belly and pet her with the other. I started out petting her with a fly swatter!! she loved that and the rest is history. she's a Darlin but just scares easily. she is six yrs old now. I believe she is a Norwegian Forest breed. Time and trust are a must. good luck.