Yeah, I've had good results just going for the chest instead of the chest and belly. Then they can interact with their front paws or head if they want to, and you avoid getting raked with the rear claws if they suddenly decide petting was ok up to then but must stop immediately.
Also don't go from 0 to 100 instantly, unless you know the cat well. Ramp up the intensity more slowly so the cat isn't jolted around unexpectedly or feels out of control. Same thing if you pick them up. If they instantly start squirming around, they aren't comfortable. Maybe it's nervousness about being dropped, maybe they just don't want to be carried.