I’m sure many cat owners have experienced this: sometimes, your cat will grab your hand or foot and make a “rabbit kick” motion, and occasionally, it might even bite you. What started out as a fun moment suddenly takes an unexpected turn, leaving you confused and puzzled… But after spending some time with my cat, I realized that there are several reasons why your cat might “rabbit kick” your hand. Let’s dive into it and explore the possibilities!
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Your cat sees your hand as prey (this action mimics a quick attack)
In your cat’s mind, your hand moving around is just like a lively prey. Cats are born with a hunting instinct, and once triggered, they move fast. Once, when I was casually waving my fingers on the bed, my cat, originally lounging lazily, suddenly had its eyes light up. In a flash, it pounced on my hand, gripping it tightly with its paws, while its hind legs kicked rapidly like a “rabbit kick” and its little teeth gently bit me. It looked like an intense hunting move, and in the wild, such actions would quickly capture prey in one strike. For my cat, your hand is the perfect “hunting target,” and by simulating hunting, it hones its attack skills.
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Your cat is defending itself (when its belly is exposed or touched)
A cat’s belly is one of its most sensitive areas, and they don’t easily let anyone touch it. My friend’s cat is usually very gentle, but if the owner tries to touch its belly when it’s not paying attention, it instinctively grabs their hand and begins to “rabbit kick” furiously, even making warning sounds. This reaction happens because the cat feels vulnerable when its belly is exposed, and its natural defense mechanism kicks in. In its mind, this action helps scare off the “enemy” and get away from danger.
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Your cat is playing with you (it kicks like this when holding a toy)
When cats play, they are full of energy, and they treat your hand as a fun toy. My neighbor’s cat does the same thing every time its owner comes home from work – it excitedly runs over, grabs their hand, and starts kicking and playing. It’s just like when it plays with its plush toys, enjoying the fun. For a cat, interacting and playing with its owner is the highlight of the day. Your hand is seen as an endless source of joy, and through this “rabbit kick,” the cat fully enjoys its playful moment.
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Your cat is in heat
When a cat is in heat, its behavior can become a little strange. The female cat at my coworker’s home, during heat, reacts differently from its usual calm self. If the owner tries to pet it, it grabs their hand, kicks, and bites – a completely different demeanor from its usual gentle nature. This behavior happens because during heat, a cat’s hormone levels change, and it becomes anxious and restless. It uses this behavior to release built-up energy, and it may even be signaling to its owner that it’s in heat, hoping for attention.
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Your cat sees your hand as a teething toy
When a cat is teething or experiences discomfort with its teeth, it may need something to chew on. The stray kitten adopted by my community was notorious for biting anything in sight during its teething period. Whenever the owner reached out to pet it, it would grab their hand and chew and kick. For kittens in the teething phase, your hand feels soft and perfect for biting, which helps soothe the itch and discomfort in their gums. Even after the teething phase, if a cat has dental issues, it might still use your hand as a “chew toy.”
Does your cat also grab your hand and “rabbit kick”? Under what circumstances does this happen, and what do you think it’s trying to do?
