Many cat owners have probably experienced this: sometimes your cat will grab your hand or foot and start “kneading” like a little bunny, and sometimes it might even bite. What started as a playful moment can suddenly leave you completely confused… Over time, after having cats for a while, I realized that when a cat kneads your hand, there are actually many different reasons behind it. Let’s take a closer look~
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Your cat sees your hand as prey
In a cat’s little mind, your wiggling hand looks just like a lively piece of prey. Deep down, cats have a natural hunting instinct, and once it’s triggered, their reflexes are lightning-fast. One time, my cat was lazily lying on the bed while I casually wiggled my fingers. Instantly, its eyes lit up, and like a bolt of lightning, it lunged forward, grabbing my hand tightly with both front paws, kicking rapidly with its back legs like a little bunny, and lightly nibbling with its teeth. That stance looked like a fierce hunting scene. In the wild, this move would allow a cat to strike prey quickly and efficiently. To it, your hand is the perfect “hunting target” at the moment, and through this simulated hunt, it sharpens its attack skills.
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Your cat is defending itself
A cat’s belly is a very sensitive area, and they rarely let anyone touch it. My friend’s cat is usually super gentle, but if its owner touches its belly when it’s not paying attention, it will instinctively grab the hand, kick furiously with its back legs like a little bunny, and even make warning sounds. Exposing its belly makes the cat feel vulnerable and in danger. Acting on instinct, it takes this action to protect itself. In its mind, this can scare off the “threat” and keep it safe.
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Your cat is playing with you
When cats play, their enthusiasm is off the charts, and they see your hand as a fun toy. My neighbor’s cat, every time its owner comes home from work, excitedly runs over, grabs the owner’s hand, and starts kicking and tumbling. It’s just like when it plays with a plush toy, fully enjoying itself. For cats, interacting and playing with their owner is one of the happiest moments of the day. In its eyes, your hand is a playful companion that brings endless joy, and through this “bunny kick,” it fully indulges in the fun of play.
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Your cat is in heat
When a cat enters its heat period, its behavior can become unusual. My colleague’s female cat, during heat, will grab the owner’s hand and kick and bite, completely different from her usual gentle demeanor. This happens because hormone levels change during heat, making the cat restless and agitated. Through this behavior, it releases built-up energy and may also be signaling to the owner that it’s in heat, hoping for attention.
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Your cat is using your hand as a teething toy
During teething or when its teeth are uncomfortable, a cat urgently needs something to chew on. A stray kitten I adopted in my neighborhood would chew on anything during its teething period. Every time the owner reached out to pet it, it grabbed the hand and started biting and kicking. For a teething cat, a soft human hand is perfect to chew on, effectively relieving itchiness and discomfort in its teeth. Even after teething, if a cat has dental issues, it might still treat your hand as a “teething stick.”
Does your cat also grab your hand and do the “bunny kick”? In your experience, under what circumstances does it usually do this, and what do you think it’s trying to communicate?
