There’s a move called the cat ‘bunny kick’. Cats sometimes grab an object, wrap their front arms around it, and then quickly ‘bunny kick’ by repeatedly pushing out with their hind legs. If you imagine a cat having prey in its arms, you can see how this could be a successful hunting tool. But cats often do this when not hunting. There are two possible reasons why a cat might do this to a human’s arm.
Both are similar but distinct. You need to figure out which your cat is doing. The appropriate response is the same: scold your cat and ignore it for a while. Then, after some time, you can give your cat more or less of what it wanted, depending on how it meant the action. You should discourage this behavior because your cat probably doesn’t mean to hurt you. Cats may not realize how hard they’re biting due to their furry protection. This behavior can become dangerous if it becomes habitual. Let’s look at the two possibilities and how to handle them. Reason 1: Your cat is hyper and playing with you. This is the most likely cause. Cat play is like hunting practice. The more they practice, the better they get at hunting. So they engage in hunting behaviors when they play. They play with their litter mates, adult friends, and humans if not stopped. Cats treat humans like other furry friends until they learn not to do certain things. Since humans don’t have fur, this behavior isn’t safe. To stop it, yell ‘Owtch!’, shake your cat off your arm, and scold it for hugging and biting your arm.Teaching your cat boundaries is crucial. If your cat engages in behavior that hurts you, firmly say “No!” and distance yourself from the cat. Cats may not understand that their actions are harmful to you due to their fur, but repetition will help them learn what is acceptable.
Do not play with your cat immediately after scolding. This could teach them that such behavior earns attention. Instead, wait 10-20 minutes before engaging in play to help them release pent-up energy. Consider toys like the Kong Cat Wubba Mouse Soft Plush Catnip Toy, available on Amazon and Chewy. Recognizing when your cat is hyper and wants to play is important. They may scurry off or find another object to direct their energy if scolded. A cat in a playful, hyperactive state might even have a wild look in their eyes, seeking an outlet for their energy. Providing cat kick toys, such as the Kong Kickeroo and the Jeepers Creepers Toy Rat, can help. Spraying these with catnip can keep them fresh and appealing. You can play with your cat using these toys to help release their energy, but they should also learn to play independently if the toys are available in the same room. Having at least one of these toys in every room where your cat might want to play is recommended. If your cat does not react in this playful manner and instead appears serious or agitated, it may be a warning sign that you are doing something they dislike. It could be that you are petting them in the wrong way or at the wrong time. A sharp tail flick or a wag that looks more agitated than happy could indicate they want you to back off. Misinterpreting these signals could lead to them resorting to actions like bunny kicking to communicate their discomfort. Understanding the difference between a cat’s playful and warning signals is key to maintaining a harmonious relationship with your feline friend. The Kong Kitten Kickeroo Catnip Kick Toy is another recommended toy for helping your cat express their playful side.The kitten in the pictures above, named Cleo, is more inclined to hug arms and bite. It’s not a first line of defense; it’s a series of events leading up to this behavior. Cats may glare or smack as warnings, and if ignored, they might escalate to biting. Cats do not intend to hurt you but want to communicate that something isn’t right. They have fur and cannot judge our pain thresholds well, leading to rough play. The best way to handle this is to scold your cat and observe their body language while petting. A cat may start enjoying petting but become overstimulated, leading to biting. If you weren’t paying attention, you need to be observant and learn your cat’s body language to understand when they’ve had enough. Respect their boundaries to avoid forcing them into giving more frantic warnings. Share your thoughts on cats hugging arms and biting. Why do you think they do this? Is it more likely one explanation over another? What would you do in such cases? Are there explanations or signs I missed? I’m eager to hear your opinions and stories in the comments below!
