Most cat owners have likely experienced their feline friends kicking themselves in the face at one point or another.
While it may seem amusing (or even somewhat concerning), there is a reason behind this strange behavior.
There are several reasons cats kick themselves in the face, but the most common is that they’re trying to scratch an itch that’s out of reach.
If you’ve ever seen your cat arching their back and stretching up to try and scratch something high up, then you know what we’re talking about.
When they can’t quite reach whatever they’re going for, they’ll often kick themselves instead to get relief.
Another possible explanation is that some cats enjoy the sensation of being scratched on their head and neck area.
When they kick themselves, those areas get stimulated just the right way and feel good to them – like how humans might enjoy massaging their scalps.
So next time you see your kitty giving him- or herself a little love tap on the nose with their back leg, don’t be too alarmed – chances are they’re just scratching an itch or enjoying a good feeling!
Why Does My Cat Kick Himself With His Back Legs?
There are a few reasons your cat might be kicking himself with his back legs.
One possibility is that he’s itchy and can’t reach the spot to scratch it.
Another reason could be that he’s feeling anxious or stressed, which is his way of releasing some pent-up energy.
If your cat suddenly starts kicking at himself more than usual, it’s worth taking him to the vet. The vet can rule out any medical causes, such as allergies or skin infections.
Once you’ve ruled out any health problems, you can do a few things to help reduce your cat’s stress levels.
Try adding new toys or scratching posts around the house for him to play with, and make sure he has plenty of places to hide if he wants some alone time.
You might also want room-temperature water available at all times since cats can get dehydrated easily when stressed (which can make them even more irritable).
Why Do Cats Kick Their Back Leg When Playing?
There are a few reasons cats kick their back legs when playing. The first reason is that it’s instinctual.
When cats are born, they naturally desire to pounce and play.
Pouncing helps them hone their hunting skills to survive in the wild. Kicking their back legs while they’re pouncing also gives them extra leverage and power to leap further and higher—an advantage when trying to catch prey.
The second reason cats kick their back legs while playing is that it feels good!
Cats have nerves in their skin called ‘Meissner corpuscles,’ which help them detect touch, pressure, and vibration (source).
When these Meissner corpuscles are stimulated, it causes a pleasurable sensation for the cat, similar to what humans feel when getting a massage or having their hair brushed (source).
So when your cat starts kicking her back legs wildly during playtime, she’s enjoying the physical exercise and getting the bonus of feeling good, thanks to those sensitive nerve endings!
If your kitty gets excited during playtime and starts running around like crazy, you may notice her kicking her hind legs out as she goes.
This could be due to pure jubilation at finally letting loose after being cooped up inside all day.
Just think about how you feel after finally taking off your shoes after wearing heels all day!
Cats might engage in this behavior because of excitement or frustration.
On the other hand, if your cat becomes frustrated during play, it may lash out by giving a swift kick with its powerful hind leg muscles.
Can I Anticipate A Bunny Kick?
A bunny kick is a sudden, powerful movement of the hind legs that rabbits use to defend themselves.
It can be very dangerous for anyone who tries to handle a rabbit without proper training and experience.
There are several things you can do to try to avoid being kicked by a rabbit:
- Approach the rabbit slowly and calmly, giving it time to get used to your presence.
- Avoid making loud noises or any sudden movements that could startle the rabbit.
- Never pick up a Rabbit by its ears – this is extremely painful for them and will almost certainly result in kicks!
What Is A Cat Bunny Kick?
The name “bunny kick” comes from the fact that it resembles a rabbit’s hind legs when hopping around.
A bunny kick is often used in martial arts, specifically taekwondo, and karate. It involves jumping up off the ground and kicking your opponent while in mid-air.
This move can take time to execute properly, as timing is everything.
You will miss your target entirely if you jump too early or too late.
It would help if you also had enough power behind your kick to inflict damage on your opponent – simply tapping them with your foot will not do much harm.
A well-executed bunny kick can be very effective, especially if a surprise is on your side.
There are various ways to perform a bunny kick, depending on what works best for you and what feels most natural.
Some people like to take a running start before leaping into the air.
In contrast, others prefer to jump straight up without any momentum beforehand.
Is It Okay to Let My Cat Bunny Kick Me?
There are a lot of opinions out there about whether or not it’s okay to let your cat kick you.
Some people think it’s cute and harmless, while others believe it’s a sign of aggression and could lead to serious injury.
So, what’s the verdict?
Is it really okay to let your cat bunny-kick you?
Here are some things to consider:
- If your cat is kicking you with its hind legs, this could be a sign of aggression. Cats typically only use their back legs for fighting and defense, so if your kitty is constantly kicking you with its back paws, this could be an issue.
- However, suppose your cat is only occasionally giving you light taps with its front paws (aka “bunny kicks”). In that case, this isn’t necessarily anything to worry about. This behavior is usually just a cat’s way of showing affection or playfulness.
- That said, even gentle bunny kicks can sometimes hurt humans depending on where they land (e.g., in the eye). So if you’re concerned about getting injured by one of these kicks, try wearing protective gear (such as gloves) when around your feline friend.
What To Do If My Cat Bites And Kicks Me With Their Back Legs?
If your cat bites and kicks you with its back legs, you should first stay calm.
It’s important not to panic or scare your cat, as this could make them more aggressive.
If possible, try to gently restrain your cat so it can’t hurt you anymore.
Once you have a hold of them, slowly put them down on the ground and step away.
If your cat is still acting aggressively, it’s best to leave the room and close the door until they calm down.
Several things could be causing your cat to bite and kick you with their back legs.
- A sign of fear or aggression, especially if they only do it when you approach them from behind.
- Form of playfulness, although usually, cats use their front paws for this behavior.
Suppose you have never done this before and suddenly start doing it out of nowhere.
In that case, it might indicate an underlying health issue, such as pain in their hindquarters or spinal problems.
Suppose your cat behaves this way, and it’s causing you pain or injury.
In that case, you’ll need to take it to a veterinarian for an examination.
Can I Reduce The Use Of My Cat’s Bunny Kick?
Yes, you can reduce the use of your cat’s bunny kick. Here are some tips:
- Feed your cat a high-quality diet to avoid hunger and help keep energy levels steady.
- Give your cat plenty of exercises – try playing with them for at least 10 minutes twice a day. A tired cat is less likely to want to attack anything that moves.
- Use toys and puzzles designed specifically for cats to stimulate their natural hunting instincts. This will help redirect aggressive behaviors towards prey rather than people or other animals in the home.
- Seek professional behavior counseling if necessary – a qualified trainer can work directly with you and your cat to help change problem behaviors.
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Cat Kick Herself In The Face?
There are a few reasons your cat might be kicking herself in the face.
- One possibility is that she’s playing too roughly and accidentally hitting herself while pouncing or running around.
- Another possibility is that she’s doing it intentionally as part of her grooming routine. Some cats like to lick their front paws and then use them to “wash” their face (this behavior is called bunting).
- Finally, it could signify something more serious, like pain or neurological issues. If your cat seems otherwise healthy but keeps kicking herself in the face, it’s best to take her to the vet for a check-up just to be sure.