Your Cat Is Testing You
This may come as a shock to some people, but cats do not trust their humans automatically. We have to earn their trust. In my personal experience, I have found this is easier with kittens than adult cats. When I have a cat that I have had since early in their life, they take to me and accept me pretty quickly. Its almost like having a child. Youve been such a big part of their life for so long they dont know anything else but you.
Older cats are a different entity altogether. They have set habits and formed personalities. And if you adopted them from a shelter or rescue, you may not know their full background.
The cat could have come from an awful home environment and may not be so trusting of humans. It is our job to work to earn their trust. Placing their paws on your face without using claws first may be a way to test you. If your cat can leave their paws there and you dont attempt to do anything to him or her, they can begin to accept you. Make sure you pass the test!
Because He Or She Was Stretching & Your Face Was A Comfortable Resting Place Once Done
Cats love to stretch, and who can blame them stretching is good for us as well and if we did it as much as a cat, Im sure wed have a heck of a lot less tension in our shoulders!
After a cats done stretching, he or she sometimes rests a paw in an odd place, so why not your face?
Its a warm, soft, pretty padded place if a cheek or a nose is picked. Makes sense to me.
Check For Medical Issues And Paw Injuries
There can be several reasons why a cat might hold their paw up or put it out towards you. There could be medical reasons, or there could be social reasons. It is fairly easy to ascertain if you have a medical issue. See Tips for Facilitating Good Cat Health
Start by examining your cats paw. Is it cut or torn? Are the pads worn too low? Is there anything stuck in the cats paw? Can you see any blood anywhere? Check to see if he has a torn muscle or strained or sprained tendon. A cats tendon can be an extremely sensitive part of her anatomy. The tendon is responsible for holding the claw in place and even if you have declawed your cat, you may need to worry about this.
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As A Form Of Testing You Asking You To Trust He Or She Wont Hurt You With Claws
Ive read this theory being suggested by a few different people. Its an interesting one, though I have no idea how you would even begin to try testing it out.
It seems like we may anthropomorphize a little too much with this one for me to wholeheartedly believe it, as I dont think cats can really conceptualize testing you, personally, let alone testing you by putting his or her paws near your face without scratching.
That being said, you never know! This could turn out to be true, meaning felines are far more intelligent than most would ever think to give them credit for.
Why Does My Cat Put His Paw On My Face When Im Sleeping
I think theres no better lullaby than a cats purr and the soft warmth of their fur as they settle down to sleep next to you, and it must be one of the highest feline compliments as cats will only do that if they feel secure around you especially when theyre the most vulnerable.
Cats will also choose to sleep in different poses and areas of the bed. One of my cats will snuggle under the blankets and then move to my feet while the other one prefers to occupy my pillow. Sometimes the kitty that sleeps next to my face will rest his paw on my hair and it often ends up on my face.
Touching you or rubbing against you while youre asleep is usually a sign of trust and love and it could be part of their kneading behavior that they usually do when theyre preparing to sleep. I usually interpret this as a good night, but if it happens during the night I know that its usually my cats effort to wake me up and get my attention. The reason why a cat would wake you up by putting a paw on your face will differ from one cat to another. They might feel peckish, they might want to play, or theyre simply asking you to scoot over.
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Why Does My Cat Touch My Face When Im Sleeping
The main reason why a cat will touch your face while you sleep is actually to wake or alert you to something. That something, could even be them and their desire for attention/something more specific. Like food or being let out.
While this is annoying, its something that many cat owners have to put up with its as if your cat is your personal alarm clock.
If you are not a morning person, this little habit your cat has can soon become grating.
You must find a way of meeting your cat needs without them feeling the need to interrupt your sleep.
Youll also need to consider your cats own sleep/wake schedule, which does differ from that of humans.
While they may sleep a lot, they do so with regular naps instead of one consistent stretch of sleep.
Equally, they are very active during the night. Being natural predators, theyre hard-wired to chase and hunt at night. So you can except either to hear them, or have them come to visit if your house allows.
It Is A Sign Of Trust
Whether your cat wants his paws to lay on your forehead, thats a big one.
When they sleep, cats are the most helpless.
The same is valid if your pet cat is resting and holding out his paws to meet your ears.
It is a fantastic deal since it means that your pet feels comfortable and stable.
Your cat understands that even if its unconscious, you cant do something to place them in danger.
It is an excellent supplement.
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Here’s Why Your Cat Gives You Love Bites January 16 2019 82 Comments
If you’re a cat butler you’ve probably experienced a “love bite” or two. Love bites usually happen in the midst of kitty cuddle time. One minute your kitty will be purring away as you pet them, the next they’re nibbling and nipping at your hands. My cat Rascal has a fondness for my chomping down on my knuckles. This odd behavior may leave many cat owners wondering, “Why is my cat biting me out of nowhere?”
Biting is a form of communication for cats. They can bite for more than a few reasons: fear, aggression, defensiveness, or acting territorially. But did you know that many cats give their owners gentle nibbles and nips as a display of affection? Hence the name “Love Bites”! Cats show their affection for us humans in several ways – you just have to know what to look for.
Why Do Cats Knead
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on January 23, 2020, by Dr. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB
At some point, youve probably caught your cat kneadingrhythmically pushing their paws in and out against a soft object, which could be a blanket or even your lap. Its also referred to as making biscuits because the action is like kneading dough.
While not all cats knead, its a common behavior for young and adult felines alike. Some cats knead and purr contentedly when theyre being petted, but they may also seem to do it for no clear reason. Cats even have their own techniquessome never use their claws when they knead, and some use all four paws.
There are a few different ideas out there as to why cats make biscuits.
Here are some of the more popular theories for why cats knead their owners and certain objects.
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Finally Find A Cat That Fits Your Lifestyle
All cats have different personalities. Sometimes, it’s possible to ad0pt a kitten or cat with a certain kind of personality. Nold says humane societies and rescue centers work with cat behaviorists to evaluate cats’ personalities. “Share what you’re looking for the center you’re adopting the cat from, ” Nold says.
For more ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah,
Reaching For Your Face Or Hair
Some cats have an unfortunate habit of wanting to reach their paws out and bat at your face or hair. I see this quite often when the cat owner has long, loose hair. Rather unnervingly, locks of human hair can sometimes awaken that predator instinct that all cats possess to one degree or another. A cat may also want to touch your face as a way of getting your attention, or to get your smell transferred onto them. Of course, we dont have pheromone glands around out mouths like cats but cats dont know that.
Be careful about letting a cat touch your hair or face. While theyre naturally very clean animals, cats can pick up parasites and diseases which may be transferred to you. For example, if a cat in the house happens to have worms, he or another cat can pick up the parasites eggs on his feet when he uses the litter-box. These could then be transferred to your face, and thus get into your mouth. Wash your face if your cat pats or nuzzles you.
You should also be careful about letting a cat reach a paw out to your face because, well, theyre cats. They arent always terribly careful about their claws . Cat scratches are no joke, and theyre especially unpleasant when they land on your face.
Children in particular should be taught not to let cats play with their hair or touch their faces. Their developing immune systems make them more vulnerable to infections, and their slower reactions make them more likely to be scratched.
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Reason : Theyre Claiming Their Personal Space
Not every paw resting on our face is a sign of love, in some cases, it could be your cats way to establish distance between you and them. Cats are known for their independence and that they mostly want us to act according to their needs and expectations, and since cats can be somewhat unpredictable these can change.
One moment youre swooping in to give your kitty a kiss on their cute little nose, and instead of hearing the usual soft purr or sweet little meow of acknowledgment youre met with a paw. Im sure its a familiar picture whether it has happened to you or youve seen videos with cats stopping their owners approaching face with their paws as they try to kiss them.
In case you havent heres one that will definitely make you laugh!
Like you can see in this clip, this gesture is usually calm, but if you push too hard your kitty will either get up and leave or push that paw against you more aggressively. Thats why its important to listen to what your cat or in this case your cats paws are saying to you and respect their boundaries.
A Cat May Use Her Paw To Get Your Attention
In this video, the cat owner is pointedly and deliberately ignoring her cat, even though Luna is sitting five inches from her face. Its a bit of a harmless experiment on the part of the owner, but it shows how resourceful Luna is in trying to regain her moms attention and what role a paw touch might play.
First, Luna meows. That is Luna using her Im talking to you, human, voice. You might not know this, but cats reserve meows for people. Cats communicate with other cats through scent, body language, expressions, and touch, but meows are a special noise they set aside for talking to us.
Next, Luna tries the paw. Its a gentle paw, barely a touch at all, but it does elicit a response from mom: some raised eyebrows, an air kiss.
How do we know that the paw touch was a bid for attention? Because Luna responds with a quick head bunt. The head bunt is an affirmation of their bond. It’s almost like she’s saying, “Yes. Now we understand each other.”
Luna then uses her paw a little more insistently and it has a stronger effect on Mom: this time she speaks to Luna. Luna responds with a more languorous head bunt, and a bit of allorubbing and then walks off.
Of course, we dont know what Luna is thinking at that moment, but it could have been that she was satisfied with the level of attention she received from Mom, or she might have gotten frustrated and given up.
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What Should You Do If You Think Your Cat Is Asking For Some Distance
In the immortal words of Aretha Franklin, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Your cat is a living being with emotions, preferences, wants, and needs of his own. The law may say you own your cat, but a relationship with your cat is the thing that matters. A relationship of any kind is built on trust and respect. If you think your cat is asking you so very nicely for some distance, give it.
Your Cat Is Showing Contentment
If your cat reaches for your hand with his paws and begins kneading it, it means that your pet is showing his contentment.
Cats knead blankets and fabrics or even their humans because it gives them a sense of security and contentment.
Kneading reminds felines of the time when they were still nursing with their mom and littermates. And for a cat owner, this is the highest praise that your pet can give you.
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Your Cat Wants Your Attention
If you are lounging on the couch and your cat sits beside you and tries to paw you, it can mean that he wants your attention.
Perhaps he just wants to cuddle next to you. Or maybe he wants a belly rub or a treat. Whatever his intention may be, this type of paw touching means that your feline does not want to be ignored.
Why Does My Cat Paw My Face In The Morning
When a cat puts its paws on your face, its a sign of affection or the need for attention. However, when you put your face close to your cat then it puts its paws up, it sends a message that youre invading its space. A cats claws remain retracted in either case as it doesnt intend to scratch your skin.
When a cat paws something, it deposits a distinctive scent from scent glands located in its paws. Most owners love the feeling of a gentle paw on their face, even if in the middle of the night! Here are some other reasons why a cat paws at your face.
- Your cat wants to be fed
- When your cat visits you in bed and gives you a friendly pat on the face, it probably is hungry, especially if its early morning. You can believe its a sign of affection, which it sometimes is.
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Your Cat Is Being Polite
Have you ever wondered if your cat says ‘hello’ to other cats? Johnson-Bennett says they do, and a friendly hello wouldn’t be complete without a good sniff of the bum.
“In a cat’s world, presentation of the hindquarters is considered proper etiquette,” explains Johnson-Bennett. “Cats who are friendly with each other will often approach with raised tails. They’ll do nose-to-nose sniffing and then one cat will turn to present the backend for a sniff.” The scent glands and corresponding pheromones found in a cat’s rear end offer their kitty companion the details of who they are and where they’ve been.
If your cat is always sticking his butt in your face, it just means you’ve raised one sweet gentleman!
How Do I Stop My Cat From Touching My Face
When faced with unwanted feline behavior, the first step you need to take is to figure out the reasons behind it. As Ive explained above there are numerous explanations as to why your cat is touching your face. If your kitty is putting his paw on your face while youre asleep or they keep persistently tapping you then its possible that they want food, or theyre bored, and they want to play. In some cases, Ive been awakened by my cats fast tapping me in the face because there was a stuffed mouse lost in my hair, or they wanted me to move and free up their rightful sleeping spot.
What helped me solve the persistent mewing and constant paw patting was an automatic food feeder. I cant recommend this easy solution enough, and its a great way to avoid your cats frustrated hungry meows throughout the whole day. You can check our review on 5 different feeders, or you can I promise you your hungry kitty will have no reason to tap you on the face!
Cats are animals that hunt during the late hours of the night, so its also possible that your kitty is terrorizing your sleep because theyre bored. The best way to ensure that your feline companion will sleep through the night is if you tire them out by playing with them before going to bed. Keeping the bedroom off-limits can also help reduce your cats paw interventions and help you enjoy a full night of sleep.
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