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Why Do Cats Bunny Kick? 3 Common Reasons

Written by: Cassidy Sutton

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat on lap

Why Do Cats Bunny Kick? 3 Common Reasons

If you’ve owned a cat for at least 24 hours, you likely already understand the power of the bunny kick. It’s cute when cats bunny kicks toys, but it’s not as cute when it becomes your arm and hand. All cats bunny kick, and it’s only a matter of time before your cat uses its powerful back legs against you. Usually, it’s nothing personal. But why do cats do it?

Well, that’s what we’re here to tell you. There are three main reasons why, and we’ll let you know how to prevent damage to your arms and hands in the future.

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The 3 Common Reasons Why Cats Bunny Kick

1. Self-Defense

Felines are prey as much as predators. Thick skin and a primordial pouch protect their abdomen during an attack, but sometimes that’s not enough. A cat’s powerful back legs and sharp claws propel predators away from their bodies, giving cats a chance to fight or run.

Even when you’re playing with your kitty, these instincts kick in. It’s the same as when you cover your stomach with your arms for protection. You can’t help it, and neither can your cat.

catfighting
Image Credit: rihaij, Pixabay

2. Stimulation

If you’ve ever been tickled against your will, you know how overstimulation can result in a few slaps and scratches. Any time you offer full-body pets or tummy tickles, you put energy into your cat, causing overstimulation. Rapid fire bunny kicks are a natural response to this.


3. The Hunt

Would a cat be a predator without the hunt? Probably not! Cats not only use their bunny kicks to ward off predators but also to slay their lunch. This isn’t as common with smaller prey, like rodents and birds, since the claws and teeth do most of the work. Still, larger prey, like rabbits and squirrels, could undoubtedly feel the wrath of the bunny kick.

Any time you play with your cat, you trigger the natural hunting instinct, so your cat will bunny kick to attack the “prey,” which just so happens to be you!

catfight
Image By: rihaij, Pixabay

Cat ball divider 1Should I Let My Cat Bunny Kick Me?

You should discourage your cat from bunny-kicking you as much as possible. On the surface, it seems harmless (minus the scratches on your arm and hand). But your cat learns that hands are okay to hunt and attack over time. It won’t just be your hands, either. Everyone’s hands will become prey.

We don’t want to encourage aggressive behavior in our cats, so it’s best to prevent bunny kicks before they occur. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t play with your cat. It simply means you change the way you play with your cat.

Resist Tummy Tickles

The most common reason that cats bunny kick their owners is tummy tickles. It’s hard to resist the fluffy belly, especially when cats roll on their backs willingly. It’s a sign of love and respect, but this doesn’t mean it’s an invitation to tickle the tummy. Resist the power of the belly, and you’ll avoid the power of the kick.

cat owner belly rubbing her cat
Image By: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock

Use a Toy

Using a toy is the best way to avoid injury when playing with your cat. Give your cat a toy that mimics the hunt as naturally as possible, like plush mice or feather toys. Cat playtime mimics the hunt, so your cat will have claws out, ready to pounce.

Learn Cat Body Language

Learning cat body language is a big part of cat ownership. Cats usually communicate their wants and desires through body language more than vocalizations. If your cat doesn’t like something, it will give you a warning sign. Some behaviors are common in all cats, and some are unique to your cat.

Watching the tail is a great way to observe your cat’s mood. A fast, whipping tail is always a sign of anger. Sometimes, a cat will turn its back to you to close you out. Short grooming sessions are another sign that the line was crossed. So, stop touching your cat and give it space if you notice any of these signs. Your cat will show you when it’s ready to play again.

cat owner rubbing her pet cat's belly outside
Image By: DebraCarr, Shutterstock

How to Stop Bunny Kicks in the Middle of a Play Session

If you’re already playing and your cat has your arm in a bunny-kick arm lock, here’s what you can do:

Most owners respond by pulling their arm back or prying their cat off their arm, but this only results in more arm scratches and probably an angry cat. Try to avoid doing this if you can. Instead, stop touching your cat and give a verbal cue. This can be a “tss tss tss” or an “ah ah ah“—anything that tells your cat the play session has gone too far.

Grab a toy (or any object that fancies your cat) to distract it. Your cat should remove its grasp from your arm.

divider-catclaw1 Conclusion

Cats are natural hunters and often react in a predatory way, regardless of whether they’re happy or angry. They don’t mean to hurt you, but cats can’t help it, either.

The best way to avoid bunny kicks is to avoid playing with your hands. Use a toy designed to stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instinct. Your cat will love it, and you’ll enjoy playing with your cat even more.


Featured Image Credit: rock-the-stock, Shutterstock

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