Cats are the funniest, adorable, and irresistible creatures. They do many things, which seem to be the funniest actions, but there are some actions that appear very strange. Some of the behaviors include shaking, high fives, and the most important one, kicking themselves. It sounds very strange, but it happens. If you don’t know why your cat is doing this, you might wonder if there is something wrong with my cat. What are the reasons for your cat’s doing this type of behavior?
In this blog, we are going to tell you the most important reasons why your cat kicks themselves. By knowing these reasons, you will be able to understand the most important facts about cats kicking, and you will be able to tackle all these cats behaviors in a very sophisticated way, so all your worries will be gone.
Why do cats kick themselves?
Cats have graceful personalities; they show different actions due to their instinctive properties. The cat might kick themselves due to its wild nature; although they are not dangerous creatures, this action might hurt you in many ways. So, here are the reasons that make your cat kick themselves.
1. It’s a reflex action:
Cats are just a wonder creature; they can do things that other animals wouldn’t be able to do easily, but that doesn’t mean that they have proper control over their bodies. The cats sometimes show very strange acts, like kicking themselves without any reason; this action is due to reflex action. Reflex action is the involuntary movement of muscles, which may result in plenty of natural reflexes. When a cat bends in a side position, the brain of the cat stimulates the specific muscles present in the body of the cat. This stimulation triggers a response, due to which the cat kicks themselves. This action is just like the example where some time your body twitches suddenly and you have to stop it by pinching yourself in order to get out of this condition.
2. Playful behavior:-
The cats are much more excited while playing with children or their owners. The cat may kick themselves or you during this excitement; it is their natural act to show that they want to play with you or another cat. It is a type of sweet bunny kick. This behavior of the cat is seen during special tasks like playing with toys, playing with you, or playing with another cat. The cat simply rolls back, holds the toy or your hand on their belly, and starts kicking themselves; it’s their natural instinct; it might not hurt you; it’s the way through which they show you their feelings. All this a cat is doing is attracting your attention toward her. In this case, you have to give your cat special attention and time in order to fulfill the demands of your feline friend your cat.If you don’t do this, it may cause stress and anxiety for your feline friend.
3. Defensive behavior:
The other reason cats kick themselves is their defensive mechanism. When the cat is attacked by someone, the cat rolls on their back and uses their four paws for defensive action. The cat grabs the opponent and starts kicking; this kick is more powerful as compared to a playful kick. The intensity of the defensive kick is higher as compared to other kicks. Similar is the case of hunting prey, but the domesticated cat. They don’t need to hunt food, so in order to show their natural instinct, the cat starts kicking themselves.
4. Mental health problems
One of the major reasons your cat starts kicking themselves is their mental health. Your cat might be under great frustration and stress. In other cases, it may be due to a genetic disorder. Hyperesthesia syndrome is the sudden attack and chasing of their own tails and kicks. This problem may be due to the taking of toxins or to age. If you notice your cat kicking themselves, it is best to consult your veterinary doctor in order to understand the reason and get proper treatment for the problem.
5. Allergies
The cat may kick themselves due to different allergens. The allergy may occur due to multiple factors, like foods that don’t suit your cat, like cheese. The allergy may be due to pollen, dust, or materials used by cats in everyday life. The allergy may cause itching, inflammation in cat skin, hair loss, or redness. The cat starts kicking, biting, and licking the infected area in order to feel relaxed and relieve pain from the infected area. In this case, you have to visit the veterinary doctor in order to treat your cat allergy in time.
6. Parasitize the body
The cats are very sensitive creatures; they might start kicking themselves due to the presence of parasites on their bodies. The parasite may be ticks, worms, mites, or fleas. The presence of these parasites causes itching and irritation in the cat’s body, so in order to get rid of them, the cat starts kicking themselves. So when bacteria and fungi also attack your cat, it may cause serious disease in the body of the cat. If you observe your cat kicking themselves, examine the body of your cat properly. If parasites are present, remove them as soon as possible. Proper bathing and using coconut oil can help keep your cat away from parasites.
How to prevent this behavior of cat?
While self-kicking is a natural feline behavior, there are measures you can take to minimize its frequency or intensity:
1. Provide ample playtime and exercise.
Cats require regular physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration, which can contribute to excessive kicking. Engage your cat in interactive play sessions, provide them with stimulating toys, and consider using puzzle feeders to challenge their cognitive abilities.
2. Manage stress levels:
Cats can become stressed due to various factors, such as changes in their environment, the introduction of new pets or individuals into the household, or excessive noise. Identify and address any potential stressors in your cat’s environment to promote a sense of calmness and security.
3. Seek veterinary guidance.
If you observe a sudden increase in your cat’s kicking behavior, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in litter box usage, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues and recommend appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Cats show multiple behaviors, among which kicking themselves is the most common. This behavior of the cat is very puzzling for the cat owner. The cat kicks themselves for multiple reasons; it may be due to aggression, defense, playful behavior, or other facts. Do not allow your cat to make this a habit, as it may hurt you or the cat. If you see this behavior in your cat, you should consult a veterinary doctor or behavioral specialist. This will help your cat live a happy life.
