There are several reasons why your cat may reach out to you, whether they are laying down or lightly tapping you with their paw while standing up. As you might imagine, the most obvious reason is to try to get your attention. Let’s be honest – reaching out a paw may be the most adorable way they can do this.
However, it can also mean other things that don’t necessarily have to do with you at all. Here is a complete list of all the reasons your cat may reach its paw out towards you.
The 9 Reasons Why Your Cat Reaches His Paw Out to You
1. Attention
Many cats may attempt to grab your attention by reaching their paw out towards you. There are many ways that your cat could potentially try and get your attention, however. If the paw reaching doesn’t work, they will likely try other methods (like sitting on your computer keyboard).
Usually, you can fulfill your cat’s need for attention by petting them. However, some cats will be getting your attention for a different reason. Perhaps they need more food or want you to play. Either way, as soon as you start paying attention to your feline, they’ll probably let you know what they want.
2. Stretching
Cats love to stretch, though some do it more than others. It isn’t uncommon for your feline to accidentally stretch their paw in your direction while they’re stretching. This is an accident and not necessarily an indication that they want your attention.
You can usually tell if your cat is stretching by what they’re paying attention to. If they’re looking straight at you, they probably want some attention. However, if they’re half-asleep or have their focus elsewhere, they may just be stretching.
Stretching is an extremely relaxed behavior in cats, so it isn’t uncommon for them to do it often. Don’t be surprised if your cat seems to stretch every time they get comfortable.
3. They Have a Request
We discussed this briefly, but it deserves its own category as well. Sometimes cats don’t want our attention for affection. They may need something. A door could be closed that leads to their favorite sleeping spot, or they could be out of water.
Typically, if a cat wants something, they’ll take off running in that direction as soon as you pay them any attention. That’s your sign that your cat doesn’t actually want you to pet them, but instead needs you to do something for them.
It seems that only some cats do this, though. Others would rather meow or bang on stuff to get your attention. Either way, this is a sign that your cat needs your help.
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4. Form of Play
Instead of requesting a particular toy, which some cats do, your cat could be trying to play with you directly. They might be gently “swatting” you to get you to play with them.
Of course, you should never play with your cat with your hand. Instead, use a toy. Playing with your hands can teach cats that it’s okay to bite, which is not what you want. You want cats to think twice about biting or scratching your hands, which they won’t do if they constantly scratch and bite them while playing.
If your cat begins swatting you, it is better to remove yourself from the scenario for a few minutes to make it very clear that that is unacceptable behavior. After a few minutes, you can return, and when the cat is calm, offer a toy to play with and direct your cat’s attention towards it.
5. A Sign of Affection
Sometimes, a cat won’t necessarily want to be pet. Instead, they may be using their paw to pet you as a sign of affection. Cats are pretty smart creatures, so they’re sure to figure out that we pet them because we love them. Plus, petting feels pretty good for them, so it must also feel pretty good for us…right?
It may not exactly work this way, but our cats may think so. If you often pet your cat after they tap you, but they seem uninterested in your attention, this could be what they’re up to. Scientists haven’t actually studied this phenomenon, but many cat owners are adamant that this is what their cats are doing.
This is one of the rarer reasons, though it seems to be more common with specific cats. If your cat seems to be the petting type, then they may do this quite often. Many cats never “pet” their humans, though. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing if your cats do this or don’t do this. It’s more of a personality thing.
6. Mimicry
This is similar to the above reason but doesn’t have any affection behind it. There are many things our cats may mimic us doing. Some cats try to drink out of cups, for instance. Others meow when we sneeze. All cats are born with the ability to mimic; it’s how they learn to do some adult cat things, like hunting.
However, some cats mimic more than others. It may be that your cat is patting you with their paw because that’s what you do with all the other animals in the house. They may not be doing it for any affectionate reason, but only because they want to try it out.
Once again, this is one of the rarer reasons. It hasn’t actually been proven by science, but many cat owners swear by it.
7. Leaving Their Scent
Cats mark things they like. They actually have small scent glands in the pads of their feet, which help them leave their scent when they scratch on things. They may be touching you with their paws to “mark” you.
Usually, this isn’t actually a sign that your cat is claiming you or anything of that sort. Cats that are affectionate towards each other would have a mixed scent – they would smell like each other. Cats can tell which cats another cat is around by their scent. Your cat may simply be mixing your scents together to indicate that you’re part of the same family.
8. Kneading
Cats will often reach out their paws right before kneading. Kneading is a behavior that some contented cats do. It’s a behavior from kittenhood. Kittens knead on their mother’s stomachs to help the milk express. It is instinctual. Sometimes, this behavior continues into adulthood, where cats will knead when happy and content – like when they were drinking milk.
However, some cats only partially knead. Instead, they may only reach out their paws – never actually kneading them. Other times, it may be the first step to a full knead. Either way, it is a sign of contentment.
9. Pain
Usually, reaching out a paw is a sign that your feline is relaxed. However, it can also be a sign that something is wrong. Cats are very good at hiding their illnesses, so you usually won’t see many signs that they aren’t feeling well.
There are some illnesses that can lead to sore limbs and limping, which your cat may attempt to fix by stretching out their paws. Feline calicivirus is one example of this, as it causes “limping syndromes” in young kittens. This illness requires veterinary attention, so you will need to give your vet a call.
Conclusion
Cats usually reach out their paws because they want your attention for some reason. They may want to be pet, or they may need food. Sometimes, they may be requesting for a door to be opened or because they cannot reach one of their favorite toys. Usually, it is entirely benign and a sign that your cat is comfortable.
However, it can be a sign of certain illnesses. Cats may stretch their paw out due to muscle cramps, which can be a sign of dehydration, for instance. If your cat seems uncomfortable or is behaving strangely, call your vet.
Related read:
- How to Clean Cat Paws? Vet-Approved Step-By-Step Guide
- Cat Horned Paws (Cutaneous): What is it & What Can You Do About Them?
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
