If your cat has suddenly started grabbing your hand and kicking you, it can be concerning as this behavior may seem aggressive. However, there are several possible reasons your cat is exhibiting this behavior that are important to understand.
Your Cat is Playing
One of the most common reasons for hand grabbing and kicking is that your cat is trying to play with you. Cats commonly use their front paws to grab objects during play, and will kick with their back legs when excited. So your cat may see your hand as a toy and start batting, grabbing, and bunny kicking it. This is especially common in young, energetic cats who want to play. Here are some signs the behavior is play:
- Your cat is under 2 years old
- It happens when you initiate play or move your hand near them
- Your cat seems excited, not aggressive, during the behavior
- They don’t apply much pressure and don’t break the skin
If this is the case, be sure to have dedicated play sessions with your cat to help satisfy their instinct to hunt and pounce. Using interactive toys like wands and balls will allow them to grab and kick an appropriate object instead of your hand.
Petting Aggression
Some cats seem to enjoy being pet initially, but will suddenly turn and grab or kick you in response. This is known as petting aggression or overstimulation. Petting releases relaxing endorphins for cats. But if done too long, too vigorously, or after they are done, cats can become overstimulated and irritated. Signs your cat is overstimulated:
- They were purring or seemed relaxed before the behavior
- It happens after several minutes of petting
- Your cat tries to move away or escape the petting before the behavior
- They remain in a crouched position after, rather than running away
Avoid overstimulation by watching your cat’s body language carefully during petting. And try to end the session before they get upset. Also use distraction with toys to interrupt the tension.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression happens when your cat is aroused by something they cannot reach, like another cat outside, so they redirect this energy onto you instead. Signs it’s redirected aggression:
- It occurs suddenly even though you did not initiate play or petting
- It happens when your cat notices something stimulating outside they cannot access, like another cat
- Your cat seems aroused, agitated, restless immediately before the incident
- They run away after grabbing or kicking, rather than crouching
If this is the case, try to minimize the triggers that are arousing your cat. Close blinds to hide outdoor cats. Use calming pheromones or medication if the reactivity is severe. And give them appropriate outlets like toys when they seem stimulated.
Fear or Anxiety
Cats may grab and kick when feeling threatened or defensive. This can happen with cats who are naturally timid or have had bad experiences. Signs it’s fear based aggression:
- Your cat’s ears are flat back and their pupils are dilated
- It occurs when you approach or back them into a corner
- They hiss or growl during the incident
- They seem avoidant after grabbing you
Make sure not to corner them and give them space when they seem scared. Let them approach you instead. Build confidence with treats and play. And consider anxiety medication if their fear is severe.
Pain-Induced Aggression
If your cat is hurt or in pain, they may lash out due to feeling vulnerable. Signs your cat is hurting:
- They vocalize or behave aggressively when you touch a certain body area
- They are hesitant to jump up or move around
- They are showing other signs of illness or injury like limping
- The aggression starts suddenly when they previously liked petting
Take them to the vet to be assessed for pain, injury, or illness if this is a possibility. Inform staff about the aggressive behavior so they can take precautions. Addressing the underlying pain will likely resolve the aggression.
Litter Box Issues
Cats who have litter box trouble may lash out due to feeling frustrated or defensive. Signs it’s related to litter issues:
- Your cat stops using their litter box or has accidents around the home
- The aggression happens near the litter box or sites of accidents
- They seem distressed when you approach while they’re in the litter box
- There are no other signs of illness
Rethink your cat’s litter setup. Add more boxes, clean them more, use different litter, or address anything that may be making them feel ambushed in the box. This will help resolve any associated aggression.
Punishment Aggression
Using punishment like yelling or spraying water can make cats more aggressive. Signs your cat is behaving this way due to punishment:
- The aggression starts after you punish them for another behavior like scratching
- It mostly happens when you approach to discipline them
- Your cat seems afraid of you or avoids you when possible
- The aggression increases the more punishment is used
Punishment makes cats feel threatened, anxious, and hostile. Instead use rewards for good behavior. And redirect bad behaviors onto preferable items. Never use physical punishment or yelling.
Handling Aggression
Once you determine the cause, you can take steps to prevent and safely manage aggressive grabbing and kicking:
- Avoid triggering situations like petting too long
- Distract with toys or food when your cat gets overexcited
- Stay calm and don’t pull away quickly, which can provoke them more
- Provide appropriate outlets like scratching posts and interactive play
- Call your vet for advice if aggression persists or you’re unsure of the cause
- Use a thick blanket or gloves for protection when handling an aggressive cat
When to See the Vet
See your vet if your cat’s aggressive grabbing and kicking:
- Happens suddenly and intensely in a previously friendly cat
- Draws blood, causes punctures, or seems very forceful
- Is paired with other behavioral or physical changes
- Doesn’t improve with simple measures after a few weeks
Medical issues like dental disease, arthritis, infections, thyroid problems, neurological issues, and more could be causing or contributing to aggression. Your vet can perform examinations and testing to identify any underlying conditions requiring treatment.
Medications for Aggression
If your cat’s grabbing and kicking seems driven by fear, anxiety, irritation, or compulsion, your vet may prescribe medication to help control it alongside behavior modification. Some options include:
- Antidepressants like Prozac to reduce anxiety and calm reactive responses
- Anti-anxiety medication like Gabapentin to increase inhibition and relaxation
- Synthetic pheromones like Feliway to promote comfort and ease stress
- Sedatives in the short term to disarm cats during handling and treatment
Medication works best alongside changes to their home and routine to identify and minimize triggers. Your vet can explain how to safely administer medication and monitor for improvements or side effects.
Safety Tips for Aggressive Cats
Living with an aggressive cat requires some precautions to keep everyone safe. Here are some important tips:
- Avoid startling or cornering them, and let them approach first
- Provide escape routes and perches they can climb to when scared
- Use thick gloves and blankets when handling them to prevent injury
- Keep their claws trimmed to reduce damage if they do latch onto you
- Keep them separated from children or other pets who may not understand their aggression
- Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers and medications as recommended by your vet
Working closely with your vet and a behavior specialist, many aggressive cats can become calmer and safer family members again.
When to Rehome an Aggressive Cat
Rehoming to a quiet home without children may be considered if:
- The aggression is dangerous and unpredictable despite all behavior and medical efforts
- Your family members are at high risk of serious injury
- You cannot make the extensive environmental changes needed for safety and care
- Your other pets are being injured
As a last resort, an experienced cat rescue may be able to provide the controlled environment an aggressive cat needs. Be sure to fully disclose their history so caretakers can implement proper precautions.
Conclusion
While startling, most cases of cat grabbing and kicking come from a place of instinct, anxiety, or pain, rather than true aggression. Staying calm, determining the cause, and approaching with patience and care is key to resolving the behavior. With the right help from your vet and positive behavior modification at home, an apparently aggressive cat can often make a turnaround to once again become a loving feline companion.