Why do cats kick with their hind legs?

Does your cat kick with his hind legs? Bunny kicking can be both a sign of play and aggression. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Why do cats kick with their hind legs?

Cats sometimes “bunny kick” with their hind legs during play, but this can also be an aggressive or defensive behavior. Here are a few ways to tell the difference between your companion’s playful kicking and fighting moves.

For those unfamiliar with the term “bunny kick,” it refers to the movement cats make when they are lying on their backs or sides and begin kicking with their hind legs. Often, pets direct these kicks at a toy during play wrestling, but in some cases, cats can also kick their owners’ hands, feet or legs. Even though it is a playful act, bunny kicking can leave us with scratches due to our lack of protective fur. It is important, then, to let your cat know you are not a play object from the start of the behavior. When he tries to kick your arm or hand, replace it with one of your cat’s toys immediately. This will teach him what is and is not an acceptable play thing, and help you avoid some unwanted scratches down the road. Though bunny kicks are often a part of feline play, they can also be an aggressive act. Kittens use play to develop skills they will need as adults, and this includes behavior necessary in fights. Though it may initially seem counterintuitive for a cat to roll onto his back during an attack, the position allows him to use all four sets of claws and his teeth at the same time, inflicting maximum damage on his opponent. In this posture, he can grab his adversary with his front paws, using his hind legs to kick at the exposed stomach of the other cat. Cats intended to deal a swift blow with this technique, ending the fight quickly.

It may seem easy to tell the difference between play kicking and aggressive behavior, but it can require some careful observation on your part. If your cat bunny kicks when you go to pet him, it may mean he is trying to play. However, cats use this same behavior when feeling defensive or they want to be left alone. To tell the difference, it is important to watch your companion’s other body language. If his ears are pinned back, pupils are dilated, and tail is twitching, he is likely agitated and in need of some space. In this case, it is best to leave your cat alone for some time to calm down. If, on the other hand, Kitty seems relaxed, he is likely engaging in playful behavior and showing he is comfortable around you by exposing his vulnerable stomach. Do not take advantage of this display of comfort by reaching for a belly rub, however. Instead, give him a pat along his chin or some other, less vulnerable spot.