Cats have a variety of defensive and offensive weapons that they will deploy depending on the threat. Punching without the use of claws can be simply attempting to urgently get your attention or it can be to let another animal know that they should stop doing whatever they’re doing because it’s annoying. Fetch will provide you some perspective on cats’ punches.
Reasons for cat punching
Cat punch for fun/interest
The most common reasons cats punch on their owners are for play and attention. Typically cats who engage in this behavior hide behind a corner or furniture and then suddenly jump out at the owner. Your cat may dig her claws into you and hold on or lightly touch you with her paws and run off.
Cat punch for discomfort or frustration
Cats punch each other because they are playing or they are defending themselves. Punching is a mild aggressive behavior and signals the cat is experiencing fear & discomfort. Cats also show dominance through it.
Photo by rihaij on Pixabay
Cat Punch for Attack
On the other hand, sometimes, the punches are less friendly and more aggressive. Cats are quick to defend themselves, and if they’re ever under any perceived danger, their instincts kick in, and the claws come out.
Photo by birgl on Pixabay
Is there a dominant hand for cat punching?
Scientists have discovered that many cats show a marked preference for the right or left front paw when it comes to walking down stairs, stepping over an object, reaching for food, or punching. These preferences also differ by sex—males tend to prefer their left paws, whereas females were more likely to be righties.
https://www.livescience.com/61517-cat-paw-dominance-study.html
What if a stray cat punches you?
If a stray cat punches you, there are 2 situations: to play or to attack. Normally when the cat friendly punches you to take your attention, she/he won’t use the claws. If they are aggressive, they will likely show the claws. Remembering the other signals of cats before attacking, however, will save you from trouble.
With careful observation of the cat’s communication signals, you’ll usually see warning signs, such as:
- Quickly turning his head toward a person’s hand.
- Twitching or flipping his tail.
- Flattening his ears or rotating them forward and back.
- Restlessness.
- Dilating pupils.
Summary
- When a cat punches without the use of claws, it can be simply attempting to urgently get your attention, or it can be to let another animal know that they should stop doing whatever they’re doing because it’s annoying.
- The reasons to cause cat punches: for fun/interest, discomfort/ frustration, or attack.
- Cats show a preference for the right or left front paw when it comes to walking downstairs, stepping over an object, reaching for food, or punching.
- If a stray cat punches you, there are 2 situations: to play or to attack.
- Remembering the other signals of cats before attacking, however, will save you from trouble.