Why Do Cats Kick Their Toys?

Do you have a pet cat? If yes, then you probably saw your pet cat kicking his/her toy. Right? It seemed cute when our pet cats started to kick their toys. However, what is the reason behind it? Why do cats kick their toys? Do cats kick their toys because they don’t like the toy you gave them? Or do they feel irritated because of their toys? Let’s find out the reason why!

Why do cats kick their toys? The reason why cats kick their toys is because they play wrestling. Many healthy cats enjoy the act of wrestling with other cats, toys, or pets. So, it means that your cat will not only kick their toys but also other cats or pets. When your pet cat starts to hug his/her toy and kick it, it’s playing. 

Aside from that reason there is another reason why cats kick their toys, which we will be discussing later on. Also, I will list down the best three toys that you can buy for your pet cat that loves to kick toys. So, if you are ready, let us move on!

Why Do Cats Kick Their Toys?

Let us dive deeper about the reasons why cats kick their toys. Like I have said above, there is another reason why your pet cat kicks his/her toys. So, let us check about it!

They Are Being Playful

First reason why your pet cat kicks his/her toy is because your pet cat is being playful. It’s not bad if your pet cat is being playful and kicks his/her favorite toy. 

If your pet cat is healthy, your pet cat will enjoy wrestling with other familiar cats, toys, pets, and even humans. So, when your pet cat grabs his/her toy or your hands and starts to bunny kick, your pet cat is just only playing and not violently attacking. 

However, even though it’s cute, cat owners should prevent their pet cats from kicking their hands, arms, feet, or legs. Even though your pet cat doesn’t mean to harm you, your cat’s playful kicks can leave behind painful scratches. When your pet cat starts to kick your arms or feet, give your pet cat his/her favorite toy instead. 

They Are Being Aggressive

Cats will kick their toys, other cats, pets, or you because your pet cat is being aggressive. This can hurt you, your other cat or pet. 

Cats will use their hind feet to kick their enemies when fighting one another. Your pet cat will lie on their backs or sides, cats can use all four sets of claws and teeth at the same time to fight. This kind of strategy will optimize the amount of damage a cat can inflict on their opponent.

How Can You Tell If It’s Aggressive Or Playful?

So, how can you tell if your pet cat is being aggressive or playful when your pet cat kicks their toys? Well, let me tell you how. 

You have to check the body language of your pet cat for you to tell if your pet cat is aggressive or playful. If the ears of your cat are back, the eyes are dilated, and their tail is swishing jerkily, then your pet cat feels agitated. If this happens, you must make your cat calm down first before interacting with him/her.  

On the other hand, if your pet cat seems relaxed and not threatened, then this is a sign that your pet cat is just being playful. If this is the case, you have nothing to worry about and you can interact with your pet cat. 

Should You Prevent Your Pet Cat From Kicking Their Toys?

No! You should not prevent your pet cat from kicking his/her toy. Your pet cat is just enjoying their favorite toy so why should you prevent him/her? Let your cat play. However, if your pet cat starts to kick your hands or legs and other cats, then you must prevent it. You should only allow your pet cat to kick his/her toys. 

Final Verdict

The reason why your pet cats kick their toys is because your pet cat is being playful and enjoying the toy you bought for him/her. Your pet cat will only kick their toys if they feel like it. Your pet cat can also kick your hands or legs and it can be painful because of their sharp claws. Just allow your cat to kick their toys and not some of your body parts.

About
Marian Haaz
Marian is a cat adoption expert. She has rescued and adopted several cats herself and helped find homes for dozens of stray cats and dogs.
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