Parenting-Furkids

Cats => Caring For Your Cat => Topic started by: DeeDee on November 09, 2017, 10:11:05 AM

Title: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: DeeDee on November 09, 2017, 10:11:05 AM
This video popped up in my timeline, and I ended up in Youtube. I understand why cats would be greatly attracted to these things (catnip), which is why I'm sure they like holding them.

But what's up with the kicking these things? Why do cats grab things then kick them with their back feet like that? It must be a common behavior b/c they call them Kick Stix.



Title: Re: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: Middle Child on November 09, 2017, 03:53:40 PM
It's hunting behavior, firstly, and defensive behavior secondly.  Cats are both hunters (predators) and hunted (prey).

They might be able to kill a mouse with a quick neck breaking shake but a rabbit would take more effort, for example.

 In defense if attacked and unable to flee (first reaction) a cat would strike out with claws, if knocked down could roll over and strike with back claws while protecting his or her tender underside.

In the case of play though, I would say it is instinctive hunting behavior.  Honing skills. :)
Title: Re: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: DeeDee on November 09, 2017, 04:26:30 PM
Thank you! It was bugging me b/c I knew there had to be some kind of reason all of them were doing that, but I just couldn't figure it out since I don't see dogs doing that.
Title: Re: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: Pookie on November 09, 2017, 04:59:04 PM
Pookie used to do that, with certain toys.  I called it the Bunny Kick.  That's how I knew he REALLY liked that toy.  It was play behavior, but like MC said, I'm sure it has it's roots in hunting/defense, as (almost) all play does.
Title: Re: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: Lola on November 09, 2017, 05:15:21 PM
Ours all bunny kick ONE toy.  One MC gave them. 
A few will bunny kick a human hand, if one touches their tummy.  Sometimes that also involves teeth and claws.  lol 
Title: Re: Specific Cat Behavior
Post by: Middle Child on November 09, 2017, 05:31:46 PM
Yeah, I meant to say I make my version of those things, I call it the hug-n-kick.  Every cat I've ever made one for loves it. :) Glad to know the one I made for your kids is still holding up Lola.