Paws!

My cats are very protective over their paws. When im petting them and go to touch their paws they either hide them or walk away from me. Why do they do this?

Their paws are very sensitive, and its a personal contact,.....think of how you feel if someone grabs your hand and extends your fingers, or holds your hand out. Our instant reaction is to pull away, feel uncomfortable. It takes a deeper sense of trust for us to allow someone to groom our fingers and nails, same for the kitties! Not just any one can and we need to know what is happening!

Im not trying to extend their fingers. I place 1 finger on their paw and they meow and hide them, or walk away. They dont like their hands messed with. We've had these cats for years and im always playful and nice to them and they love me.

Believe me I know what you are saying! I trim Maia's claws, that is when she lets me I guess it is kind of like someone trying to touch or hold our feet.......

I agree with Cheylink, cats paws are very sensitive - saying that it depends on how much your cat was socialised as a kitten.

Two of my cats, Pepsi & Teddy will let me play with their paws & pads. They will even let me gentle press so that the claws extend. The other two just ain't having any of it so of course I dont try as it usually means I end up bleeding

Radar tucks his feet away when I touch his paws, but Sonic gives me his paws to play with. I think it's just a reflection of how cuddly they are (or not), as their paws are least likely to enjoy being touched. Radar isn't a cuddly cat at all, but Sonic has to be cuddled a lot

Lmao omg my cats are the same way, Sky (aka Radar's twin LOL) HATES to be cuddled, but likes to be petted, and my other cat Sweetpea loves to be huged and all that stuff.

Originally Posted by mooficat

Two of my cats, Pepsi & Teddy will let me play with their paws & pads. They will even let me gentle press so that the claws extend. The other two just ain't having any of it

so of course I dont try as it usually means I end up bleeding

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Maia is so ridiculous, or maybe it's me...............I don't know what it is but she detests any one else but me touching her! I think I over protected her growing up, I kinda still do! But when it comes to our relationship, she is so trusting! I could take her anywhere, through almost anything, and she would trust me that it is safe if I tell her so. Love her for that, but my boyfriend thinks both of us are freaks!

Most cats don't like their paws touched. We made a point to touch Bijou and Mika's paws when they were little to get them used to getting their nails clipped. Now they don't really mind having us caress their paws at all, although there are still a few occasions when they will pull them back from our touch. Mostly though they are comfortable with it. Bijou will lay on his back on the carpet and I can sit beside him and handle and caress both his front and back paws. Mika is more comfortable with our daughter since that's her meowmy.

As icky as it may sound to a non-cat person, Bijou loves having his paws held and kissed.