Cat switching between nipping and licking?

Fire_Fox

Lulu is unusual in that she allows/ appears to enjoy her stomach to be stroked for a little while, if she wants me to stop she will turn over and move away or will nip my hand and start bunny kicking relatively gently. This generally only lasts a few seconds when she switches to licking my hand, sometimes holding it with her front paws. Sometimes she goes back to nipping, sometimes she strongly pushes my hand away with her back legs.

I understand the nipping and bunny kicking, but anyone know why she starts licking? It's not hand cream because I rarely remember to use it, and my hand wash *should* have no scent or flavour. :think:

PasturesNew

They all do that.

bazster

Some do that more than others. Our dearly-departed Sooty could lick for England. If anyone with a bald, shaven or closely-cropped bonce sat on the sofa she would climb up behind them and sit their licking their pate for as long as they stayed there.

Her surviving sister is more like you describe, alternating nipping, kicking and licking, although the kicking can get quite violent!

bitemebankers

Fire_Fox wrote: »

I understand the nipping and bunny kicking, but anyone know why she starts licking? It's not hand cream because I rarely remember to use it, and my hand wash *should* have no scent or flavour. :think:

Licking is standard behaviour for many cats. The main problem here is that you're misinterpreting the cat's body language in the first place. A cat rolls over to show trust in you. You then abuse that trust by touching the cat's most sensitive area - it's belly. The reason your cat's behaviour seems conflicted is because the cat is getting conflicting signals from you. Respect your cat properly and it will behave more predictably.

picklepick

My cat does that too. He'll have a little stretch out while you stroke his tummy because he's enjoying it, but if I go a little too near an armpit he'll kick me, I guess it tickles!
He licks my hand all the time, not just after he's kicked me, but after I've rubbed his head, etc. He purrs while he licks me so I think it's an affection thing.

Fire_Fox

bitemebankers wrote: »

Licking is standard behaviour for many cats. The main problem here is that you're misinterpreting the cat's body language in the first place. A cat rolls over to show trust in you. You then abuse that trust by touching the cat's most sensitive area - it's belly. The reason your cat's behaviour seems conflicted is because the cat is getting conflicting signals from you. Respect your cat properly and it will behave more predictably.

Thank you. I say she seems to enjoy it because when I stroke her stomach she either remains still or stretches right out. I don't think she just rolls over to show trust, she actually spends a good deal of time upside down - sleeping, playing and relaxing. I haven't had a cat do that before, some will roll over as you say but don't want their belly stroked.

bazster

Instinct is a strong player here. A cat might enjoy having his/her belly stroked, but the instinct to defend the most vulnerable area is not far below the surface and easily takes over.

Lovely cat and lovely picture, BTW.

hazyjo

My Jerry Cat loves his tummy tickled and rolls over all the time. I can shove my whole face on it and kiss it and breathe it in lol. Couldn't get near Lottie like that! Can give her a very quick half-rub, but that's about it - even though she's the one who lays on her back all the time with her legs hanging outwards, tummy exposed.

It's a bit like with laps or being picked up. Neither gets on my lap, and Lottie will only tolerate me picking her up for a couple of mins. Jerry squeals as he hates it and tries to run away.

They're all the same but different lol

Jx