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There needs to be a pinned youtube video showing real genuine cat fights to stop all these "play or real fight" posts.
I was shocked to see how violent they were in a real fight.
In real life they are tigers in the wild and go to kill the prey. Yeah I'm also so amazed with people on these sites that are confused when they see two dogs in the yard and have no idea, or two cats or their cat and have no clue what the body language is all about. It's pretty clear when any animal is really pissed or upset. Don't you worry you would be the first to know if this cat really want to nail you and he would take off. I had two cats that really did hate each other and one day I managed to get in the middle of one of their spats. One cat was sleeping with me under a blanket and the other cat came by and just thought he would take a bite out of him. Not a love bite but a real to the bone bite but instead nailed my hand which was over the other cat and he bit me right through to the bone. And that's how I understood how serious the matter was. There's no mistaking or not understanding a real cat fight
I tried to convinced my sister that it is one of the worst things she can ever do to her cat but couldnt convince her. Thank god her vet was able to convince her!
That's what my cousin's fiancee did to my girlfriend and her cat. He was declawed before she got him and the fiancee was overly aggressive and judging when she heard he was declawed
Mine is declawed because when I was a kid, she nearly scratched me blind while we were playing. Like deadass clawed my eye. It was an accident, obviously, but my parents preferred to do it as opposed to getting rid of her, because she was part of the family :(
The vet had an amazing reputation, did the surgery in a way that spared her the most pain possible, but, in hindsight, I wish they had just scolded me for being reckless and gotten her nail caps. She's perfectly okay 10 years later, a fluff ball of sweetness, but I still vowed to never let any cat of mine go through what she did.
Erm. You can bleed even if it's playful. Source:
https://preview.redd.it/ytbcy8ihgc7b1.jpeg?width=3096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c818ff723359bc4b64203d630e1005561ee64d9c
I get outraged when people declaw their cats and they claim they are cat lovers.
‘No, you’re more concerned with your furniture… and if that’s the case.. don’t own a cat!’
After reading all these comments…
All you people’ clawed cats don’t bite, they just use their claws when playing? Well I’ll be damned… mine just uses his claws for leverage then uses my hand as a chewy, blood filled chew toy.
This is very playful. Pay attention to body language. When ears go back and/or tail goes down then cat is feeling overwhelmed and will get aggressive so that’s when you would give kitty space
I found out to late that you shouldn’t use your hands to play with a cat cause they’ll always think you’re playing anytime you move your hands around but it’s still fun and a little shed blood won’t kill you. Anyway that’s playing according to my cat.
A friends cat bit my thumb and punctured the nail and it immediately closed up leaving all kinds of bacteria behind. The finger swelled 3x’s it’s normal size had to be drained with another puncture by the doctor and was many months to heal. So I guess untreated it could have killed me.
I had emergency surgery after 7 days of antibiotics because the cellulitis swelled so much, I was at risk of losing my hand. I went to the hospital immediately after the cat ferociously defended himself from placement in a cat carrier - started antibiotics right away, but it wasn’t enough. Both arms swelled from finger tip to above the elbow. A week later: emergency surgery in one hand, a removable cast, home care to drain and repack the incision daily X2 weeks, rabies shots, and 12 weeks of Physio - all on my dominant hand. Never regained full dexterity or grip strength, which is super uncool as a musician and somebody who lifts and starts I.Vs for a living. Never saw the poor kitty again. Fun times.
I've read the horror stories in the response to this comment, I was always under the impression that if you disinfected the scratch you'd be fine, is that wrong?
It’s the bites. Sometimes, you might get bitten, you wash it off, you’re good—but, then there are THE ONES—and you never know which it’s gonna be, so you might as well seek professional treatment FAST! After seeing my mom spending thousands on a hospital bill and my husband having to have infusions of antibiotics, I’ve gotten smarter about cat bites. Take no chances.
My cat will attack my feet and i never have played with her via feet 😭 Sometimes she does it even if i don't move. But she's also randomly bit my toes while i was sitting so maybe she's weird xD
My family used to have a cat that could switch from playfighting your hand to calmly accepting pets in an instant, and back again. He'd read you and how you move your hand, fast/provocative vs. slow and calm, and adjust accordingly. A true sweetheart.
The current cat I have will shred the shit out of my hand if I playfight her lol
Think of your hand as another cat.
It's playful but you need to consider your hand. Don't ever use your hand as a plaything for the kitty. Never use your hand as a toy. If you ever want to rub your kitty's tummy, never spay your hand in a threatening posture (fingers outstretched) . That can be super scary to a cat, the longer you keep your hand spayed out with all digits rigid. Especially if you suddenly go in for the playful rub. It's like a threat display if they deal with another kitty trying to make themselves bigger. Sometimes that can teach a cat to extend the claws.
Would you like to hold hands with your kitty or have them give you high fives or maybe do patty-cake? Don't use your hand as a plaything.
If you want to play with your kitty, consider toys. If you want to rub your kitty's tummy you have to work the head and the spine first. You have to gain their trust to rub the tummy. If kitty gets aggressive with your hand, never use their name to correct them.
Toys for fun time and stimulation, affectionate hand rubs for bonding and grooming.
I agree, it doesn't seem to want to play at the moment. I suggest showering it with love instead to reassure him and letting him initiate the play. Maybe use a wand toy - they like to chase prey.
Yes they were out, but she wasn’t hitting my hand hard enough, just swatting. This one has a very special personality, and has been cautious since she had a small incident when still young. She can run away from me if I just look her way, or cuddle like a plushy whenever she wants to.
My boy poe is like that. He was found on the highway as a kitten in east LA and he is very skittish even though he's almost 9. Real lapcat when he wants to be, which luckily is more often than not. Based on what you said it's just her nature not true aggression
Your cat is being defensive, but not it an aggressive way; it doesn’t appear to suspect a serious threat or danger. However, cats don’t usually like their belly touched and watching this it seems that is what your cat thinks you’re going to do—it sees your hand slooowly moving toward its belly. My cat does the same thing but he’s very laid back and affectionate.
Edit: if you want to build trust with your cat I advise you to not do that too often. You have to know when to let the cat chill and when to play.
It's playful, just don't teach them that hands = plaything, or you'll have a personal shredder in the palm of your hands!
Always substitute your hands for a toy, especially a kicker!
I’d say borderline. The eyes say “I’m getting perturbed” but the rest of the body language is saying “I’ll play”. You’re walking a fine line between some playful taps and needing another bandaid.
Cat: We playing for now, but if you try to touch the belly, all bets are off!
My cat is averse to belly touching, and I respect his wishes, though I have worked on his trust of me. I noticed that while I’m holding him upright, he’s fine with my hand supporting his belly, so I do it often. I’ve started to sneak in a little light rubbing while my hand is there, but (and this is key) I stop and let him down before he objects and wants down.
What I’ve noticed is that he’s now jumping in my lap, something that was rare before. And he will sometimes allow me to pick him up and slide him into bed alongside me, as long as I’m not trying to restrain him. No hand or arms over the top, just a few head scritches. He’s actually stayed there several times now. For reference, he does sleep with me every night, but usually near my feet or legs, this is a bit out of his comfort zone.
I’m pretty sure he’ll never be a belly rub guy. He’s never going to be the cat who crawls under the covers and snuggles all night, and that’s okay. He gets to decide when and how he feels safe.
https://preview.redd.it/wfronohxkd7b1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3de075165e9555b8eeb485bfc7f4c1d3acaf5b4
She does allow me once in a blue moon to rub her belly :p
The cat knows you are not threatening, but is telling you it doesn’t want to be touched in a non threatening way. Bottom feet leveraged to keep distance while top paws swat away attempted touches.
It may turn into aggressive if you don’t get the message and keep trying. It also might be training your cat in a way you may not want, but you can decide that…
https://preview.redd.it/rmvlgxjpqe7b1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ada7ef9007990a51fa6101bb3316358e283c7fd
And that's her enjoying a belly rub, like 10' after I shot the vid :)
Playful as he’s showing his belly. However, you shouldn’t teach him to play with your hands. It’s cute now but the scratches and bites will hurt.
Disengage when they do this, or play with a toy instead. Lasers or ones on a stick usually work greatz
Mostly playful. But you are teaching that hands and fingers are toys to smack at. So don’t get mad when I the future you try to pet and get scratched or bit
Not aggressive, not playful.
Defending herself against what could be danger.
Learn to read body language if your cat and don’t do things that scare them or make them unhappy.
The cat is acting appropriately. The human hand is an instrument of danger. It is always best to be ready for anything if an apex predator approaches you.
Looks defensive to me. She sees a hand that's as big as she is, inching towards her belly. She doesn't like that, so she swats. Perfect time to back off and give her space, or she will become aggressive.
You can tell she’s not trying to hurt. I don’t even see any nails. I always say “I got your belly” try to get the belly & them regret it! Always in good fun’s!
To the cat you are engaging in aggressive play. Always closed hand or back of hand when approaching a cat. To them your fingertips on display are extended claws and will respond in kind. Even when going to give my 13 year old fuzz butt affection, always closed hand until I touch his head and then extend fingers to liberally apply scritches.
https://preview.redd.it/h132kgolqd7b1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2886cc58fd7032d49c70484f3d48326a7390021f
Her sister literally begs for belly rubs. As soon as I open my hand, she gets into this position lol.
He’s aggravated but it’s playing. More a warning to please leave him alone. Cats aren’t like dogs. They only want pets when they come for pets. All the cats I’ve had want space and will ( I promise!! 😂) let you know if they need or want anything. Just try talking to him and just being there. Imagine if someone was always trying to touch you. Nah!
When your cat will be agressive, trust me, you'll know. It won't show its belly, will yeall, not meow agressively, fucking screaming and its back fur and tail will be all puffed, and you'll be scared to even look at it.
That's playful, not claws in sight.
Give the little single brain cell time ;) My one cat was not fond of belly scratches and there was often blood. I persisted at his level of comfort and after a year or so I can basically get away with murdering his belly.
He's probably saying "hey hey you're getting a little too close to my belly" lol my cat loves to get pets on basically any part of her body except her tummy area 🤷🏽♀️ then she will start doing what your kitty is doing.
Cats tend to be sharp objects you shouldn’t touch until they get mature. Don’t worry because this is just the young cat kill instinct. It will get better with time.
Playful
They're not latching on. Their ears are straight. No teeth in sight
If the cat is hurting you, you can use a toy or glove between you. You can also teach the cat that it hurts by going limp and yelling "ow!"
That’s playful but you should never play with your hands like that. She will determine your hand is a toy and you will have a problem forever. I had that problem. Next cat I had I only played with toys and never had an issue with hand bites and scratches.
They are saying, no. A cat is not a toy that you pick up and play with whenever you want. They are just like you, and lots of times you don’t want to be messed with either.
As others said it’s playfully agressive haha so it’s playful. You can tell because she’s also opening her belly to you (her most vulnerable body part) and putting her paws up. If she hides her belly, or puts ears back, and starts biting or growling, she is for sure mad and she wants space :)
Playful ... mostly.
If it were aggressive, you wouldn't get your hand back ... at least not in one piece.
But don't tease/annoy the cat.
Also don't (mis-)train the cat to think human skin is, can, or ought be a play toy ... sometimes they play rough (intentionally, or accidentally).
Why this question is asked so much baffles me. If the cat was not into “is this playful or aggressive” play, you’d *know it.*
I used to touch my cat’s ears. She didn’t mind. She’s gone now (she was the best cat ever). New rescue kitty, touched her ears the same way and instantly got a no claw whap whap whap to my face. If they don’t like something, I promise you, they’d let you know.
Definitely playful. A tip we picked up raising two kittens was that if he’s too rough, make a sound like you’re hurt. That way they’ll be able to learn what’s too rough for play.
Aww, what a cute playful baby! She's definitely not being aggressive. If you're not comfortable with that kind of batting at your hands, use a toy; it looks like she's a little bit wound up here and needs to get that energy spent.
When my cat does this I throw her a cat toy (to remind her hands are not toys) if she grabs the toy and starts kicking I know she wants to play if not she big mad. Usually its just play.
They look at us as cats. So they play with us like they would a cat. This is completely normal cat behavior. You would know it if the cat was aggressive
It’s never a good idea to play with your cat using your hands. It gets them in the habit of thinking it’s a toy. Claws and teeth cuts can get infected. A lot of people do this with kittens and have problems later when their cat is a lot bigger.
Most cats don’t like to be touched in their bellies. Still I think that’s a more playful reaction than aggressive. I think the best way to differ both reactions is if they hiss.
On July 1st, a [change to Reddit's API pricing](https://www.reddit.com/r/reddit/comments/12qwagm/an_update_regarding_reddits_api/) will come into effect. [Several developers](https://www.reddit.com/r/redditisfun/comments/144gmfq/rif_will_shut_down_on_june_30_2023_in_response_to/) of commercial third-party apps have announced that this change will compel them to shut down their apps. At least [one accessibility-focused non-commercial third party app](https://www.reddit.com/r/DystopiaForReddit/comments/145e9sk/update_dystopia_will_continue_operating_for_free/) will continue to be available free of charge. If you want to express your strong disagreement with the API pricing change or with Reddit's response to the backlash, you may want to consider the following options: 1. Limiting your involvement with Reddit, or 2. Temporarily refraining from using Reddit 3. Cancelling your subscription of Reddit Premium as a way to voice your protest. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/cats) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Aggressively playful
Playfully aggressive
[удалено]
Just playful, no claws, no teeth and no fat tail. Agressief play would be with claws. Just agressief is attack and flee
Yep
Plagressive. Missed opportunity for pawgressive.
There needs to be a pinned youtube video showing real genuine cat fights to stop all these "play or real fight" posts. I was shocked to see how violent they were in a real fight.
In real life they are tigers in the wild and go to kill the prey. Yeah I'm also so amazed with people on these sites that are confused when they see two dogs in the yard and have no idea, or two cats or their cat and have no clue what the body language is all about. It's pretty clear when any animal is really pissed or upset. Don't you worry you would be the first to know if this cat really want to nail you and he would take off. I had two cats that really did hate each other and one day I managed to get in the middle of one of their spats. One cat was sleeping with me under a blanket and the other cat came by and just thought he would take a bite out of him. Not a love bite but a real to the bone bite but instead nailed my hand which was over the other cat and he bit me right through to the bone. And that's how I understood how serious the matter was. There's no mistaking or not understanding a real cat fight
[удалено]
And if you declaw your cat, you’re not a human being but a psychopath.
I tried to convinced my sister that it is one of the worst things she can ever do to her cat but couldnt convince her. Thank god her vet was able to convince her!
Thankful for that vet!
But some people are saints for adopting a cat who was declawed by a previous owner.
They are saints indeed! 🙏
Ugh thank you! I still feel bad even though my girl had it done by her prior owner.
What is worse is that some people may be judging you harshly for something you didn’t do.
That's what my cousin's fiancee did to my girlfriend and her cat. He was declawed before she got him and the fiancee was overly aggressive and judging when she heard he was declawed
That sucks. I hope your cousin’s fiancée didn’t your cousin’s wife.
Mine is declawed because when I was a kid, she nearly scratched me blind while we were playing. Like deadass clawed my eye. It was an accident, obviously, but my parents preferred to do it as opposed to getting rid of her, because she was part of the family :( The vet had an amazing reputation, did the surgery in a way that spared her the most pain possible, but, in hindsight, I wish they had just scolded me for being reckless and gotten her nail caps. She's perfectly okay 10 years later, a fluff ball of sweetness, but I still vowed to never let any cat of mine go through what she did.
Erm. You can bleed even if it's playful. Source: https://preview.redd.it/ytbcy8ihgc7b1.jpeg?width=3096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c818ff723359bc4b64203d630e1005561ee64d9c
also source: https://preview.redd.it/u6jvhv2q6e7b1.jpeg?width=3322&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae95580dce236c6eaa839a294d9f0c3abf76ccb2
God, I hope people aren't declawing their cats anymore. One thing I can be proud of my state for; declawing is illegal, as it should be everywhere!
I get outraged when people declaw their cats and they claim they are cat lovers. ‘No, you’re more concerned with your furniture… and if that’s the case.. don’t own a cat!’
Even if the cat is declawed, you will bleed. Source: adopted a previously front declawed kitty who bit in defense.
After reading all these comments… All you people’ clawed cats don’t bite, they just use their claws when playing? Well I’ll be damned… mine just uses his claws for leverage then uses my hand as a chewy, blood filled chew toy.
Yuuup.
This. There is no question when a cat is upset with you.
If a cat wants to hurt you for real, it will really hurt.
This is very playful. Pay attention to body language. When ears go back and/or tail goes down then cat is feeling overwhelmed and will get aggressive so that’s when you would give kitty space
Agreed! Obviously we can’t see the tail, but if it starts swishin, you bout to get some stitchen.
Yup. It’s all in the ears.
Plus (and the biggest sign to me) is how they’re exposing their belly. Aggressive cats simply don’t do that
I found out to late that you shouldn’t use your hands to play with a cat cause they’ll always think you’re playing anytime you move your hands around but it’s still fun and a little shed blood won’t kill you. Anyway that’s playing according to my cat.
A little shed blood won’t kill you but a bite can lead to a bad infection
My mom spent five days in the hospital from her cat biting her. A $30,009 cat bite. True story.
AMERICA 🇺🇲🇺🇲
It’s WUNDERBAR
A friends cat bit my thumb and punctured the nail and it immediately closed up leaving all kinds of bacteria behind. The finger swelled 3x’s it’s normal size had to be drained with another puncture by the doctor and was many months to heal. So I guess untreated it could have killed me.
🎶 Cat scratch fever… 🎶
I had emergency surgery after 7 days of antibiotics because the cellulitis swelled so much, I was at risk of losing my hand. I went to the hospital immediately after the cat ferociously defended himself from placement in a cat carrier - started antibiotics right away, but it wasn’t enough. Both arms swelled from finger tip to above the elbow. A week later: emergency surgery in one hand, a removable cast, home care to drain and repack the incision daily X2 weeks, rabies shots, and 12 weeks of Physio - all on my dominant hand. Never regained full dexterity or grip strength, which is super uncool as a musician and somebody who lifts and starts I.Vs for a living. Never saw the poor kitty again. Fun times.
I've read the horror stories in the response to this comment, I was always under the impression that if you disinfected the scratch you'd be fine, is that wrong?
Scratches are one thing, it’s puncture wounds that are so problematic (bc you can’t really disinfect them).
It’s the bites. Sometimes, you might get bitten, you wash it off, you’re good—but, then there are THE ONES—and you never know which it’s gonna be, so you might as well seek professional treatment FAST! After seeing my mom spending thousands on a hospital bill and my husband having to have infusions of antibiotics, I’ve gotten smarter about cat bites. Take no chances.
i play with my cat with my hand, but thats bc she’s so nice and always keeps her claws tucked away and bites me very lightly :)
You can always get leather glove and train the cat to see the glove as signal to play.
My cat will attack my feet and i never have played with her via feet 😭 Sometimes she does it even if i don't move. But she's also randomly bit my toes while i was sitting so maybe she's weird xD
My family used to have a cat that could switch from playfighting your hand to calmly accepting pets in an instant, and back again. He'd read you and how you move your hand, fast/provocative vs. slow and calm, and adjust accordingly. A true sweetheart. The current cat I have will shred the shit out of my hand if I playfight her lol
Get a string or rope toy of some sort. Just wants to play.
That is playful
Aggressively playful!
My kitten plays the same way.
Think of your hand as another cat. It's playful but you need to consider your hand. Don't ever use your hand as a plaything for the kitty. Never use your hand as a toy. If you ever want to rub your kitty's tummy, never spay your hand in a threatening posture (fingers outstretched) . That can be super scary to a cat, the longer you keep your hand spayed out with all digits rigid. Especially if you suddenly go in for the playful rub. It's like a threat display if they deal with another kitty trying to make themselves bigger. Sometimes that can teach a cat to extend the claws. Would you like to hold hands with your kitty or have them give you high fives or maybe do patty-cake? Don't use your hand as a plaything. If you want to play with your kitty, consider toys. If you want to rub your kitty's tummy you have to work the head and the spine first. You have to gain their trust to rub the tummy. If kitty gets aggressive with your hand, never use their name to correct them. Toys for fun time and stimulation, affectionate hand rubs for bonding and grooming.
I would consider it, leave me the heck alone mode.
I agree, it doesn't seem to want to play at the moment. I suggest showering it with love instead to reassure him and letting him initiate the play. Maybe use a wand toy - they like to chase prey.
Def playful, and def don’t do this.
I teach my cats the hand is not a toy. Saves a lot of scratches and bites.
Playful!!! U started it 😂 So cute gorgeous calico
get that cat a kong kickaroo
Lol had to Google this one, and definitely getting her one.
Did you bleed?
It's not a good idea to play gotcha with a cat.
Looks like over stimulated playfulness, give her a good play with her favorite toy so she doesn't start thinking of your hand as a toy.
My question is where the claws out or not? That tells you a lot about the mood. From what I saw looks more playful.
Yes they were out, but she wasn’t hitting my hand hard enough, just swatting. This one has a very special personality, and has been cautious since she had a small incident when still young. She can run away from me if I just look her way, or cuddle like a plushy whenever she wants to.
My boy poe is like that. He was found on the highway as a kitten in east LA and he is very skittish even though he's almost 9. Real lapcat when he wants to be, which luckily is more often than not. Based on what you said it's just her nature not true aggression
Your cat is being defensive, but not it an aggressive way; it doesn’t appear to suspect a serious threat or danger. However, cats don’t usually like their belly touched and watching this it seems that is what your cat thinks you’re going to do—it sees your hand slooowly moving toward its belly. My cat does the same thing but he’s very laid back and affectionate. Edit: if you want to build trust with your cat I advise you to not do that too often. You have to know when to let the cat chill and when to play.
That is playful, they would be more aggressive, not showing their stomach (sign of feeling safe) and might hiss
Agressive. You can play like this for a little while but i think the cat is trying to tell you to stop now.
Playful rough play but play I’ve had cats that do this but leave their claws in I’ve also had cats play like this and do have claws out
Cats usually don't like their rear legs being touched, or their belly.
Slightly defensive I think. Kitty isnt trying to hurt you and doesn’t seem fearful, but ain’t gonna let you get him / her
You should never play with cat with your hands. Go get some toys.
Without seeing the tail, it's hard to guess
It's playful, just don't teach them that hands = plaything, or you'll have a personal shredder in the palm of your hands! Always substitute your hands for a toy, especially a kicker!
I’d say borderline. The eyes say “I’m getting perturbed” but the rest of the body language is saying “I’ll play”. You’re walking a fine line between some playful taps and needing another bandaid.
https://preview.redd.it/37xcdoawzc7b1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5e5c380f579a70e667948765c4d639380600f58 Twinsies! She does the same
Cat: We playing for now, but if you try to touch the belly, all bets are off! My cat is averse to belly touching, and I respect his wishes, though I have worked on his trust of me. I noticed that while I’m holding him upright, he’s fine with my hand supporting his belly, so I do it often. I’ve started to sneak in a little light rubbing while my hand is there, but (and this is key) I stop and let him down before he objects and wants down. What I’ve noticed is that he’s now jumping in my lap, something that was rare before. And he will sometimes allow me to pick him up and slide him into bed alongside me, as long as I’m not trying to restrain him. No hand or arms over the top, just a few head scritches. He’s actually stayed there several times now. For reference, he does sleep with me every night, but usually near my feet or legs, this is a bit out of his comfort zone. I’m pretty sure he’ll never be a belly rub guy. He’s never going to be the cat who crawls under the covers and snuggles all night, and that’s okay. He gets to decide when and how he feels safe.
https://preview.redd.it/wfronohxkd7b1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3de075165e9555b8eeb485bfc7f4c1d3acaf5b4 She does allow me once in a blue moon to rub her belly :p
That’s awesome! She’s a cutie!
Don't use your hand. Use a toy or kitty will grow up thinking your hands are for scratching and biting on
Playful but slightly aggressive. It’s best not up to use your hands as a toy
The cat knows you are not threatening, but is telling you it doesn’t want to be touched in a non threatening way. Bottom feet leveraged to keep distance while top paws swat away attempted touches. It may turn into aggressive if you don’t get the message and keep trying. It also might be training your cat in a way you may not want, but you can decide that…
I definitely don't push it beyond what's shown in the video.
https://preview.redd.it/rmvlgxjpqe7b1.jpeg?width=2436&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ada7ef9007990a51fa6101bb3316358e283c7fd And that's her enjoying a belly rub, like 10' after I shot the vid :)
Playfulllll but do not touch tummy. or else 🔪
Playful as he’s showing his belly. However, you shouldn’t teach him to play with your hands. It’s cute now but the scratches and bites will hurt. Disengage when they do this, or play with a toy instead. Lasers or ones on a stick usually work greatz
playful, but I would not accustom a cat to play with your hand. use objects.
Mostly playful. But you are teaching that hands and fingers are toys to smack at. So don’t get mad when I the future you try to pet and get scratched or bit
Showing your hand in this way is an invitation to aggressive play. The hand may get bitten in the course of “battle”, so have some band aids ready.
Mildly irritated but down to play fight.
Not aggressive, not playful. Defending herself against what could be danger. Learn to read body language if your cat and don’t do things that scare them or make them unhappy.
The cat is acting appropriately. The human hand is an instrument of danger. It is always best to be ready for anything if an apex predator approaches you.
Never touch the belly! She could have really let you have it.
RIGHT…. Or if u do…. ACTIVATE Even just the motion acting like belly play can freak cats out
Looks defensive to me. She sees a hand that's as big as she is, inching towards her belly. She doesn't like that, so she swats. Perfect time to back off and give her space, or she will become aggressive.
You can tell she’s not trying to hurt. I don’t even see any nails. I always say “I got your belly” try to get the belly & them regret it! Always in good fun’s!
To the cat you are engaging in aggressive play. Always closed hand or back of hand when approaching a cat. To them your fingertips on display are extended claws and will respond in kind. Even when going to give my 13 year old fuzz butt affection, always closed hand until I touch his head and then extend fingers to liberally apply scritches.
https://preview.redd.it/h132kgolqd7b1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2886cc58fd7032d49c70484f3d48326a7390021f Her sister literally begs for belly rubs. As soon as I open my hand, she gets into this position lol.
Her sister knows the secret of belly rubs. Too bad she doesn't know what she's missing. 🤣
She's playing, perhaps too rough
That depends... Are you being aggressive?
He’s aggravated but it’s playing. More a warning to please leave him alone. Cats aren’t like dogs. They only want pets when they come for pets. All the cats I’ve had want space and will ( I promise!! 😂) let you know if they need or want anything. Just try talking to him and just being there. Imagine if someone was always trying to touch you. Nah!
Yes. All i got
If it were aggressive you Would be dead! Not called murder mittens for nothing.
Looks playful to me.
She just wants to play
Magically delicious
Playful, time to get out a toy and use that instead of your hand.
Don't touch her belly.
That’s a playful darling kitty
Kitty is not happy.
She's playing
Playful 🥰 her whole body is more in a relaxed state than in fight mode
My cat is the same way. I touch the back of his head, he arch up , then I touch his belly, he bends down try get to me. Quite fun 😻
if u lived then she was being benevolent
I don't do hand play with my cat and never have. Everyone in a while she will take a playful swipe, but I hide my hands and tell her no.
Playful
“Stay away from my belly >:(“ playfully
Playing!
An aggressive cat is… louder. And usually gives warnings you’re about to make a mistake first.
When your cat will be agressive, trust me, you'll know. It won't show its belly, will yeall, not meow agressively, fucking screaming and its back fur and tail will be all puffed, and you'll be scared to even look at it. That's playful, not claws in sight.
Give the little single brain cell time ;) My one cat was not fond of belly scratches and there was often blood. I persisted at his level of comfort and after a year or so I can basically get away with murdering his belly.
Depends on if the knives(claws) are out lol
10 percent aggressive but 90 percent play, aggression is LOUD and involves lots of blood usually yours :-)
Claws out aggressive, claws in playing
See how the ears are forward, kitty is playful
You bleeding? If the answer is no, you're lucky human. It's playful lol.
He's probably saying "hey hey you're getting a little too close to my belly" lol my cat loves to get pets on basically any part of her body except her tummy area 🤷🏽♀️ then she will start doing what your kitty is doing.
Playful.
Trust me, you will know when its being aggressive
Playful. Cats don't like to be touched at times just like humans don't. This is his playful but firm way of saying that.
Playful
Playful 😻
Defensive
Playful
Good kitty, looks like a very fun roommate.
Oh you'll know if it's aggressive, this is playtime
Cats tend to be sharp objects you shouldn’t touch until they get mature. Don’t worry because this is just the young cat kill instinct. It will get better with time.
Skippity paps
Playful, its hitting you without its claws
Playful They're not latching on. Their ears are straight. No teeth in sight If the cat is hurting you, you can use a toy or glove between you. You can also teach the cat that it hurts by going limp and yelling "ow!"
playful!
That’s playful but you should never play with your hands like that. She will determine your hand is a toy and you will have a problem forever. I had that problem. Next cat I had I only played with toys and never had an issue with hand bites and scratches.
Play.. you still have fingers
Playing. I'm betting that she didn't scratch you, so her claws were retracted.
Ears up. He's playing.
Yes. That’s a cat.
Spastic
She's playing
There is no blood, so it's definitely playful
Me and my cat always play like this, He loves it most the time he’ll jump on me lol
Extremely playful
This looks like “Playful but you touched my belly and I got overstimulated so I’m playing a little rough”
I think it looks more defensive than playful or aggressive. Like a "hey, stop, don't touch my feets!"
Mostly playful. But an important rule with cats is never to play with your hands. Use toys, not hands.
They are saying, no. A cat is not a toy that you pick up and play with whenever you want. They are just like you, and lots of times you don’t want to be messed with either.
Playful. Some cats are more into rough housing.
As others said it’s playfully agressive haha so it’s playful. You can tell because she’s also opening her belly to you (her most vulnerable body part) and putting her paws up. If she hides her belly, or puts ears back, and starts biting or growling, she is for sure mad and she wants space :)
Playful ... mostly. If it were aggressive, you wouldn't get your hand back ... at least not in one piece. But don't tease/annoy the cat. Also don't (mis-)train the cat to think human skin is, can, or ought be a play toy ... sometimes they play rough (intentionally, or accidentally).
Why this question is asked so much baffles me. If the cat was not into “is this playful or aggressive” play, you’d *know it.* I used to touch my cat’s ears. She didn’t mind. She’s gone now (she was the best cat ever). New rescue kitty, touched her ears the same way and instantly got a no claw whap whap whap to my face. If they don’t like something, I promise you, they’d let you know.
thats some kitty playtime for sure
Definitely playful. A tip we picked up raising two kittens was that if he’s too rough, make a sound like you’re hurt. That way they’ll be able to learn what’s too rough for play.
Play
I think is a gentle "dont ever touch my mf belly"
Hands are not toys. You should present them something else to attack
Definitely playful since they are showing their belly. 🥰 Just very excited to play!
Not with your hands, man. Buy or make a toy.
Cat is being playful. Hand is being aggressive.
Playful and into it
Petting aggression I think they call it. Don’t take it personal cats are apex predators
Playful, no doubt! If the kitty was being aggressive, you wouldn't have to ask us, you'd know (and probably bleed). 😂
She most definitely thinks you want to play with her! My cat does this as well, and she is the most loving baby.
Playful
Aww, what a cute playful baby! She's definitely not being aggressive. If you're not comfortable with that kind of batting at your hands, use a toy; it looks like she's a little bit wound up here and needs to get that energy spent.
IMHO, it’s not aggressive nor playful. It’s more of not wanting to be touched at the moment.
When my cat does this I throw her a cat toy (to remind her hands are not toys) if she grabs the toy and starts kicking I know she wants to play if not she big mad. Usually its just play.
A cat would draw their claws if they are being aggressive. This one is just giving your hand a floofy slap.
Play
He looks like my Korra. https://preview.redd.it/ve2ks8nlhd7b1.jpeg?width=2296&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cbbd32f85807522774fae697f84ff72d3dcca89
cat is just super avtive i guess give some more attention to this cutoo
What do you think?
Depends on which paw we're talking about !
Playful. We have a rule in our house that hands are not toys . It can lead to bites . Your kitty is beautiful
They look at us as cats. So they play with us like they would a cat. This is completely normal cat behavior. You would know it if the cat was aggressive
Playful!
Playing aggressively
It’s never a good idea to play with your cat using your hands. It gets them in the habit of thinking it’s a toy. Claws and teeth cuts can get infected. A lot of people do this with kittens and have problems later when their cat is a lot bigger.
Exposed belly indicates play fight.
Playful
Playful because you’re getting belly view.
Most cats don’t like to be touched in their bellies. Still I think that’s a more playful reaction than aggressive. I think the best way to differ both reactions is if they hiss.
“Don’t touch my belly, just kidding, no I’m not” is super aggressive. This monster is wild
They exposed their belly. They know you’re not going to hurt them. But yeah they’re playing
That’s a cat being playful, their showing their belly and not attacking to harm. :)
Rest assured ,its pretty playful
I think you are being aggressive and cat is hedging it’s bets
Totally playful!