Why Do Cats Kick Their Back Feet?

The bunny kick and what it means

A cat’s “bunny kick” is the quick, repeated striking motion made with one or both hind legs, usually while the cat is on its side or back and holding something with its front paws. The target might be a stuffed toy, another cat, a blanket, or a person’s hand. It can look surprisingly forceful, but in ordinary play it is usually an instinctive behavior rather than a sign that a cat is angry.

The movement has a practical role in hunting and defense. A cat can use its front paws to seize or control a target while its hind feet push and rake. Domestic cats retain this coordinated movement even when they have no need to catch food. Play gives them a way to rehearse parts of the chase-and-capture sequence, especially when a toy moves in a way that invites a pounce and grab.

One kick by itself does not tell the whole story. A cat’s posture, ears, tail, facial expression, and willingness to continue are more useful clues than the movement alone.

How play turns into kicking

Many cats kick during a short wrestling bout with a toy. The toy may be caught under the front paws; then the cat rolls partly onto its side and pumps its hind legs against it. This is often called “bunny kicking” because the legs move in quick alternating or paired strokes.

It is normal for play to include stalking, pouncing, grabbing, biting, and kicking. These actions draw on predatory behavior, but play is not necessarily an attempt to harm. Kittens and young cats often practice on siblings, while adult cats may direct the same pattern toward toys. Some cats are more vigorous than others, and play style can vary with age, temperament, and opportunity.

Use toys that let a cat grab and kick an object instead of a person. Long wand toys can keep hands at a distance during chasing; a sturdy, appropriately sized kicker toy gives a cat something suitable to hug and strike. Put toys away if they become damaged or have loose parts that could be swallowed.

Why cats kick people or other cats

A cat may grab a moving hand or foot because it has become part of an exciting play sequence. Hands are particularly tempting when people wiggle fingers under blankets or use them to wrestle with a kitten. That can teach the cat that skin is an acceptable toy, even if the behavior was harmless when the cat was small.

With another cat, kicking can happen during friendly wrestling. Play is more likely when both cats take turns pursuing or pinning each other, pause periodically, and return voluntarily. A one-sided encounter—one cat repeatedly trying to escape while the other keeps pursuing—may be conflict rather than mutual play. Hissing, growling, flattened ears, a tense body, or attempts to hide are reasons to interrupt calmly and give the cats space.

Do not punish a cat for kicking. Shouting, hitting, or grabbing can frighten the animal and may make handling or play more tense. Instead, stop moving the body part being targeted, disengage, and redirect the cat to an appropriate toy. Avoid pulling a hand away quickly if the cat is gripping it; sudden movement can intensify the chase response. If the cat will not release, use a calm interruption and create distance without wrestling.

Kicking during grooming, stretching, or touch

Not every hind-leg movement is a bunny kick. Cats may extend or flex their back legs while stretching, repositioning, scratching, or grooming. During grooming, a cat might hold a paw or part of its body with the front legs while the hind legs help stabilize its posture. A brief kick in these settings can be ordinary coordination.

Touch can also trigger a kick. Some cats enjoy being petted for a while and then become overstimulated; others dislike having their belly, hindquarters, or paws handled. A quick kick paired with a tail flick, skin twitch, ears turning sideways, or a sudden attempt to move away may mean “stop.” Respect that signal and let the cat choose whether to approach again. A belly-up pose is not automatically an invitation to rub the belly; it can simply be a relaxed or defensive posture.

Reading the body language

Look at the entire interaction rather than treating kicking as a standalone sign. Loose, bouncy movements and a cat that re-engages after a pause often fit play. A stiff body, pinned-back ears, growling, hissing, or efforts to escape point toward fear, frustration, or conflict. These are general clues, not a guaranteed way to interpret every cat.

When play gets too rough, end the interaction without turning it into another chase. Offer a toy that can be chased or kicked, and keep hands and feet out of the game. Regular play sessions with suitable toys can give energetic cats an outlet for stalking, pouncing, and grabbing. Let the cat catch the toy sometimes; a game that never allows a successful capture can become frustrating.

When a change deserves attention

Occasional kicking during play or grooming is usually unremarkable. A sudden change in how a cat moves, a repeated kick that seems involuntary, reluctance to put weight on a leg, vocalizing, hiding, or reacting sharply to touch may indicate discomfort or another problem. A behavior change alone cannot establish a cause.

If the movement looks abnormal, is new and persistent, or comes with signs of pain or injury, contact a veterinarian. Do not try to diagnose the cause or force the cat to demonstrate the movement. For everyday behavior, note when it happens and what was going on beforehand; that context can help when describing it to the veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat kick me with its back legs?

Your cat may be treating a moving hand or foot as a play target, or may be trying to end unwanted handling. Stop the interaction, watch the cat’s body language, and redirect play to a toy rather than using your hands.

Why do cats kick toys while holding them?

They often hold the toy with their front paws and kick with their hind feet as part of a hunting-like play sequence. A kicker toy can provide a more appropriate target than a person’s arm.

Is bunny kicking a sign that my cat is angry?

Not necessarily. It commonly appears in play, but a tense posture, flattened ears, growling, or attempts to escape can signal distress or conflict. Consider the full situation.

Why does my cat kick when I pet its belly?

The cat may be playing, guarding a sensitive area, or asking you to stop. Since many cats do not enjoy belly handling, pause when you see tension or a quick change in body language.

Should I let my cat kick my hand during play?

It is better to avoid making hands or feet play targets. Calmly end the game and offer a toy the cat can grab and kick instead.

Further reading: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.