If your cat has been extending its paw to you, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat extend its paw? Likely reasons why your cat extends its paw are that it wants you to stop petting it, it is stretching, or that it is showing you affection.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat extends its paw and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can do about it and there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Reasons why your cat extends its paw
Below are likely reasons why your cat extends its paw and what would make each of them more likely.
It wants you to stop petting it
The cause could be that your cat wants you to stop petting it. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it in a certain manner and if your cat tries to push you away when it does it. In this case, it could help to try petting your cat in a different manner instead.
It is showing affection
The cause could also be that it is being affectionate back to you. This would be more likely if it also does things such as purr and knead when it does it.
It is stretching
The cause might also be that it is stretching this would be a lot more likely if your cat also extends both its paws and feet when it does it. If it only extends one paw, it would be less likely that it is stretching.
It wants something
Another possible cause is that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat does it more at a certain time such as before you have fed it or when you are eating.
It wants you to pet it differently
It could also be the case that your cat wants you to pet it differently. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it in a certain manner and stops when you start petting it differently.
To spread its scent
Cats have sweat glands on their paws. The cause could also be that your cat is spreading its scent onto you which would be more likely if your cat leaves its paw on you and if it does not seem to be doing it due to any particular reason.
Comfort
The cause might also be that your cat does it because it makes it feel more comfortable. This would be more likely if your cat extends its paw onto you when it is sitting next to you. In this case, it would also be likely that your cat is doing it because it makes your cat feel safer as well.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always extended its paw out to you
If your cat did not always extend its paw, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it when sitting with you and you have not owned it for long, it might actually be a sign that it has become more comfortable around you.
What is different when your cat does not extend its paw
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat extends its paw. If your cat tends to extend its paw more at a certain time, it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if it does it when you are petting it, the cause might be that it is showing you affection or it wants you to pet it differently.
The body language your cat shows
It would also help to consider the body language your cat shows. If your cat also does things such as move away, flick its tail or scratch, it would be more likely that it is trying to get you to leave it alone. Whereas, if it purrs and starts kneading, it would be more likely that it is showing you affection.
What to do about your cat extending its paw
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Pet it differently
If your cat seems to be doing it because it does not like how you have been petting it, it would help to try to pet it in a way it does like. Generally, you will find that cats prefer to be petted below the chin instead of having a full back rub.
Let it do it
If your cat seems to be doing it because it is showing affection or because it simply likes the feeling, the easiest option would be to simply let your cat continue doing it.