If your cat holds your arm a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat hold my arm? Likely reasons why your cat holds your arm are that it is playing with you, it wants you to continue petting it and that it is showing you affection.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat holds your arm that will depend on the context. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat hold my arm?
Below are likely reasons why your cat holds your arm and what would make each of them more likely to be the main reason.
Your cat is playing
A likely reason why your cat holds your arm is that it is playing. This would be more likely if it does it when it is full of energy and if it also does things such as roll around when it holds your arm.
Your cat wants you to continue petting it
The reason why your cat holds your arm could be that your cat wants you to pet it. This would be more likely if your cat does not do it aggressively and if it does it when it is lying down with you.
Your cat is being affectionate
The reason why your cat does it might also be that it is showing affection towards you. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it and if it does not do it aggressively. In this case, it could be showing affection back at you for petting it.
It wants you to pet it differently
Another possible cause is that it does not like the way that you are petting it and it either wants you to stop petting it or to pet it differently. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are petting it and if it also scratches and bites.
It wants you to pet it
The reason why your cat holds your arm could be that your cat wants you to pet it. This would be more likely if your cat does not do it aggressively and if it does it when it is lying down with you.
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 always held your arm
If your cat did not always hold your arm, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly and you have not owned your cat for long, it could actually be a sign that your cat has become more comfortable around you.
What else is different when your cat holds your arm
It would also help to consider what else is different when your cat holds your arm since the timing could have something to do with it. If your cat tends to do it more as you try to take your hand away, it would be more likely that your cat wants you to continue petting it. If your cat does it more in the early morning and late evening, it would be more likely that your cat is playing since that is a time when cats tend to have a lot more energy.
What to do about my cat holding my arm?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
If the behavior does not bother you and your cat seems to be doing it because it is playing, one option would be to allow your cat to continue doing it.
Watch its body language
If the behavior does bother you, it would help to try to observe your cat’s body language so that you can tell when you should take your hand away. When your cat starts rolling around or when it rolls onto its back, it will make it more likely that your cat will try to grab your arm.
Pet it differently
Another option would be to pet your cat in a way that makes it more difficult for your cat to grab your arm. One way to do so would be to pet it above the head instead of on the stomach.
Why does my cat wrap its paws around my arm?
Likely reasons why your cat wraps its paws around your arm is that it is playing, it wants you to continue petting it and that it is showing you affection.
Why does my cat hug my arm?
Likely reasons why your cat hugs your arm are that it is playing and trying to get you to stay with it. It might also be the case that it has some separation anxiety if it tends to do it more at a time when you are likely to leave it for a long time such as at night or before work.