If your cat has been putting its paw on your face, you might be wondering why and what you can do about it. This post will show you a number of possible causes and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat put its paw on my face? Possible reasons why your cat puts its paw on your face are that it is showing affection, it is spreading its scent to you, it wants you to stop or that it wants something from you.
Your cat might be putting its paw on your face for a number of possible reasons and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat put its paw on my face?
Below are a number of possible reasons why your cat has been doing it and what would make them more likely.
It is spreading its scent on to you
Cats have sweat glands on their paws. The reason why your cat puts its paws on you could be that it is spreading its scent on to you. This would be more likely if your cat also rubs itself against you when it does it.
Kneading
Another possible cause is that your cat is actually kneading which is where it presses its paws into you and pats you with its paws and claws repeatedly. This would be more likely if your cat does it when it is sat on or next to you and if it shows signs of being happy when doing it such as by purring.
Related: Why does my cat put its paw on me?
It wants something from you
It could also be the case that it does it because it wants something from you such as food or for you to pet it. This would be more likely if your cat does it before getting fed and less afterward or if it puts its paw on your face when you stop petting it.
Related: Why does my cat put its paw on my hand?
It wants you to stop petting or holding it
Another possible reason is that your cat wants you to pet or hold it differently. This would be more likely if your cat puts its paw on you when you pet or hold it in a certain way. Often, cats do this when people are petting their heads and backs but they actually want their chin to be rubbed.
It’s showing you affection
The cause could also be that your cat is showing affection to you. This would also be more likely if it shows positive body language such as purring or kneading.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always put its paw on your face
If your cat did not always put its paw on your face, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as a change in the way you pet or hold it or that it become more comfortable around you.
If your cat always puts its paw on your face
If your cat seems to put its paw on your face more in certain situations, it could also be the case that the timing has something to do with it. For example, if your cat puts its paw on your face when you hold it, the cause could be that it does not like being held.
What to do about your cat putting its paw on your face
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Pet and hold it more gently
Since your cat might be doing it because it wants you to pet or hold it differently, it would help to make sure that you have petting it appropriately. It would help to pet it gently, and cats often do not like it when your stroke their entire backs. Often, cats prefer to be rubbed below the chin.
Let it do it
It is not uncommon for cats to put their paws on their owners. If your cat has been showing positive body language when doing it, it would likely be ok to allow your cat to continue doing it.
Why does my cat put its paw on my mouth?
Your cat might be putting its paw on your mouth for any of the reasons mentioned above. It would help to consider the timing of when your cat does it. If it does it when you are moving your mouth towards it, your cat might not want you to do it.
Why does my cat put its paw on my lips?
Your cat might also be putting its paws on your lips for any of the reasons mentioned above. If it does it when you are trying to kiss it, the cause could be that your cat does not want you to do it.