If your cat puts its paw on your mouth a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat put its paw on my mouth? Likely reasons why your cat puts its paw on your mouth are that your cat wants you to stop holding it, your cat does not want you to kiss it, your cat is showing affection, or that it is spreading its scent.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat puts its paw on your mouth and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat put its paw on my mouth?
Below are some possible reasons why your cat puts its paw on your mouth and what would make them more likely.
To spread its scent
Cats have sweat glands on their paws. The reason why your cat puts its paws on your mouth 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.
Your cat wants something from you
The cause could be that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if your cat does it more before you have fed it in the morning and your cat jumps on your bed and puts its paw on your mouth then.
Your cat 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 your mouth when you pet or hold it in a certain manner. Often, cats do this when people are petting their heads and backs but they actually want their chin to be rubbed.
Your cat does not want you to kiss it
If your cat paws at your mouth when you are trying to kiss it, it would be likely that your cat does not want you to kiss it.
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 to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat always put its paw on your mouth
If your cat did not always put its paw on your mouth, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as a change in the way you hold it or because you started putting your face closer to it than normal.
The timing of when your cat puts its paw on your mouth
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat puts its paw on your mouth since the timing could have something to do with it. For example, if your cat does it when you try to kiss it, the cause would be likely that your cat is intimidated or it does not want you to kiss it.
What to do about your cat putting its paw on your mouth
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
Hold it differently
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.
Avoiding getting putting your face too near it
If your cat puts its paw on your mouth when you put your face near your cat, it would be likely that your cat does it due to being intimidated. Instead, it would help to avoid putting your face too close to your cat.
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.