If your cat often puts its paws on your feet, this post will show you a number of possible reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat put its paws on my feet? Possible reasons why your cat puts its paws on your feet are that it wants something from you, it is being affectionate, it is spreading its scent on to you, or that it makes your cat feel safer.
Your cat might actually put its paws on your feet for a number of reasons and it could be due a combination of causes. 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 paws on my feet?
Below are a number of possible reasons why your cat puts its paws on your feet.
It wants something from you
It be the case that your cat puts its paws on your feet 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 feet when you stop petting it.
It is spreading its scent on to you
Cats have sweat glands on their paws. The reason why your cat puts its paw on your feet might 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.
Related: Why does my cat put its paws on my hand?
Kneading
Kneading is where your cat presses its paws into you and pats you with its paws and claws repeatedly. Cats normally knead to show pleasure and it might be why yours has been putting its paws on your feet. This would be more likely if your cat does it when it is showing signs of being happy such as purring.
Related: Why does my cat press its paws on me?
It feels safer
The reason why your cat does it could also be that it makes your cat feel safer. This would be more likely if it puts its paw on you when you are not directly interacting with it and if it does it more when other animals are around.
It wants you to stop touching it
Another possible cause is that your cat wants you to stop touching it. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are touching it with your feet and if it leans away from you when it does it.
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 cause.
If your cat has always put its paws on your feet
If your cat did not always put its paws on your feet, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could be because of a change in the way that you have been interacting with it or because it became more comfortable around you and started showing you affection.
The timing of when your cat puts its paws on your feet
If your cat tends to put its paws on your feet more at a certain time, it would also help to consider if there is anything different about the timing. For example, if it does it before you feed it in the morning, the cause could be that it is trying to remind you to feed it.
The body language it shows
It would also help to consider the body language your cat shows when it puts its paws on your feet. If it shows signs of being agitated such as wagging its tail and moving away, it would be more likely that it is putting its paw on you because it wants you to stop touching it. Whereas, if it does things such as purr and rub its head into you, it would be more likely that it likes the way you are petting it, it’s rubbing its scent on to you or that it is being affectionate.
What to do about your cat putting its paws on your feet
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Pet it differently
If your cat has been putting its paws on your feet while you are petting it and it seems to want you to stop petting it, it would help to make sure that you have been petting it correctly. It would help to pet it gently and to make sure that you have been using the right technique. Often, cats prefer you to pet them below the chin instead of rubbing their entire backs.
Give it distractions
Another option would be to give it things to be distracted by such as toys.
Get it to sit elsewhere
It might also help to give your cat another spot to sit or lie down in. One way to do so could be to put a cat bed near to where it usually sits down.
Let your cat do it
It is not unusual 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.