Written by It’s a strange sight to see a cat doing self-harm. But unfortunately, this is something that many cats do. This article takes a look at why does my cat kick himself in the face and what steps I have taken about it.
Even though, cats are curious animals. Still, they are well known for their ability to get themselves into some very strange situations. It is not uncommon for cats to take things too far. Especially when they’re young or new to the home. Kicking himself in the face is one example of them taking things too far.
And. it can be quite worrying for you as the owner of the cat. However, don’t fret! There are plenty of steps that you can take to stop your cat from doing this again.
Why Does My Cat Kick Himself in the Face? – 5 Reasons
There are several reasons why your cat might be kicking himself in the face. It could be that he’s trying to scratch an itch that he can’t reach. Or, he could be playing too rough and accidentally hitting himself. Whatever the reason, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat. And, make sure that he isn’t doing this too often, as it could lead to injury.
Defense Mechanism
Cats used to be wild animals. In the wild, they had to protect themselves from other animals. And also had to be on the lookout for their prey. Over time, cats have developed certain reflexes and defense mechanisms to help them survive. One of these is known as the “righting reflex.” The righting reflex helps keep cats safe by preventing them from getting injured while they’re vulnerable. It also helps them escape predators and capture prey.
The righting reflex is a natural instinct for cats. But sometimes it can be triggered by something as simple as a loud noise or sudden movement. If your cat kicks himself in the face after you pet him. It’s probably because he was startled by your hand moving too quickly towards his head. Similarly, if your cat starts kicking himself in the face after you put him in a new environment (like taking him to the vet). It’s because he’s feeling stressed and uncertain about what’s going on around him.
Scratch An Itch
Cats have a lot of furs. And that means they can get itchy. If your cat is kicking himself in the face. Then, it could be because he’s trying to scratch an itch that he can’t reach with his paw. This is especially true if you notice your cat doing this after he’s been grooming himself. He could be trying to scratch his head or neck where his paw can’t reach.
If you think this might be the reason why your cat is kicking himself in the face. Then, try giving him a scratching post to help him relieve the itchiness. And, we recommend Amazon Basics Cat Condo Tree Tower or Coastal Pet Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy as the best options for single-cat homes. And, Yaheetech Cat Tree Scratch Post or Nova Microdermabrasion Multi-Level Cat Tree as the best options for multi-cat homes.
You should also make sure that his fur isn’t matted down, as this can make itching worse. And finally, take him to the vet for a check-up just in case there’s an underlying skin condition causing the itchiness. Some of the common skin conditions are –
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of itchiness in cats. If your cat is allergic to something in his environment (like pollen or dust). Then, he might start kicking himself in the face trying to relieve the itchiness. Allergies can also be caused by certain foods. So, if you’ve recently changed your cat’s diet and he’s started kicking himself in the face. It could be because he’s allergic to one of the ingredients in his new food.
If you think allergies might be causing your cat to kick himself in the face. Then, take him to the vet for a check-up and skin test. The vet will be able to determine what your cat is allergic to. And, give you advice on how best to manage his allergies. Including changing his diet or giving him medication.
Injury
Sometimes, cats accidentally hit themselves while they’re playing or grooming themselves too roughly. And if they hit themselves hard enough, it can lead to injury. So, if you notice your cat kicking himself repeatedly in the same spot on his head or body. It could be that he’s injured himself and is trying unsuccessfully to heal it with self-medication.
If you think your cat might have injured himself. Then, take him to the vet for a check-up. The vet will be able to determine if there’s any internal damage. And, give you advice on how best to treat the injury (including giving your cat pain medication).
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause itchiness in cats. If your cat has parasites. Then, he might start kicking himself in the face trying to relieve the itchiness. If you think parasites might be causing your cat to kick himself in the face. Then, take him to the vet for a check-up and treatment. The vet will be able to determine if there are any parasites present. And, give you advice on how best to get rid of them.
Playing Too Roughly
Another possibility is that your cat is just playing too roughly. And, is accidentally hitting himself in the face. This is most likely to happen if you have more than one cat. And they’re constantly wrestling and chasing each other around. If you think this might be the reason why your cat keeps kicking himself in the face. Then, try to provide him with some toys to direct his energy towards. We recommend MeoHui or UPSKY as the best toys to give your cat.
However, you should also keep an eye on how he’s interacting with other cats. And, intervene if he seems like he’s getting too rough like biting or scratching. Finally, make sure that there aren’t any sharp objects lying around that could hurt him while he’s playing.
Seeking Attention
Cats are known for being independent creatures. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy attention from humans. If your cat is kicking himself in the face and you think it’s for your attention. Then try giving him some extra love and affection.
This could be in the form of petting or playing with him. Or even just giving him treats more often. If he responds positively to this i.e. stops kicking himself in the face. Then you’ll know that was what he was looking for all along!
By the way, if you are looking to switch your current cat treats. Or, you are just looking for a great treat for your cat. Then, we recommend Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats as the best option! And, it will help you greatly in solving your cat’s attention-seeking problem.
Anxiety or Stress
Sometimes, cats kick themselves in the face when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This is most likely to happen if there’s been a change in their routine. Such as you moved house or got a new pet. If you think your cat might be feeling anxious or stressed. Then, try to provide him with a safe space where he can retreat when he feels overwhelmed.
Moreover, you should also avoid making any sudden changes. And, give him time to adjust slowly to new situations. Plus, make sure that he’s getting enough exercise and playtime as this can help reduce stress levels. Finally, it’s also important to keep an eye on any injuries that he sustained from kicking himself. And, make sure that they’re healing properly.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In some cases, cats can develop Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). And, this can lead to them kicking themselves in the face repeatedly. If you think your cat might have OCD. Then, take him to the vet for a check-up and treatment.
As the vet will be able to determine if there’s an underlying cause for the OCD (like anxiety or stress). And, give you advice on how best to manage it. With proper treatment, most cats with OCD can learn to control their compulsions and improve their quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Your question, “Why does my cat kick himself in the face”, has multiple answers. It could be that he’s trying to scratch an itch that he can’t reach with his paw. Or, he could be playing too rough and accidentally hitting himself. Whatever the reason, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat. And, make sure that he isn’t doing this too often as it could lead to injury. If you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior, take him to the vet for a check-up. Working with your veterinarian is the best way to determine the reason. And, develop an effective treatment plan.