Why Does My Cat Kick Himself in the Face?

One mystery about cats is why they kick themselves in the face.

Some people believe it’s a behavior that’s instinctual and meant to scratch an itch, but others think it might have something to do with their selective breeding programs.

Regardless of the reason, this strange behavior remains a mystery.

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Causes of self-kicking in cats

Kicking and biting are common behaviors in cats, but self-kicking is relatively unknown.

So, why does my cat kick himself in the face?

It’s difficult to determine the cause of self-kicking because it can indicate a complex problem requiring multiple factors to be addressed.

However, there are several possible causes of self-kicking in cats.

One common cause of self-kicking is fear. Cats may kick themselves out of fear or anxiety when confronted with a new or unfamiliar situation.

Perhaps they are feeling angry or frustrated and want to lash out at whoever is provoking it.

Other causes include:

Repetitive motion injuries (like from running).
Neurological issues (like cerebral palsy).
Physical problems (like tumors).

Because the cause of self-kicking is often complex and multi-faceted, it’s important to get your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if you notice any concerning behavior changes.

Types of self-kicking in cats

Self-kicking in cats is a common occurrence, and cats can perform several different types of kicks.

Some examples of these kicks include the front paw kick, the back foot kick, and the head butt. Each kick has a specific purpose, which can be used in different situations.

For example, the front paw kick is often used to defend against attacks from other animals or humans, while the head butt is often used to intimidate or threaten others.

Self-kicks can be dangerous for cats if they are not performed correctly. If a cat kicks itself in the face, it could end up with serious injuries, including eye damage or even blindness.

It’s important to teach your cat not to self-kick, so it doesn’t injure itself unnecessarily.

Treatment of self-kicking in cats

Self-kicking is a behavior exhibited by cats when they kick themselves in the face.

It is a common problem that needs to be treated quickly to prevent serious injury.

The behavior often begins as an involuntary reflex due to anxiety or frustration but can become habitual and lead to permanent facial damage or even death.

There are several ways to treat self-kicking in cats. One approach is to use a foul-tasting citronella collar as a deterrent.

This will cause the cat to associate kicking with an unpleasant experience and may eventually stop the behavior altogether.

If the kicking persists despite using this method, Surgery may be necessary to remove portions of the brain responsible for self-kicking.

How to prevent your cat from kicking himself in the face

Like many cat owners, you’ve probably seen your cat perform what looks like a self-inflicted kick. This behavior can be cute at first, but it can also lead to serious injury.

Here’s how to prevent your cat from kicking himself in the face:

Most cats kick themselves when feeling playful or trying to get your attention. If you notice that your cat starts kicking himself frequently, try to make him feel comfortable around you by playing with him or sitting close to him.
Ensure your cat has plenty of toys and playtime to keep him entertained and distracted from kicking himself in the face.
Be patient with your cat; he may take some time to learn not to kick himself in the face. If he does continue to do so, get help from a professional trainer or veterinarian who can teach him how to stop this behavior.
If your cat does kick himself in the face, immediately apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or towel until help arrives.

Final thoughts

It is unknown why some cats kick themselves in the face. Some believe it may be due to anxiety or frustration, while others say it could be a sign of illness.

Regardless of the reason, vets recommend giving your cat plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied, so they don’t hurt themselves.

In addition, make sure their environment is clean and safe and provide enough food and water to support their health.