Why Does My Cat Hold My Arm?

It is not uncommon for cats to want to cuddle with their humans. Some cats will climb up on your chest and lay their head on your shoulder. Some cats will be content with your hand holding theirs. Others will just sit there insisting that you start petting them.

cat hugging arm

Why Does My Cat Hold My Arm?

But what does it mean when your cat holds on to your arm?

What Does It Mean When Your Cat Wraps His Arms Around Yours?:

Sometimes, a cat will hold on to its owner as a way of telling the owner that everything is going to be OK. Other times, a cat who is frightened or in pain will hold on to its owner for reassurance.

There are several reasons a cat may want to be close to you. The most obvious is that he wants to be petted and loved. But there are other reasons too.

As A Sign Of Affection:

If your cat holding on to your arms, he may be trying to tell you that he loves you.

a cat being held

The first thing I want to stress is that this is NOT abnormal behavior. This is perfectly normal and healthy behavior for your cat.

Cats are very affectionate animals. They want to be close to their people. They like to be reassured that they are valued and loved. And sometimes, a cat will express his love in the most unusual ways.

Complementary Noises:

When your cat is holding your arm, they may start purring.

This is a sign that they are content and happy.

Don’t worry if your cat does not do this as not all cats purr, but it is a nice surprise if they do.

Why Does My Cat Grab My Arm And Bite Me?:

It can be frustrating to be bitten by your cat, especially if you are trying to pet your cat or play with him or her. If your cat is biting you, it is important to understand the purpose of the behavior.

Cat biting owners hand

Cat biting is not generally about aggression.

Although some cats show more aggressive behavior than others, biting is most often their way of telling you that they are uncomfortable.

This is also usually accompanied by a sharp cat’s claw digging into your skin.

If you pay attention, you will learn what makes your cat feel safe and you will be able to avoid situations that make your cat feel uncomfortable.

And hopefully, avoid a painful cat bite.

It is important to note, that when we talk about biting, we mean a painful, strong bite. Not a ‘love bite’.

If your cat is simply nibbling on you, then this is usually a sign of affection.

A cat love bite can be a very cute thing to experience, however, if they start to hurt you then you should stop them right away.

Why Does My Cat Grab My Arm And Kick?:

This ‘Bunny Kicking‘ using their hind legs, is their way of playing.

Cats are very playful, especially when young.

They are constantly grabbing something with their paws, batting at things, and they always seem to have a cat toy in their mouth.

Cats also have a tendency to ‘play’ with you. They may grab your hand or arm with their paws and then kick.

Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm While Sleeping?

Cats may hug their owner’s arm while sleeping as a sign of affection and trust. It is also believed to be a way for cats to feel safe and secure while they sleep.

Why Does My Cat Grab My Arm And Lick It?:

Licking usually happens during playtime, as they are pretending that you are their prey, and they are the predator trying to eat you.

cat licking

It is all in good fun, but if they start to hurt you, then you should put a stop to it.

In summary, if you are asking yourself ‘Why Does My Cat Hold My Arm?’, the answer is that it’s natural for cats to hold your arms and the key is to find out what they’re trying to communicate to you. Perhaps they’re looking for love, reassurance, or food.

The good news is that holding your arm is a sign that your cat trusts you. They want you to see what they’re doing and they need your help. The best way to help your cat is to spend time with them and give them the love and attention they crave.