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Why does a cat hide its face in its hand: the solution to the mysterious behavior
24.06.2024 13:00
Many cat owners have noticed how their pets hide their muzzle in their hand.
This touching and funny behavior is touching, but few people think about why cats do this.
In fact, this gesture can tell a lot about the condition and mood of your pet.
Understanding the reasons for this behavior will allow you to better care for your pet and strengthen your bond with him.
Search for warmth and comfort
One of the main reasons why a cat hides its face in a hand is the search for warmth and comfort. Cats, like all domestic animals, love comfort and safety.
Your hands, with their warm and soft touch, create a feeling of comfort and security for the cat.
This behavior can be observed especially often during the cold season, when the animal is looking for an additional source of heat.
The warmth of your hands reminds your cat of the safety and comfort she felt when she was young next to her mother.
Demonstration of trust and affection
When a cat hides its face in your hand, it can also be a sign of its trust and affection for you.
Cats are independent and cautious creatures, so if your pet does this, it means that he feels completely safe with you.
Cats express their love in different ways, and one of these manifestations is the desire to be close and hide in the owner's arms, notes the animal behavior expert.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Cats may hide their muzzle in their hand to reduce stress and anxiety. This gesture helps them calm down and feel more secure.
When a cat is anxious, its heart beats faster and it becomes more sensitive to environmental stimuli.
By hiding its face, the animal blocks out some external stimuli and concentrates on your smell and warmth, which helps it relax.
Exploring new smells
Sometimes cats hide their muzzle in your hand to better study new smells. Cats have a much more developed sense of smell than humans, and through smells they receive a lot of information about the world around them.
By hiding its face in your hand, the cat can pick up your scents, which it associates with home and safety.
It also helps her better understand your mood and state.
Instinctive behavior
Hiding the face may be part of an instinctive behavior that dates back to wild times.
In the wild, cats often hide their faces when resting or sleeping to protect their vulnerable areas.
This instinct is also preserved in domestic cats, which thus continue to protect themselves even if there is no real threat.
Seeking attention and care
Cats are social animals and will often bury their face in their owner's hand to get attention and affection.
This behavior may be a way to ask for affection, play, or just spend time near you.
When you respond to such a gesture, the cat feels loved and protected, which strengthens your bond and trust in each other.
Understanding the reasons why your cat hides its face in your hand can help you better care for it and respond to its needs.
This behavior demonstrates your pet's trust and affection, as well as his desire to feel safe and warm.
Earlier we talked about why a dog bites its tail.
