body language: lifting paw?

A dog plops on the ground and shows it’s belly to be submissive. It’s pack behavior, exposing its most vulnerable spot to the alpha dog to show it’s not a threat.

A cat exposing its belly and allowing it to be petted is a sign of massive trust. A raised paw may be a sign of curiosity. My Sophie does it all the time. Look at the ears and tail as well. Alert, erect ears, a calm, relaxed tail and the raised paw indicate curiosity, not fear. Are the claws out? A frightened cat will crouch, protecting its belly, ears go back, and claws come out. Hissing and spitting may occur. Sounds like you’ve just encountered a cat who likes to investigate with his/her paws.

However, be careful about petting a cat’s belly. Some will roll over and show their belly, but don’t want to be touched. My MILs cat, Demon, was like that. Showed her belly, but don’t touch unless you want a paw full of claw.

My kit Dot lifts her paw when something has caught her interst…it is as cute as can be…she is my little huntress!

Cato lifts his paws to take something out of my hands. I have recently taught him to shake because he so wants to hold anything I am holding and raises his paws all the time. A behaviorist suggested I teach him some tricks as a way to reassert my dominance…..he now sits on command and will shake after sitting if asked. I am, however, ready for him to claw me while he shakes my hand. I feel he still wants control over me 🙂 Elizabeth

My sumi is the ultimate ‘troublemaker’ and with that comes the most affectionate and entertaining little character you could meet! She tortures her big sister with her endless attacks and games, but I know she will be a calm adult all too soon, and I savour her energy and kitten personality while it’s here. She lifts her paw (no claws) to my face while gazing directly into my eyes, and touches my cheeks, nose, mouth (tries to stick a paw in my eyes too). For her it’s a tactile exploration of her mewmy’s face. She uses her paws like we use our hands. She also rolls over for her tummy to be tickled, though it always turns into a play fight. I think the kitten you saw sounds like a real little cutie! Take her home!

my cat Ginger Paw favors one of her paws. she doesnt like it to touch the ground and whenevr she isn’t moving she almost always lifts it above ground. she licks it and cleans it all the time. Its her one orange colored paw (hense the name ginger paw) I dont think this is sign language, just one cooky cat who really likes her precious ginger paw

My kitty lifts his paw when I give him kisses over and over and he doesn’t want anymore hehe. But his claws are never out. Your situation sounds like a sign of curiosity to me.