The reason cats slap other people, toys and even pets is because it’s a part of their natural instincts. They were bred to be Apex predators, and this is one of the ways they communicate with each other.
They want to communicate that they’re angry or feel threatened, so this is the first step in their fight against perceived dangers. They may also slap you when they feel over-stimulated and want to end the petting session.
If you aren’t sure what the slap means, it could be that they are begging for food or attention. This can be a good time to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
Sometimes they will slap when they want to play with you and it’s just fun for them. Usually, they don’t hit you hard, but they can whack at the strings or balls that you have on your hand.
You can tell if they slap you because it will often be on the downside of their tail.
When they slap with their tail, it can be a sign that they are feeling happy or affectionate.
The slap can also be a signal that they are scared of something or afraid to move away from their familiar home.
The slap can be a normal behavior for cats but it is important to understand why they slap so that you can help them avoid it in the future. If you notice a sudden increase in their slapping, it is likely an indication that they are sick or injured.
