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Cats can be so cute, we might even forget they're deadly predators while petting them. Of course, make one wrong move (like touching their belly) and they will instantly remind you of it with bites and scratches.

But don't just take my word for it. Check out the subreddit Murder Mittens, an awesome online community we've already covered once.

Even though it's fairly young (the sub was created in 2018), it already has 168,000 members, posting pictures of adorably fearsome cats who love to show off their claws and remind everyone of who's boss! Here are some of them.

#1

He Is Mine

He Is Mine

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see you take one more step and I brand your face forever

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#2

Void With His Murder Mittens

Void With His Murder Mittens

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Janine B.
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is clearly looking for belly rubs. *puts on hammered steel armor*

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Cats evolved to be highly stealthy because they are both predators (who often need to be able to get fairly close to their prey before attacking) and prey (who need to be able to move around in their environment without being preyed upon by a larger predator), and they don't "forget" their instincts even if they move in with humans.

Lucy Hoile, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) who specializes in cats, told Bored Panda these animals hunt even when they're not hungry. "A well-fed cat will still have the innate drive to hunt when the opportunity arises," she said.

#3

Messi's Massive Murder Mittens

Messi's Massive Murder Mittens

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#4

Rip Graybeard He Let Me Spoil Him For 12 Years. It Was A Privilege

Rip Graybeard He Let Me Spoil Him For 12 Years. It Was A Privilege

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#5

2 Day Old Murder Mittens

2 Day Old Murder Mittens

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They are simply not meant to sit around. "Cats need to display natural behaviors, such as hunting, to maintain emotional wellbeing," Hoile continued. "Without an appropriate opportunity to do this, they will find their own outlets: ambushing owners' ankles or other unsuspecting cats, potentially causing huge problems."

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The good thing is that we can help them foster their instincts. And it's not that hard, too. "Play with them!" Hoile said. "Playing with toys provides an opportunity for cats to show the same behaviors they display when hunting - stalking, chasing, grabbing, and biting."

#6

Izzy Just Discovered That She's A Cat

Izzy Just Discovered That She's A Cat

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Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy cow! I just realized what I can do with these or what they can do for me!

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In our earlier piece where we showed kitties preparing for their first sneak attack, cat behavior expert Dr. Marci L. Koski said that it's also important to know that your cat isn't done playing even if it stops after a couple of minutes.

When cats hunt, they go through the following prey sequence: 1) staring, 2) stalking and chasing, 3) pouncing and grabbing, and 4) performing a kill bite. And if they seem to have calmed down, that doesn't automatically mean they lost interest!

"They've just gone back to the first step in the prey sequence -- staring. So keep moving the wand toy and keep your cat engaged (even if it's just staring). You can give your kitty a short break or change lures to reengage them, but don't give up!" Dr. Koski explained.

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"Play sessions will be more intense for younger cats, but even older kitties and special needs kitties love to play. Following a play session, give your cat a meal to initiate the hunt-eat-groom-sleep sequence, which is another thing that cats naturally do. You'll find your cat is more relaxed and content if you can stick to a routine schedule focused around play and meals."

Just keep in mind that you can end up with a few "battle scars" after some quality time with your precious kitty.

#9

Holding Paws With A Side Of Claws

Holding Paws With A Side Of Claws

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#10

I Couldn't Help Myself. I Had To Poke The Beans

I Couldn't Help Myself. I Had To Poke The Beans

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#11

Mr Bob Showing Off His Weaponry While Getting A Good Stretch In

Mr Bob Showing Off His Weaponry While Getting A Good Stretch In

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One day, I wanna look as content as a cat stretching <3

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#12

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping. He Knows When You’re Awake

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping. He Knows When You’re Awake

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#13

You Gotta Squint, But I Promise They Are There. I Also Felt Them In My Eyelid

You Gotta Squint, But I Promise They Are There. I Also Felt Them In My Eyelid

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#14

Meet Uno. He’s Basically A Bond Villain

Meet Uno. He’s Basically A Bond Villain

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#15

Discovering Her Deadly Mittens

Discovering Her Deadly Mittens

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#17

Gismo's 18 Year Old Grandpa Nap Mittens

Gismo's 18 Year Old Grandpa Nap Mittens

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#18

Lucipurr

Lucipurr

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an incredibly beautiful picture. I dunno why, but I love mleming cats :D

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#19

Good Morning Murder Mittens

Good Morning Murder Mittens

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#20

Presenting A Solo Murder Mitten

Presenting A Solo Murder Mitten

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#21

My Blind Old Man Giving A Peek At His Murder Mittens

My Blind Old Man Giving A Peek At His Murder Mittens

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#22

The Very Smallest Murder Feets

The Very Smallest Murder Feets

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#23

Don’t Mess With The Mother

Don’t Mess With The Mother

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#25

Nap Time With The Mittens

Nap Time With The Mittens

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#26

Give Me A Hug I Promise It Won’t Hurt!

Give Me A Hug I Promise It Won’t Hurt!

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#27

I Guess We're Not Cuddling...

I Guess We're Not Cuddling...

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#28

Mittens And Tufts... Melvin Is A Funny Little Fellow

Mittens And Tufts... Melvin Is A Funny Little Fellow

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#29

“Give Me The Chicken Or Your Life, You Decide”

“Give Me The Chicken Or Your Life, You Decide”

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#30

Baby Tiger Cub With Some Big Weapons

Baby Tiger Cub With Some Big Weapons

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That face! What a gentle demeanor. Murder mittens match the part during these few seconds ;)

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#31

We Better Have Wet Food Today Or Else

We Better Have Wet Food Today Or Else

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#32

Small Kitty, Big Claws

Small Kitty, Big Claws

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#34

Play With Me And No That Dum Computer!

Play With Me And No That Dum Computer!

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#35

My Lovely Girl Just Decided The Attention She Was Getting Wasn't Quite Enough And Started Reaching Out For Me Too

My Lovely Girl Just Decided The Attention She Was Getting Wasn't Quite Enough And Started Reaching Out For Me Too

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#36

Grover Loves Making Painful, Painful Biscuits

Grover Loves Making Painful, Painful Biscuits

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#38

Poised To Strike

Poised To Strike

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#39

Snoozy Style Murder Mittens Getting Ready For Their Next Adventure!

Snoozy Style Murder Mittens Getting Ready For Their Next Adventure!

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#40

Ready To Scratch Out Ur Eyes

Ready To Scratch Out Ur Eyes

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Note: this post originally had 120 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.