An odd behavior when playing and petting

Question
Hi, my name is Mike and I have a cat that I recued out of a barn as a kitten. I raised her and this cat looks up to me with every breath in her body. Anyway, since she has gotten older (4-6 yrs old) she has been displaying odd behavior.

When she jumps on the bed and I stroke her, she quickly sits down, turns and nips (NOT bites, NIPS) at my hand and begins to swat at it. She also when she catches my hand, if I let her, licks my hand. Its very odd and has been bugging me for quite some time. HELP!

Answer
Hi Mike,

Since this is a new behavior I would first get her to a vet to be checked. She may have something going on inside and where you are touching her is causing some type of discomfort. If all checks out okay we go on to the next step.
I have two cats who do that. I have found that they want the attention and affection but they don't want me to touch them in the usual areas. When you pet her see where she doesn't like to be touched. Keep away from those ares. Also look for signs that she is done with the petting. If she switches her tail, flattens her ears or if her head moves toward your hand stop petting her. She is licking you because she looks at you as part of her family.
When one of mine starts the biting behavior I blow in his face. This startles them and they stop what they are doing. Sometimes you have to adjust the way you pet them. There isn't much else you can really do to stop this Jekyl and Hyde behavior. Just love the for who they are and be careful. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen