Mary Allen
Which cat owner does not know these situations: one moment calm and relaxed, the next moment the cat attacks the person with its claws or pounces on its feet or hands out of nowhere. Read here what the triggers for these sudden attacks can be.
The causes of sudden claw and bite attacks in cats are varied. They often just want to play, but the aggressiveness can also have other triggers.
Natural Hunting Instinct Meets Boredom
When cats lunge at their owners’ feet and hands, perhaps during their five minutes of a romp, it often has to do with cats’ natural behavior. Because cats have a natural hunting instinct. However, domestic cats can no longer live them out like their wild ancestors. As an alternative to conventional prey, the owner’s feet and hands quickly come into focus.
Especially when house cats are not busy enough, such attacks can occur. It is therefore advisable to schedule several rounds of play every day. When playing with string, balls, or fishing rods, the cats work themselves out and their hunting instinct is satisfied.
Danger! The trigger for playing with hands and feet is often the person himself. Because when playful baby cats “chase” wiggling toes or fingers, most owners still find it cute: they allow it and maybe even wiggle their toes on purpose. In this way, the cat learns that it is allowed to do this – and carries the behavior with it into adulthood.
Many cats like to attack toes that stick out from under the covers. That, too, corresponds to the nature of the cat. Because it is reminiscent of a prey animal that is just looking out of its cave and thus awakens the cat’s hunting instinct.
Fear as a Trigger for Cat Attacks
A trigger for claw attacks in cats can also be fear. If the cat feels threatened or in danger, claw attacks are often a reaction to this feeling. Animals that have experienced violence in the past are particularly susceptible.
This fear can also arise, for example, when strangers enter the cat’s home. To prevent attacks from occurring in the first place, it is advisable in such a situation to ask the guests not to pay attention to the cat. You should also offer the cat a place to retreat.
Misunderstandings Between Humans and Cats
It has probably happened to every cat owner before: First, the cat lies relaxed on your lap and enjoys being stroked. But out of nowhere she changes her mind and scratches or bites her hand. This situation is often understood by humans as a mood swing in the cat. In fact, there are often misunderstandings between cats and humans.
When cats scratch or bite their owners, it signals that something is bothering them. Often they just don’t want to be petted anymore or they were touched in the wrong place. The stomach is a very sensitive area in cats.
Before the cat actually strikes, however, it usually signals its displeasure in a different way. For example, it puts its ears back, twitches its tail, or looks at the human’s hand suspiciously. It means “I don’t want this anymore”. However, people often overlook these signs. The claw attack or the bite in the forearm then appears suddenly to humans, but it was announced for the cat.
Therefore, pay close attention to your cat’s facial expressions and body language and also respect them.
Pain is a Trigger for Attacks
A dangerous reason for sudden claw attacks in cats is pain. Cats are very good at ignoring their pain and hiding it from their owners. However, if the symptoms become too severe, they can also show up in the form of aggression. Especially if you accidentally touch the affected part of the body, the cat can react with sudden claw attacks.
As a cat owner, you usually quickly notice whether the attacks by your cat are playful or aggressive. If your cat’s attacks seem unusual and indeed aggressive, you should visit a veterinarian to have the cat checked for possible illnesses.
How to Deal With Cat Attacks
If your cat playfully attacks you and you don’t like it, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t use violence! This is not a solution and will disrupt your relationship with your cat. Cats often understand a decisive “no” better than you think.
- Do not allow yourself to be provoked and, if in doubt, ignore the cat until it has calmed down.
- Avoid loud words, punishments, and excited shouting.