4 Reasons Your Cat Loves to Pounce on You · Kinship

Once I inform folks that I was afraid of cats, they’re typically stunned. How can I, an individual who not solely dotes on her three cats, but in addition writes about cats, be a recovering ailurophobe (the scientific time period for somebody with an intense concern of cats)? Then I inform them about El Gato.

El Gato was the cat my household had once I was younger. My stepfather introduced him in off the road; he was a stray cat who was primarily feral, and at first, I used to be excited. A cat! What child wouldn’t be delighted on the prospect of a brand new pet?

If I assumed El Gato could be a candy, sleepy home cat who curled up in my lap and ate treats out of my hand, nonetheless, I used to be quickly disabused of that notion. El Gato most well-liked to cover behind the couch or crouch in a doorway, mendacity in await me. Once I walked by, he pounced. I screamed. My mom tut-tutted and my brother laughed as I cowered in concern when El Gato slunk right into a room. What a child I used to be! Why was I crying over a cat?

As you possibly can see, my cat trauma runs deep. It was years earlier than I used to be capable of pet a cat, and I’m embarrassed to say that even once I adopted my beloved Freddy, I used to be initially afraid to go away my bed room door open at night time, for concern she would assault me whereas I slept. In fact, she doesn’t, and neither do her youthful brothers — although after they had been kittens, they did wish to pounce on my toes below the covers. 

All this time later, I typically nonetheless surprise why a cat would assault somewhat child the way in which El Gato did. Was he simply taking part in, as my mother used to inform me? He didn’t do it to anybody else. Was it as a result of I used to be the smallest particular person in my household? Might he sense my concern? Why do cats pounce on individuals who solely need to love and look after them?

Seems, there are a number of causes a cat would possibly launch themselves at a well-intentioned human. Right here’s what the consultants must say.

Kittens are doing what kittens do.

First off, in case your cat is a kitten, then pouncing is their job. It’s how they study boundaries, social etiquette, and the way their tiny our bodies work. “Kittens take pleasure in taking part in from an early age,” says Dr. Zac Pilossophopens in new tab, a consulting veterinarian at Wholesome Paws Pet Insurance coverage.

He explains that pouncing helps your kitten develop coordination and problem-solving expertise (like get these treats off the counter). “Participating in tough play, which incorporates swatting, scratching, and biting, is all in good enjoyable and regular for a kitten,” Dr. Pilossoph says. In different phrases, it’s not private; it’s follow.

You’re their favourite playmate.

Like Anne of Inexperienced Gables’ Gilbert Blythe pulling on Anne Shirley’s braids and calling her “Carrots,” your cat could also be attempting to precise affection (albeit in a misguided method). “It’s doable they’re pouncing on you as a result of they such as you,” says cat behaviorist Joey Lusvardiopens in new tab. “They need to play with you! They don’t perceive that [pouncing] isn’t enjoyable for us.” 

In case your cat is pouncing frequently, think about that you simply won’t be giving them sufficient consideration; Lusvardi says boredom is the most typical motive that cats pounce on their loving mother and father. “When you’re not taking part in together with your cats each day, they could be telling you they want extra stimulation.”

They’ve had sufficient love.

Then again, pouncing could possibly be a response to an excessive amount of stimulation. When you’re stress-free on the sofa, petting your cat, and out of the blue they whirl round and assault, it could be what’s often called petting-induced aggression, Dr. Pilossoph says. “Sometimes called ‘love bites’, petting-induced aggression could stem from a cat’s want to manage their setting… or from overstimulation, notably whereas being petted at size,” he provides.

Twitching pores and skin, a flicking tail, or rotating ears are delicate alerts that your cat is reaching their restrict. Miss these cues, and so they would possibly pounce. Dr. Pilossoph additionally notes that, like us, cats have preferences as to the place they wish to be touched. “Underbelly and tail-base areas are the most typical less-preferred areas which will incite petting-induced aggression,” he says.

They’re feeling afraid.

Generally, pouncing isn’t playful — it’s a defensive response to being scared, Lusvardi says. In case your cat is feeling cornered or fearful, they could assault. Growling, hissing, or swatting are indicators that your cat is upset, and it’s best to listen and work out what’s happening.

“Many cats take pleasure in playful pouncing or shock ‘assaults’ on their pet mother and father as a part of wholesome, energetic playtime,” veterinarian Dr. Nell Ostermeier says. “Behaviors akin to biting out of concernopens in new tab, hissing, or growling aren’t typical indicators of play and ought to be mentioned together with your veterinarian.” 

However she additionally notes that pouncing can present up when a cat is bored or understimulated — one other reminder that cats want each day enrichment simply as a lot as meals, water, and sufficient litter packing containers to go round. “Common interplay and each day playtime are important for each cat’s bodily and psychological well-being,” Dr. Ostermeier says. “This helps them keep energetic, completely happy, and emotionally balanced.”

So, how are you going to curb the assaults?

As soon as your cat is previous kittenhood, when pouncing is to be anticipated (and is truthfully fairly innocent — these tiny claws and tooth can’t harm you!), the shenanigans ought to taper off. Be sure you’re taking part in together with your cat frequently, maintaining them stocked up with enjoyable toys, and giving them house after they want it, and your own home shouldn’t be a battleground.

If there’s true aggression — hissing, biting, growling — loop in your vet, or a licensed cat behaviorist. There could also be a medical or emotional trigger you possibly can handle. Keep in mind that normally, cats aren’t attempting to be malicious. They’re simply attempting to speak with us or have somewhat enjoyable. (Even El Gato, R.I.P.)