Take note that fear is the root of all aggression, be it in cats, dogs, or humans. Also, it could be due to becoming surprised or being caught off-guard because of the sudden noises that could trigger a cat to attack you. Look out for the following situations that may provoke an attack… Why des she do this? A cat’s weapons are painful and … Why Is My Cat Pooping in the House All of a Sudden? Cat’s are very adept at learning and can be trained not to do certain things, so don’t despair. Your cat will perceive the smell of the stranger feline as a threat to its territory. Does she tend to bite and scratch you during your playtime sessions? I can easily say that I am attacked by my own cat on a regular basis. Take note that biting isn’t acceptable and must be corrected as soon as possible. Some cats attach to only one person. Sometimes 2-4 times a week. Like humans, your pet needs some space and time alone after a tiring day of playing and cuddling. Keep a physical diary or a mental note of the times and the circumstances when your cat bites or scratches you. by Modi Ramos September 12, 2019. by Modi Ramos 22843 views. Keep your cool, never punish your pet, and gain a good understanding of your cat’s body language and behavior. It’s best to back off the moment your cat shows signs of aggression. Sometimes, your pet cat may be utterly aggressive because she’s not feeling well deep inside. It could be the perfume of their previous owners who hurt them or the scent of the shelter where they were surrendered. Territorial aggression is a long-standing issue among cats and dogs. Any threats could lead to a so-called territorial induced aggression and your pet cat may even regard you as one, thus, the tendency to pounce, attack, or chase you and no one else. Cause of Cat Aggression and Attacks. Sometimes, your pet cat may attack you mainly for the sole purpose of indulging you as her playmate. A cat experiencing chronic pain such as arthritis can be very irritable and aggressive. I am also allergic to flea bites and get a blister where bitten that lasts for weeks. Why does my cat attack me and no one else? Some cats will also attack their owners when they want to play or if they pick up the scent of another cat. How Often Can You Bathe A Cat With Fleas? If you suddenly notice this type of body language on your pet cat then beware and try to keep a safe distance while you still can: In some instances,  your pet cat may attack or bite you but can be easily pacified by a verbal reprimand. A little Siamese kitten named Magwitch follows me everywhere. Moreover, I do not have any control on preventing other cats from coming near my house as I have an open driveway. Giving her positive reinforcement for her good behavior allows your cat to form an association between her behavior and reward. If your pet loves the outdoors, you can have outdoor enclosures installed so she can safely venture and explore outside your home. Your vet has the expertise to identify the probable causes and triggers of your pet’s aggression. While this may seem alarming, the problem can be easily addressed once the underlying reason has been identified. Examples of interactive toys that you can play with your pet include stuffed animal toys and pole-type toys or toys that dangle from sticks. You’ll enjoy knowing our dedicated team will do whatever is needed to keep your pets happy, healthy and safe when you’re away from home. If you’re someone who bonds more with your cat, rough play isn’t surprising. Have you ever experienced being attacked by your pet cat without any warning at all? By having a clear understanding of your pet and her innate behavior, you can easily pinpoint should there be any mood changes and in turn will serve as some kind of early warning signals. From there, you can prevent being attacked. Don’t harbor bad feelings toward your pet and avoid punishing her as it may further put a strain on your relationship. This behavior can be due to a lot of things. Hostile behavior due to fear may result in an attack especially when they fail to have an escape plan, even when in actuality, there’s really no need to escape from any present danger. Identifying a particular cycle or pattern will help you do some pre-planning and be able to prevent future attacks by distracting her with toys and redirecting her attention. Why Does My Cat Attack Me When I Pet Him? All you have to do is recognize what drives your cat to attack and also spot the signal that it is about to. The reason why your cat attacks you, and no one else may be that your cat has detected another animal’s scent from you, she may be trying to catch your attention or it could be aggression induced by territorial behavior, petting, noise or pain. It’s your cat’s way of saying, “stop, I’ve had enough!” Since our cats can’t talk, they express their frustration through meowing or getting physical. Your cat may become vicious especially if it’s a scent of an unfamiliar cat or any other animal that you may have touched or come in contact with. Aside from physical petting, overstimulation can also occur if your cat is exposed to a loud sound for too long. Your cat loves and trusts you. Whatever the reason is, you should take action to correct the behavior. At the most unexpected occasions, your cat, out of nowhere will hunt you like a wild tiger, wrapping her paws around your leg and sinking her tiny fangs into your skin. Here’s What You Need to Know, How To Groom A Maine Coon Cat – Quick Owner’s Guide. Photo: rosiejuliet It was love at first snuggle. Unfortunately, your ankles are the most convenient option at home. However, one of my friends has a cat that HATES me. Redirected Aggression: Lashes out at owner after sensing something it can't access.May seem like it occurs for no reason because the source of agitation isn't present. Cats are inquisitive and smart pets and will repeat behavior that has positive consequences. Make sure to walk away and leave the room instead of picking her up and moving her to another area of your home as your pet may interpret the physical contact as a form of reward which should not be the case since rough play should never be rewarded. My kitten Watson attacks me from time to time, and no one else in the house. We discovered that he does this whenever he wants to play. Cats are nocturnal beings, so they are more active at night. Once she lets go, remain still for a few moments and don’t pay her any attention. This is due to the fight or flight response, which varies per cat. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If your pet cat tends to attack your ankles which is an easy target don’t try to pull or run away as this resembles prey behavior and will encourage your cat to bite harder. Most of the time, this behavior will subside once you took a good bath and restored your natural smell. Like any form of aggression, this behavior must be corrected right away. Cats are very particular with the smell of their owners. Why does my cat attack me and no one else? Author: Darlene Norris. Why does my cat attack me and no one else? This will make your cat realize that you’re not acting like prey and will likely let go. Most owners have been on the receiving end of a cat attack. Puzzle feeders pique her interest and keep her mentally stimulated as well. This is a form of aggressive or rough play. What gives? There are 5 others in my family but no one else got bitten. Nisi facilis in magni quasi sequi natus illum! The reason why your cat attacks you, and no one else may be that your cat has detected another animal’s scent from you, she may be trying to catch your attention or it could be aggression induced by territorial behavior, petting, noise or pain. So I have been wondering a few things about my cat, she is about 2 years old and not fixed, she really only likes me and is kind to me she seems to scratch or “attack” others really for no reason. This may frustrate and even make you feel desolate especially if you’re so used to having an affectionate and cuddly pet cat around you. Should your pet attack you, it’s always best to consult your vet, especially if it happens more than once. This device could be an upside-down mousetrap or a motion-activated device that sprays compressed air. Always put aside at least 10 minutes of your time each day to engage and play with your cat. This can happen even to the friendliest kitties. And if they get the slightest inkling that their … Learn more. You might find yourself asking, “Why does my cat bite me unprovoked?” Well, r edirected aggression occurs when the cat becomes frightened or upset, but rather than run or go after the real cause, the cat instead turns on the handiest target. The causes why your feline attacks you may be a combination of one or two reasons or it could be more diverse than that. What happened to turn your mild-mannered cat into Cujo? You are the easiest type of target for your pet cat when she displays aggression because you\re her constant companion. Some cats are more rough than others when it comes to playing. Crumb, my cat had started lately to bite me for no reason. They have five potential weapons (their teeth and all four clawed paws) compared to a dogs sole weapon of his or her mouth. 6 Easy Things To Remember! It could be due to the feline’s prey drive. Here are the commonly identified reasons why your pet would suddenly attack you and no one else. If you pet or hugged another cat before going home, be prepared for a cat attack. But if the bite is more aggressive in nature, the six reasons I discussed above are possible culprits. An explanation of this behavior may be the manifestation of predatory behavior through high-frequency sounds. Among all the answers to the question of "why does my cat attack me and no one else", redirected aggressions give people the most trouble. We list 11 reasons why cats attack and how to deal with the situation. You’re also an easy target … Then, I started to look for reasons of the same. Lastly, your cat may attack you, and no one else out of fear. Your cat may regard you as a threat, which will result in attacking, pouncing, and scratching. Aggression is the second most common feline behavior problem seen by animal behaviorists. She turns on her side as you rub her belly, and she kneads her paws in contentment. Is your cat a literal ankle-biter? He does EXACTLY what you say your cat does. Otherwise she is a friendly and playful one-year-old. by Sarah (Canada) My cat is only about 3 years old and he acts normal around everyone he knows or meets, except one person. Unfortunately, it includes attacking and scratching your skin. One of their many charms is their ability to make us crave their love and affection at all times, only to dole it out on their terms. Cats are attracted to moving objects that they can pounce within eye level. This ‘love bite’ shouldn’t draw blood. Here are some of the things that you can do should your cat attack you: Should your cat attack you be sure to consult your veterinarian right away. You have to be cautious and should also protect yourself should your pet manifest warning signs again in the future. It’s a sign that your cat has become too comfortable in your presence. She starts to become agitated by these animals, considered as the external stimulus, but then she becomes frustrated because she’s indoors so she looks for something or someone else to lash out her anger, to redirect her agitation. Something else to consider is that regardless of the reason behind why they’re attacking your face, toes, or whatever else in the night, is that they don’t see it as wrong. from light "love bites" to painful nips, to outright fierce claw and tooth attacks, often for no reason. Mouth ulcers, lesions, …. While it’s rare, a nighttime attack might be your cat’s way of initiating playtime, even if you’re sound asleep. How To Tell If A Dog is Aggressive Towards Cats, Do Cats Understand Words? When your cat suddenly goes into attack mode, it may take you off guard and make you feel a bit confused, nervous, and maybe a bit upset. As you know, cats can be weird, but attacks aren’t normal. To put it plainly, if cats become agitated by someone or some animal but fail to reach the agitator, they are going to lash out. An unprovoked bite from a cat can be a sign of affection. My friend’s Bombay cat always does this whenever another cat tries to reclaim his ground. It may feel as though your cat is attacking you for no reason but in your cat’s mind you have done something to deserve it. Schedule daily, interactive play sessions with your cat. Observe your pet cat’s body language and learn to familiarize her usual behavior. Some of the things that you can install include cat perches, climbing posts, and empty cardboard boxes. Let’s learn more about this unusual cat behavior through a detailed discussion. He has inflicted some really bad bites and scratches on me and I regularly have kids round to my house so I am terrified he is going to attack someone else, though it always seems to be me. Cat Attacks Only One Person. This will prevent your cat from attacking someone else in … You should also remove anything that’s causing the stimulation overload. The tiny snowshoe Siamese kitten made himself comfortable on my shoulder and fell asleep. At some point, you need to accept the truth that your furry baby may tend to become unpredictable and aggressive. Often this innocent victim is another cat or pet in the home, or the guardian. Why does my cat always attack me- and no one else? Does it leave you desperately asking, “Why does my cat attack me?” Most cat attacks have a trigger and follow a subtle warning. When he first met this person, he acted like he usually would, but just recently he's become aggressive when the person is around, even if we are not provoking him in anyway. Someone Moving in or out of the Household: A new person, or the absence of one who has always been there can be upsetting. These devices can startle your cat but will not injure her and will deter and stop her from lurking in those stalking spots. This same reaction may occur if you contracted the smell of other animals, not just cats. If at any point during your playtime session with your pet she starts playing roughly and resorts to biting and scratching you, give her a time-out, and leave the room without paying her any attention. Another probable reason why your cat may suddenly attack you is due to noise around her. Place a bell on the attack cat to give other cats or small children in the household time to escape and to cue you so you can interrupt and stop the behavior. Why Does My Cat Suddenly Attack Me? Cats can bit… A large cat …, Why is my cat drooling all of a sudden? A busy cat will most likely not have enough energy left to mount attacks. It can be as simple as rough play or more serious like territorial aggression or overstimulation. My cat bites. It’s also worth noting that aggressive and vigorous play may seem like normal behavior for cats when, in fact, in your point of view, it’s already a serious case of cat attack! Try to schedule at least two of these sessions a day. Having a clear understanding and awareness of the possible causes of your cat’s unlikely behavior can help a lot to resolve the problem promptly. Reasons Why Cats Attack. The attack can also be due to odors that your cat associated with something negative. She does all of this, but I'm still the ONLY ONE who she attacks. Stay in control and be patient, in no time at all your pet cat will be back to her normal elements, soon as the cause and triggers are properly identified and corrected. You could schedule a minimum of at least two sessions of this 10-minute interactive playtime with your pet daily. REDIRECTED AGGRESSION. This is a case of rough play that happens to all cats, especially kittens. Fear will push your cat to do things that aren’t typical to its normal behavior. Stop an attack in progress via a water gun, citronella spray, or the sound of hissing air from an aerosol can. They range from fear and anxiety, behavioral problems, neurological or other health issues, or simply a mismatch of communication styles between you and your cat. The excess energy will be vented into what looks like a physical attack towards their owners. Watch out for signs and clues like the probable triggers of the aggression. Territoriality. This process is uncomfortable for kittens, and the only way to soothe their gums is to bite on soft surfaces – including your skin. With solitary play, your cat attacks toys and other objects. Whenever a cat perceives the slightest hint that his territory is under threat, it will be in full defense mode. Cats display two different types of play behavior: social play and solitary play. However, this issue is more common than you think. Why does my cat attack me and no one else? If you’re letting your cat sleep on your bed, you probably pinned it down with your leg. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Instead, stand your ground and gently push toward her. And it doesnt seem playful either: her stance is aggressive, fur on end, and at this point people are starting to ask me if I cut myself. This is usually characterized by stalking the target, which is you, and then leaping or pouncing into its target with no warning growls or hiss. Provide your pet with environmental stimulation to keep her occupied and mentally challenged as well. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This behavior can be due to a lot of things. Then, before you know what happened, she hisses and bites your hand. Manifestations of fear-induced aggression may include hissing, spitting, scratching, swatting, and growling. Or when you pat them, one stroke too many means a full-scale, teeth and claws attack. if your pet directly stares and steps forward, if her tail is directed straight down and not curved downward, if the cat’s stance is in a confronting manner, instead of slinking or leaning in an opposite direction, if her ears are pointing in an upright manner with the back rotated slightly forward, when your pet’s fur is standing up with raised hairs on the shoulders, back, and tail also commonly called piloerection. This will eventually stop her because so to speak, you have taken away the “thrill of the catch”. If you have kittens, teething might be at play. When I visit her, he hisses, spits and growls at me, and lunges to attack me and has twice slapped me across the face (I was sitting down and he attacked me). Many want to know “Why does my cat attack me?” for no apparent reason. Cat drooling can be a sign that your pet has dental problems. I dont know if it's because of a certain blood type (I'm B-) or because I'm the only female or if my body is warmer than theirs. You think of reasons but you just can’t find any. Since cats avoid doing things that may have negative outcomes, taking the fun from playtime by walking away will teach your pet not to play roughly. To pet a cat, you would likely do it on their back, top of their head, tail, paws, or stomach. And it's for no good reason too-- If I'm on my computer, and she's sitting down beside me, she'll attack my hand or arm. You will even notice flattened ears and a crouched posture. Nighttime attacking isn’t typical behavior, but there can be potential explanations. Also, you should understand that not all cats like pets all the time. My 2 years old attacks me all the time no matter what I am doing and my 6 just started attacking me I had cervical cancer a few years ago and my 6 attacked me then I didn't have my 2 year I am wondering if my cancer came back and what could be why they are attacking me It’s your ID that separates you from other people even if you change clothes or look. Whatever the reason is, you should take action to correct the behavior. It may occur if you suddenly go near your cat’s bed or if you retrieve the kitty’s favorite toy. Take note that cats like to be petted on their own terms. Your cat may lie in wait for you to walk by and then pounce. Keeping track of each time she manifests aggressive behavior will give you a clear understanding of the situations and times when these attacks most likely occur. Also, she may be experiencing discomfort due to a painful procedure and slight nuisances could trigger an attack from your cat. And since the cat is hurt, its knee-jerk response is to attack whatever’s causing the feeling. Many cat owners are often left wondering what is wrong with their cats after the first attacks. Youre on the couch, petting your purring cat just like you have on many previous quiet evenings. Some cats will hide when afraid while others will fight back. The possible reasons why your cat might choose to attack you while leaving everyone else alone are diverse . Whenever I walk throughout the house my cat will literally chase me down (one time he ran up the stairs after me), hide behind furniture, and jump up on the couch just to scratch or bite me (it usually results in me bleeding quite a lot) but he doesn't do this to anyone else! In a world filled with Grumpy Cats, Colonel Meows (rest in peace), and shows like My Cat From Hell, it's no surprise that felines aren't exactly man's best friend. But fortunately, he attacks only me. Other strong scents that could trigger cats to go amock are strong perfume, a particular food, and paint or other building materials. Does she usually attack your ankles in the morning or during mid-day? But more often than not, it’s usually because of an external stimulus. Aside from these, there are at least a couple of other reasons why your cat attacks you and no one else. Also, try to bring the cat to a quieter room to help it calm down. If you’ve observed that she suddenly attacks you from a particular stalking spot then the best thing to do is to place a deterrent device in that specific area. Experiment to find out which one works best. Do you find it unnerving when your pet suddenly lunges at you when just a moment ago you were just playing with her or cuddling her? It’s a matter of understanding your cat’s personality and habits. In the same way as you he just keeps coming at me and coming at me no matter what I try to do to defend myself. Cats are very particular with scents and just a whiff of an unfamiliar scent on their pet parents could trigger anxiety and fear which makes them aggressive, attacking the source of that particular smell, which is you. Of course, this was a page right out of the kitten playbook, and I fell for it in nanoseconds. The more you spend playtime with her, the more unlikely that she’ll attack or bite you as she becomes increasingly familiar to your presence. Tolerating this will only cause behavioral problems that will be difficult to correct later on. To deal with cat overstimulation, it’s best to keep a distance from your pet. So, the next time your cat attacks you, at least you know what to do. It’s your cat’s way of saying that he wants to be left alone. Even though cats are already domesticated they retain a part of their natural instinct as predators and the tendency to protect their marked territory. What worries me is that if I’m the one next to her and not the other cat, she attacks me, as had happened before. Your easy access to her and your tendency to easily fuss over her when she starts acting weird makes you more prone to be attacked and no one else. This will prevent your cat from attacking someone else in the future. Male cats will often figure in catfights to defend their territory. Although cat aggression is sometimes taken less seriously than dog aggressionperhaps because cats are smaller and dont pursue people to bite themaggressive cats can be formidable. Your cat will hiss, bare its teeth, and launch into you. Give her a reward like food treats each time that she’s doing the right thing and behaving well like playing gently with you and snuggling instead of manifesting aggressive behavior like biting and scratching you. Hunger is the main reason cats may seem to attack or awaken their owners in the middle of the night. This behavior can be due to territorial aggression, overstimulation, and inappropriate petting. This type of feline hostility is considered as the most dangerous and unpredictable one because you’ll never know when it shall occur. One of these behaviors is the out-of-the-blue attack on their human that may come as a shock or even be frightening if you know your cat to usually be a gentle, loving feline. Cats are territorial beings. Some cat breeds are more likely to play rough than others. This cat does this with no one else, and I've figured out that this cat is actually treating me like another cat invading his territory. However, the best thing that you can do is to be calm and be sensible. If your kitty’s attacks are drawing blood or hurt seriously, you have to do something. We love our cats, even when they don’t always treat us nicely. Then you’re not alone. Train your cat to stop treating your hands as their own personal chew toy. Like all animals, cats are highly territorial. Your vet may recommend a cat behaviorist, prescribe certain medication,  or may formulate a diet plan for your pet, for whatever  may deem necessary and applicable. While many cats get attracted to the sound of the human voice, domesticated ones can develop the ability to identify …, Pet Cosset may receive some form of compensation from the links on this page, at no extra charge to you. But instead of punishing your feline, you should address the following: If your cat attacks you while trying to pet it, consider it a warning. More often than not, it’s you that becomes the subject of her anger, thus, resulting in a cat attack. If you notice this, it’s best to stop petting her at once before she’ll launch a more vicious move. How To Introduce Guinea Pigs? My Wicket was a farm cat, fighting with other cats and kittens for food and attention. One time it took around a month for her to settle down. He may also have to assess if your cat may be having a medical problem by doing some laboratory tests on your cat. If you disturb them during their resting time, don’t be surprised if you will receive a scratchy attack in return. Nevertheless, it can happen to other breeds if the cat isn’t given mental and physical stimulation. Do cats understand words? It can be as simple as rough play or more serious like territorial aggression or overstimulation. However, if the attack was rather deliberate and took quite a while before your pet was subdued then it could be a sign of something more serious. And as much as possible, try not to touch your cat because it may attack you. For instance, your pet cat spotted outdoor cats in your front yard or she may have noticed some squirrels on a tree. You shouldn’t offer your skin to your cat as a plaything since it will only fuel further behavioral problems. And of course, if you're upset about the situation, your cat will feed off your anxiety. Even if your cat loves petting, it can still attack you in the middle of it. You must correct this behavior as early as possible, even if your cat attacks only you and no one else. Meanwhile, social play is when the feline directs its rough play toward humans. You’re also an easy target because you’re usually her constant companion. Another non-aggressive reason as to why your cat may be ‘attacking’ you is that they’re trying to say that they want to play with you. Most pet parents have encountered this at least a few times. Aside from seeking professional help through your vet and gaining a clear understanding and knowledge of the causes and triggers for your cat’s aggression, here are other measures that you can do to stop your cat from attacking you. Bear with me for some time as I am going to explain why does your cat attack you and no one else. Instead of punishing your cat, you should try to identify what’s frightening it. In other instances, your cat may hide behind furniture and then will attack you usually through your ankles. My dad had a cat with fleas and the fleas would leave their food source (the cat) to attack me. When overstimulated, the kitty’s pupils will dilate, its tail will lash, and it will also growl. The sessions should last about 10 minutes each and take place when your cat is in a playful mood. Cats normally love petting but there are times when it can be too much for them. Cats usually respond to loud sound frequencies with aggression and this may be another cat crying or howling, a crying baby, and high-frequency squeaking sounds. They will usually send out warning signs that they’ve had enough of the repetitive petting by hissing, nibbling, or biting your hand. Where did your cat come from? He remains usually calm all the time but all of a sudden once I was petting him, he started to attack without any reason.