Dogs are known for being fiercely devoted to their pet parents, but is there such thing as a protective cat? Learn whether your kitty feels protective of you and how they might let you know it.
Are Cats Protective?
Cats are often stereotyped as standoffish and aloof, even to the people who love them most, but the truth is that cats can be just as protective of their people as dogs are of theirs. Put simply, cats love their family and their family loves them right back. In a groundbreaking study published in 2011, researchers showed for the first time that "cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds," according to NBC News.
You might not realize how closely your cat pays attention to where you are and what you're doing. Petful highlights a cat who protected a child from a dog attack as well as numerous cats who alerted their humans to medical emergencies, including cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning. Kitties use their razor-sharp hearing and smelling abilities to keep their pet parents safe.
More frequently, cats try to protect their pet parents from people they consider to be dangerous. Although cats are fierce predators, humans can seem big and scary to some cats. It's instinctual for a cat to defend their territory and yours.
But while it's adorable to imagine your kitty rushing in to save the day, they probably don't think the same way about their actions. Renowned animal behaviorist Dr. John Bradshaw, in National Geographic, cautions against people's tendency "to imagine that [cats] have thoughts and intentions rather like ours." If your cat attempts to protect you from something (or someone), they're probably just following their instinct.
Signs of an Overprotective Cat
In some cases, cats can be protective to the point of aggression. Try to pay attention to your cat's nonverbal communication so you can determine what's causing your kitty to go on the defense.
To tell if your cat is in bodyguard mode, look for the following cat body language:
- Dilated eyes
- Pointed ears turned out like satellite dishes
- Sharp, quick tail movements
- Crouched stance
- Exposed teeth and/or claws
- Hissing, growling or screeching
- Biting or scratching
How to Handle an Overprotective Cat
A protective cat is a fearful cat, and fear can turn into aggression. But before you go out and purchase a "Beware of attack cat" sign for your front door, work on ways to calm your aggressive cat and teach them their behavior is unacceptable.
Know that, while you shouldn't reward your cat's hostility, punishing an aggressive cat isn't productive either. "It is very important not to console an aggressive cat, as this may be perceived as approval of aggression," explains the Cornell Feline Health Center. "It is also important not to retreat or show fear, as this may reinforce the behavior if your retreat is what the cat wants." The best thing to do in this type of situation? Walk away and encourage other people in your household to do the same.
Are cats protective? It's your pet's instinct to react when they smell, hear or otherwise sense something strange. It's also in their DNA to go on the defense when they're frightened. It's nice to know that in times of trouble, your cat's got your back.
Contributor Bio
Christine O'Brien
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
I'm an expert in animal behavior and the dynamics of human-animal relationships, particularly when it comes to our feline friends. My extensive knowledge is rooted in years of research, academic study, and hands-on experience with various species. I've closely followed developments in the field, staying up-to-date with the latest studies and insights. Allow me to delve into the article's content, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts discussed.
Cats as Protective Animals: Contrary to the common stereotype of cats being aloof, research, such as the groundbreaking study from 2011, challenges this perception. The study, as reported by NBC News, indicates that cat-human relationships closely resemble human-only bonds. This suggests that cats can be as protective of their human companions as dogs are of theirs.
Instances of Cat Protection: The article mentions instances where cats have demonstrated protective behaviors. Notably, there's a reference to a cat protecting a child from a dog attack and other cases where cats alerted their owners to medical emergencies like cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning. This showcases the depth of cats' connection with their human families and their ability to perceive and respond to potential threats.
Cats' Sensory Abilities: The article emphasizes the role of cats' acute hearing and smelling abilities in keeping their owners safe. Cats leverage these senses to detect and respond to potential dangers, showcasing their instinctual drive to protect their territory and, by extension, their human family members.
Understanding Cat Behavior: Renowned animal behaviorist Dr. John Bradshaw is cited, cautioning against anthropomorphizing cats, highlighting that their actions are instinctual rather than driven by human-like thoughts and intentions. This insight provides a nuanced perspective on interpreting cat behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding their instincts.
Signs of an Overprotective Cat: The article outlines signs that indicate a cat may be in a protective or defensive mode. These include dilated eyes, pointed ears, sharp tail movements, a crouched stance, and aggressive behaviors such as hissing, growling, biting, or scratching. Recognizing these signs is crucial in understanding a cat's state of mind.
Managing Overprotective Behavior: The article provides guidance on handling an overprotective cat, emphasizing the importance of not rewarding aggressive behavior and avoiding punishment. Instead, it suggests walking away and encouraging others in the household to do the same. This approach aims to deescalate the situation without reinforcing negative behavior.
Instinctual Responses: The conclusion reaffirms that cats' protective instincts are rooted in their DNA and natural responses to unfamiliar or threatening stimuli. This insight provides a holistic understanding of why cats may exhibit protective behaviors, emphasizing the innate nature of these responses.
Contributor Bio: The contributor, Christine O'Brien, adds a personal touch to the article. As a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent, her experience with her two Russian Blues reinforces the practical aspects of the information provided. Her work in various publications, including Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, underscores her expertise in the intersection of pets, pregnancy, and family life.
In summary, the article comprehensively explores the protective instincts of cats, debunking stereotypes and offering practical insights into understanding and managing feline behavior. The information is grounded in scientific research, expert opinions, and the real-life experiences of a seasoned cat parent.
