What to do if your cat attacks you?

It comes as a complete shock when your cat, normally a sweet natured soul, suddenly frightens you by biting or scratching you out of the blue. Cats can be quite complex creatures and some times it’s not so black and white as to why this attack has happened. Some attacks can be dangerous but, fortunately, are rare.

In the short term, if your cat attacks you or a member of your family, make sure you

  • DO NOT retaliate with punishment as this will make matters far worse and could see you be attached again by your cat, who is already in a heightened agitated state.
  • Allow your cat to calm down by either moving into a different room or allow the cat to decompress in another room. You can do this by throwing a treat or using a toy to guide your cat away from you and then shut the door.
  • Use anything you can to focus the cat away from you. Treats and toys are good for this.
  • If you feel like you are stuck and need to get out of a room, for instance a bedroom, then you can use a blanket to throw over the cat whilst you make your move to get away.
  • Make sure you thoroughly wash your wound(s) and if need be go to see your local A&E. (cat bites can become infected within 24 hours if deep enough)
  • Do not raise your voice at the cat as they will see this as confrontation and possibly go on the defensive again.

A cat can attack one minute and then be calm the next if left alone so it’s important you allow this decompression time.

It’s also important you talk to your vet about your concerns and get your cat checked for any medical reasons why may explain any aggressive. Many things have been written on line about various forms of aggression but it is important a professional cat behaviourist is hired to visit your home and work closely with you and your cat as to what is happening.

There are many factors to take into account but the most important thing is to deal with the situation quickly if it happens and also to recognise certain signs your cat may display before an attack occurs. These signs can be a combination of the ones below:

  • Thrashing tail
  • Spiked up fur
  • Pacing up and down looking agitated
  • Crying in a particular way
  • Unusual staring at the human
  • Change of pupil size
  • Ears forward

If you are experiencing difficulties with your cat and would help and guidance please do not hesitate to contact info@catbehaviourist.local

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what to do if your cat attacks you

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT ATTACKS YOU?

If you have found yourself on this page and are a cat guardian, with a few cat issues to iron out,  it’s more than likely that you will be seeking a cat behaviourist to visit your home as part of a cat behaviour consultation.

Why book a cat behaviour consultation with Anita Kelsey:

  • Anita Kelsey has been studying cats for years and is fully accredited
  • Currently in her second year at university reading for a BA in Cat Psychology
  • Vet recommended and referred
  • Full member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association
  • Friendly and approachable
  • Impeccable client references
  • Support always given.
  • Easy to talk to and contact
  • Based in Notting Hill, London but will travel anywhere in the UK
  • International clients welcome
  • Full public liability insurance
  • Emails answered within 24 hours and cat behaviour consultations always treated as an emergency and appointments given straight away
  • Day, evening or week-end appointments available
  • Anita is a natural animal communicator
  • Specialised cat groomer. Behaviour consultations connected to grooming available
  • Anita’s living and breathing passion is cats and she understands their behaviours and patterns more than anyone

cat expert

PLEASE CONTACT ANITA, LONDON’S LEADING CAT BEHAVIOUR EXPERT, WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT CAT RELATED ISSUE AND YOU BE GUIDED AS TO THE NEXT STEPS TO TAKE.

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