Ways to Protect Yourself from a Cat: 6 Effective Tactics
Cats may initially appear friendly, but their disposition can change suddenly. You do realise that they’re just like any other kind of animal, right? In the event that we ever find ourselves on the receiving end of a cat’s teeth and claws, knowing the best ways to defend ourselves against a cat should make us better prepared.
Try to divert the cat’s attention
When a cat gets angry, it usually just wants to tear everything it can get its paws on to pieces. Because their brains are wired that way under stress, it’s not always because they intend to cause harm. Sometimes, the best defence against a cat is a good offence: keeping our furry friends preoccupied. The use of a cat toy or some treats may be all that’s required.
Keep your distance when a cat bites.
When bitten, our immediate reaction is to try to get away from the source of the pain. However, if a cat gets its paws or claws into you, that’s not the best course of action. Just remain calm and patiently wait for them to let go. If you don’t, you might start thinking of yourself as easy prey.
Fortunately, cats rarely sustain serious injuries from bites, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long before they let go and you can escape.
Stay away from the feline.
Stress in cats can be brought on by a number of different things. You should probably think twice before trying to console your feline friend if they appear distressed. Body language is one of the primary ways in which cats communicate their desire for privacy, and many of us would do well to learn to recognise these cues and respect them.
Put on safety gear
Cats are notoriously independent, but we still have to deal with them when they’re stressed or angry. In that case, safeguard yourself by putting on safety gear before you begin. The first step is to get some thick clothing. Bring along some sturdy footwear, gloves, and eye protection in case your cat decides to launch an attack.
Don a towel and swat the cat to calm it down.
Towels can be used in multiple ways to protect yourself from cats. First, you can prevent the cat from reaching you in an attack by holding a towel or other object between you. Tossing the towel over the cat can help calm it down if you need to do that; sometimes just getting them out of the stressful situation is enough.
Don’t trap a cat
If you’re on the wrong side of a cat, plan ahead to avoid blocking the exit. Some cats don’t like feeling trapped, so blocking the door could provoke them. Stand back and let the cat decide.
The Reasons Why Cats Attack?
Cats can attack for many reasons. Fearful or defensive, territorial, play, redirected, pet-induced, pain-induced, maternal, and idiopathic.
Fearful/defensive
When a cat feels trapped, it becomes fearful or aggressive.
Just what is a cat’s armour?
Obviously, the aforementioned measures are only a fraction of your cat’s defences. Purring, growling, and yowling are all defensive vocalisations. Threatened cats, like most predators, have a wide variety of defensive mechanisms and preventative measures at their disposal.
Your cat will use its claws as its primary offensive weapon and as a last line of defence. Although your cat may try to defend himself or herself in extreme circumstances, in most cases it will try to escape the conflict rather than engage in it.
An obvious exception to this rule is if the animal they are battling is their prey. The occasional groundhog or rabbit will put up a fight. It’s possible that your cat will decide that continuing with the meal is worth the potential danger.
But what about a lynx, cougar, or even an eagle or owl? Your cat will probably just try to run away.
Will Cats Defend Themselves Against Dogs?
Cats have some natural defences against dogs. A dog of roughly the same size or slightly larger can usually be defended against by a cat. However, when confronted by a large dog, most cats will try to flee.
A cat that can’t escape a large dog isn’t likely to survive a determined attack, unfortunately. Dogscan and do kill cats, so taking precautions during introductions is crucial to ensuring that neither animal feels threatened.
How Do Cats Fend Off Dangerous Animals?
Most cats avoid being eaten by predators by making themselves unrecognisable and difficult to locate, as well as by making themselves sound and look larger than they actually are. Even though domestic cats aren’t targeted by many predators because they are difficult to capture and put up a good fight, your cat still prefers to avoid conflict whenever possible.
Aspects to Think About
Cats shouldn’t feel threatened or like they need to defend themselves in your home. However, even in a secure environment, your cat may exhibit defensive behaviours more frequently if they have a disposition toward anxiety or hostility.
If your cat exhibits signs of being a little more anxious, it’s important to make sure they never feel trapped or cornered. Your cat will feel more at ease and safe if you move slowly around them and speak to them in a soft voice.
It’s possible that some cats will never adjust to life indoors. This type of cat is best suited to people who are comfortable with a more independent and less affectionate feline member of the household.
Provide your cat with safe havens if you notice that it is acting defensively in a new environment. Your cat can feel more at ease in your home if you provide it with a cat bed, cat tree, or even a cardboard box large enough for it to curl up in.
