DO CATS GET PROTECTIVE OF THEIR OWNERS? [9+ SIGNS THEY ARE]

Do cats get protective of their owners? There have been times when I asked myself if my cat would alert me of danger or would jump and fight other people or animals that would try to harm me.

Cats can become protective of their owners. This usually happens when they feel their owner is being threatened or in danger, and they may act out to defend them. However, the degree of protectiveness can vary from cat to cat, and not all cats will exhibit this behavior.

There are examples of cats saving their owner’s life and tons of video showing cats protecting their owners from harm.

Let’s dive more into it.

DO CATS GET PROTECTIVE OF THEIR OWNERS? [9+ SIGNS THEY ARE]

DO CATS GET PROTECTIVE OF THEIR OWNERS?

If you take a closer look and pay attention to your cat’s behavior when it is around you, you might pick up on some of its actions and mannerisms that science believes are proof that cats- wait for it-are actually very protective when it comes to their humans.

Here are some signs that a cat may be showing a desire to protect their owner:

1. Hissing or growling at perceived threats, such as other animals or unfamiliar people.

2. Arching their back and puffing up their fur to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating in case of threats to their owners.

3. Standing in front of their owner or positioning themselves between their owner and the perceived threat.

4. Swishing their tail back and forth or lashing out with their paws.

5. Following their owner around and being more attentive or vigilant than usual.

6. Dilated eyes.

7. Pointy ears turned out, visibly looking for the source of any noise or intrusion.

8. Exposed teeth and claws, followed by hissing, screeching, or growling

9. Crouched or visibly ready-to-pounce stance

It’s important to remember that while these behaviors may indicate that a cat is trying to protect their owner, they may also be signs of fear or aggression, so it’s always best to proceed with caution when interacting with a cat that is exhibiting these behaviors.

Research published in 2011 showed, “The cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds,” according to NBC News. So cats are more human than you thought.

Cats are more independent and take longer to warm up to humans and even other animals, but that doesn’t mean they cannot form meaningful and long-lasting connections with their pet parents. Once they do, cats ‘adopt’ their owners and are super-protective of them, albeit in a more subtle way.

WHY DOES MY CAT GUARD ME?

Cats guard their owners for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

  1. Bonding: Your cat may view you as their territory and feel the need to protect you from perceived threats.
  2. Instinct: Cats are naturally territorial animals and may feel the need to protect what they see as theirs.
  3. Fear: If your cat has experienced a traumatic event or feels threatened, it may become protective of you as a security source.
  4. Anxiety: If your cat suffers from anxiety, it may exhibit protective behaviors to cope with its insecurity.
  5. Health Issues: Some medical conditions, such as pain or vision loss, can cause cats to become more protective of their owners.

It’s important to remember that while guarding behaviors may seem endearing, they can also be dangerous if the cat becomes aggressive toward others. If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance.

A cat thinks you are part of his family and territory. So he is protecting you as part of his reign! That is why your cat is guarding you. If you have not yet seen the incredible story of cats saving human lives, you can read them HERE.

Cats are also very protective of kids. It is not uncommon for a cat to stand near babies and prevent people from approaching them. They may believe they are their kids, and it is not uncommon that cats would protect their friend’s cats from other animal attacks.

WHY DOES MY CAT GUARD ME WHEN I PEE?

DO CATS GET PROTECTIVE OF THEIR OWNERS? [9+ SIGNS THEY ARE]

Cats may guard their owners while they are using the bathroom for a variety of reasons, including:

  1. Attention Seeking: Your cat may be seeking your attention and may view guarding you while you use the bathroom as a way to spend more time with you.
  2. Instinct: Some cats may view their owners as vulnerable while they are using the bathroom and may feel the need to protect them from perceived threats.
  3. Territorial Behavior: Cats are naturally territorial animals and may view the bathroom as their territory, which they guard against perceived threats.
  4. Anxiety: If your cat suffers from anxiety, it may exhibit protective behaviors to cope with its insecurity.

Regardless of the reason, it is essential to remember that this behavior can be intrusive and potentially disruptive to your personal routine. If the behavior is causing a problem, you may want to consider seeking the advice of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

WHY DOES MY CAT GUARD ME WHEN I SLEEP?

Cats may guard their owners while they sleep for a variety of reasons. For example:

  1. Bonding: Your cat may view you as their territory and feel the need to protect you from perceived threats. Cats are naturally territorial animals and may feel the need to protect what they see as theirs, including their owners.
  2. Comfort: Your cat may feel comfortable and safe when they are near you, and guarding you while you sleep may be a way for them to ensure that you remain safe as well.
  3. Security: If your cat has experienced a traumatic event or feels threatened, it may become protective of you as a security source while you sleep.
  4. Attention Seeking: Your cat may be seeking your attention and may view guarding you while you sleep as a way to spend more time with you.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE PROTECTIVE CATS?

Sometimes, when your cat feels particularly threatened and senses any danger, it can lash out in aggression. The best thing to do would be to give your cat the space it needs to come to calm down.

It is essential to assess if the threat they sense is real. Perhaps it is an intruder. Or it could just be the mailman.

Handling a protective cat can be challenging, but it can be done effectively with the right approach. Here are some tips for handling a protective cat:

  1. Avoid physical punishment: Physical punishment can escalate the situation and make the cat more aggressive.
  2. Address underlying issues: If your cat is exhibiting protective behavior due to anxiety, fear, or other underlying issues, address these issues with the help of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
  3. Provide a safe and secure environment: Ensure your cat has a safe and secure environment, with plenty of hiding places, toys, and attention from you.
  4. Training and positive reinforcement: Train your cat to associate positive experiences with the perceived threat using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise.
  5. Keep your cat’s environment predictable: Avoid sudden changes to your cat’s routine or environment, as this can cause increased anxiety and increase the likelihood of protective behavior.

It’s important to remember that every cat is unique, and the approach that works best for one cat may not work for another. If you are having difficulty handling your cat’s protective behavior, it’s best to seek the advice of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Why is my cat so protective of me?

Sometimes you may run into a cat who is really attached to a person that would prevent other people from touching that person or coming close.

If your cat is like this, it is because your cat made you part of his family and part of his territory, and as such, no stranger should come close.


Do cats pick a favorite person?

Yes, cats may pick a person to spend their time with. It may be a child or any other person in the household. If you are that person, congratulations! If you are not, do not get sad about it.

Try to bond with your cat, playing, treats, and other tricks. He may decide to like you more than others.


Are cats protective of babies?

Cats may indeed like to stay around babies and guard them. They sense they are vulnerable and that they need protection. They are also less dangerous than grown-up people. Cats may prefer to be near them as they know that they will not get hurt by a baby.


Will cats hurt babies?

It is difficult for a cat to hurt a baby on purpose, meaning a cat will not attack a baby on purpose. There are stories of feral cats helping to warm up abandoned babies in a fully snowing scenario, sleeping on them to stay warm.

So cats would try to protect babies and not voluntarily try to hurt them; however, some cats may not realize where they put their bodies.

If you have noticed, cats are not caring if they walk on you or put their but in your face. So they may sit on the babyface preventing the baby from breathing. So just watch it if you have a cat running around a baby.


Why do cats guard doorways?

Cats may guard doorways for a variety of reasons, including:
Territorial behavior and protection of territory (doorways may lead to different areas of a cat’s territory, and guarding the doorway may be a way for a cat to protect their territory from perceived threats).

But it can also be because of fear or anxiety (if a cat feels threatened or anxious, it may become more protective of its territory and guard doorways as a way to cope with its feelings of insecurity).

Cats are naturally curious animals and may be intrigued by the movements and sounds that occur around doorways. As a result, they may guard the doorway as a way to get a better view of what is happening.


Are female cats protective of their owners?

Yes, both male and female cats can be protective of their owners. However, the degree of protectiveness can vary from cat to cat and may depend on factors such as their personality, experiences, and environment.

Some cats may be more protective than others, while some may not show any protective behavior at all. The level of protectiveness can also change over time as a cat’s experiences and environment change.

Ultimately, whether or not a cat is protective of its owner depends on the individual cat and its unique circumstances.

Read also: CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS.

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Vittoria! I just finished reading your blog and I was truly amazed by the information you’ve shared. It’s amazing how cats can become protective of their owners, especially when they sense any danger. I learned a lot from this post, and I appreciate the time and effort you put into researching and writing about this topic. Keep up the great work!

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