Why Do Cats Get Angry? Learn the Reasons and How to Deal With It!

Even if you want to live peacefully with your cat, they might suddenly hiss or scratch you. Many cat owners are surprisingly bitten until they bleed.

It can be difficult when you don't understand why your cat is angry.

Therefore, this article will explain why cats get angry, what they do when they are angry, and how to deal with it.

Reasons Why Cats Get Angry

First, let's consider the reasons why cats get angry. There are reasons why cats get angry other than fighting.

Startled by a Loud Noise

Cats have very good hearing and are sensitive to even small sounds. When there is a loud noise, they may be startled and lash out at a nearby cat or owner. They may even get angry if startled by their owner's sneeze.

Touched in an Area They Don't Want to Be Touched

A cat's paw pads and the tips of their paws and tail are very sensitive areas where nerves are concentrated. Even if it's their owner, they will get angry if touched there. They also dislike having their vulnerable stomach touched.

Petting them persistently or forcibly picking them up can also cause cats to get angry.

Food Interrupted

Cats are vulnerable while eating, so if you reach out or touch their body, they may instinctively bite or scratch. Not just cats, but anyone would be annoyed if their meal was interrupted.

Territory Invaded

Even indoor cats have a sense of territory. If they get along well with other cats in the household, there won't be a fight, but if not, they will threaten to drive them out. Caution is also needed when welcoming a new cat.

Also, during their mating season, cats can become restless and irritable. It's best to leave them alone rather than scold them.

Something Unpleasant Happened

If you persistently bother your cat or take away their toys, they will naturally get angry.

Also, they get angry when given a bath or taken to the vet. Some cats even get angry when they sense an impending bath or vet visit.Anxiety and fear can sometimes turn into "anger."

Pain from Injury or Illness

If your cat suddenly gets angry while you're petting them, it could be due to "pain" from an injury or illness. Try to gently check which area causes them to react angrily.

If you notice any unusual behavior, such as constantly licking the same spot or stopping grooming, please take your cat to the vet immediately.

Cat Behavior When Angry

Before a cat gets angry and resorts to aggressive acts like biting or scratching, signs of irritation, anxiety, or fear will appear.

To understand your cat's feelings, it's important to know what they do when they're angry.

Vigorously Swishing Tail

While dogs wag their tails when happy, it's different for cats. A cat vigorously swishing its tail is a sign of irritation. As their irritation increases, the range and speed of their tail swishing will also increase.

Whiskers and Ears Pulled Back

When a cat is surprised or scared, their whiskers and ears will flatten back. This is a sign they are trying to defend themselves and may be experiencing some form of stress.

Ears in 'Squid' Position

It's well-known that when cats are irritated, their ears go into the "squid ear" position. This is called squid ear because the cat's ears are perked up horizontally, resembling a squid.

While cats also make squid ears when focusing on something interesting, they also do so when wary of something unfamiliar, or when angry due to dissatisfaction.Since they are aggressive, avoid reaching out carelessly.

Vocal Threats

When a cat growls with a low "ooo" sound or hisses "shaaa!", they are quite angry. This is a warning to stay away, so you should leave the area.

Fur Standing on End

When a cat's fur stands on end, its tail also puffs up significantly, and it bares its fangs, hissing "shaa!", it's ready for battle. It's making itself look bigger and ready to pounce at any moment.

How to Deal with an Angry Cat

When your cute cat is angry, you might want to try to cheer them up. However, petting them or dangling toys can be counterproductive. It's better to leave them alone for a while.

Even if the owner has startled the cat or done something it dislikes, the first step is to create some distance and leave it alone.

Once the cat has calmed down, try gently calling its name and offering treats or food. Keep in mind that the cat might still be secretly angry, so observe its ear and tail movements.

Summary

It's said that when an owner scolds a child, the cat might hiss at the owner or bite them to intervene.

It's truly touching to see how deeply cats love their humans, even getting angry to protect a child.

Even when angry, cats are cute, but intentionally provoking them or over-caring for them is a no-go. It stresses out the cat and can damage the trust between you and your feline friend.

When a cat is angry, there is always a reason. Remember that anxiety and fear can also manifest as anger. Try to eliminate anything your cat dislikes or finds scary, and make an effort to create an environment where your cat can live peacefully.

Author Profile