10 things cats do when they are mad

If you love your cat then you probably learn by now most of its behavior and what it means, but just like human’s behavior, animals are also complex beings and there are definitely some things left “unsaid”. We will now try to decode some of your cat’s behavior they do when they are mad.

#1 She watches you from a distance

It can be hard to tell if your cat is keeping her distance because she’s upset or if she’s staying away because, well, she’s a cat and cats are weirdos. But if your furry friend actively avoids you when she’s normally playful or keeps away for longer than usual it can be a sign she’s mad, scared, or anxious. Angry cats will keep their distance when they get confused by, say, a sudden loud voice, quick movements or even an unfamiliar smell on your jacket, he explains. The solution? Let her have her space, she’ll come back when she’s ready.

#2 It gives you “the look”

What look? If you’re a cat owner, you don’t even have to ask—cats are masters of showing their feelings through their eyes. “Cats especially become perturbed when their routine is messed up, like if you’re late feeding them”. The solution is obvious: Schedule your life around your feline overlord, or find yourself dealing with a very angry cat. We’re kidding, mostly: Cats will do better on a regular, predictable schedule, so do your best to stick to one, she says.

#3 Don’t bring out the suitcases

Cats can tell when you’re getting ready to leave them. They may act like they don’t care what you do but start packing your luggage and you may notice your angry cat scowling and glaring at you, Kac Young says. “This is easy to fix: Leave a T-shirt or some article of clothing with your scent on it in their bed,” she says. “And make sure your pet-sitter gives them extra attention while you are away.” All will be well when you return home.

#4 Doesn’t play with her favorite toys

Toys can actually be a major source of irritation for a cat, Young says. “They get bored with the same toys so it’s important to mix them up or refresh them with catnip,” she explains. “Cats need lots of stimuli because they are natural hunters and love the game of chase and capture.” 

#5 Hiding around

Hiding is one of the first signs your cat is unhappy or fearful with you or the situation, says Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant. Resist the urge to try to drag your angry cat out of hiding, it’s a protective reflex and if you force him to socialize before he’s ready he may become aggressive, she explains.

#6 “Ready to takeoff” ears

Ears flattened back against the head and slightly sticking out- “like airplane wings”- are a sure indicator your cat is upset. Don’t worry too much but do keep your distance. “An all-out attack toward people isn’t terribly common, and when it happens, may actually be a redirected aggression”.

#7 It bites you when you pet him

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Has your cat ever begged to be petted and then bit or scratched your hand? This is called “petting aggression” and it’s totally normal. This ‘leave me alone’ bite doesn’t mean he’s angry, but that he wants to control the interaction, and the petting that goes on too long over-stimulates him.

#8 The cat’s tail is twitchy

One of the first subtle signs that your cat is mad at you is when you see her tail placed low, swishing quickly back and forth from side to side. Whenever you see the tail twitch, stop whatever it is you’re doing that is upsetting her, give her some space, and back off for a while until she calms down.

#9 Destroying your furniture

There’s nothing more infuriating than an angry cat that looks you straight in the eye, extends her claw, and then swipes at your new leather couch. Rather than aggression or anger, this is more likely due to your cat marking her territory. Cats perceive the house and yard as their kingdom, so things like claw marks on furniture and urine spray on walls are simply fresh boundary lines. To stop this you can use a cat pheromone spray to help calm things down and save your sofa. 

#10 Refusing her favorite meal

When a cat is upset she may eat less or even refuse to eat at all. Often this is a reaction to a new or unfamiliar situation, a change in routine, or a big event at home, like the birth of a new baby, she says. Keep a close eye on this one, however, as it can also be a sign of illness. If she won’t eat for more than a day or two, take her to the vet.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *