Cats are peaceful and generally calm animals, but their behavior can change when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. In this article we explain How to tell if your cat is angry and what signs to look for to detect their discomfort.
Knowing how cats behave is essential to prevent them from becoming stressed or aggressive. By learning to interpret your cat's body signals, you can improve your relationship with him and avoid uncomfortable situations for both of you.
Signs your cat is angry
It is important to be alert to the signs that indicate that your cat is upset or feels threatened. Below, we explain some of the most common ones that you should look out for:
- Turns his ears back: One of the first signs of discomfort is that the cat turns its ears back. This usually happens when it feels threatened, afraid or even when it is about to attack. In this case, it is best to leave it alone and not try to interact with it.
- Show your teeth: Cats use their sharp teeth as a defense mechanism. If your cat bares its teeth at you, it's best to walk away and wait for it to calm down.
- Arch your back: In situations of extreme fear or when playing with other cats, the feline may arch its back and bristle its fur to appear larger. This is a clear indication that it does not feel safe.
- Growls: Although in many cases the growl is just a warning, it is a sign that the cat is feeling very uncomfortable. Ignoring this warning can lead to more aggressive action, such as a scratch or a bite.
- Dilated pupils: Dilated pupils can be a sign of fear or aggression in cats. If your cat has wide eyes with dilated pupils, it is best not to approach him or try to calm him down.
- Purr: While purring is generally a sign of happiness, some felines may purr when they are anxious or even angry. Pay attention to the context in which they do so.
Top reasons why your cat may be angry
Cats can get angry for different reasons, some of the most common are:
- Presence of other animals: Cats are territorial by nature and the presence of other animals can generate stress or even aggression.
- loud sounds: Unexpected noises, such as firecrackers or thunder, can scare cats and put them into an alert or angry state.
- Changes in the environmentMoving, changing furniture or the arrival of new members in the family can alter a cat's environment, causing irritability or stress.
- Excessive manipulation: Cats do not like to be handled constantly. Excessive petting or petting in areas they do not tolerate, such as the belly, can make them angry.
What to do if your cat is angry
When a cat is upset, the most important thing is to give it its space. Forcing an interaction can make the situation worse and increase the feline's stress level. Here are some tips Tips for handling an angry cat:
- Give it space: The best strategy when your cat is upset is to leave him alone until he calms down. Don't try to pet him or talk to him too much. Cats need time to calm down.
- Identify the origin of the discomfort: Has something changed in the environment? Your cat may be reacting to changes in his environment or something may be causing him discomfort.
- Use pheromone diffusers: These products recreate cats' natural pheromones and can help calm their anxiety.
Common mistakes when dealing with angry cats
Many owners make certain mistakes when dealing with their angry cats, which often makes the situation worse. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Forcing physical contact: Don't try to pet or pick up your cat if he is upset. This can make him feel more threatened and cause him to react aggressively.
- Ignoring the warning signs: Cats are very clear when they are upset. Ignoring their signals can lead to an attack.
- Punish him: Never punish your cat for being angry. This will only increase his stress level. Instead, give him time to calm down.
How to stop your cat from getting angry?
The best approach is prevention. Some cats are more prone to anger, but it is possible to reduce these episodes by following some guidelines:
- Provides an enriched environment: Cats need physical and mental stimulation. Toys, scratching posts, and playtime can help keep your cat entertained and relaxed.
- Respect their space: Not all cats enjoy constant handling. Learn which areas of their body they don't like to be touched.
- Reduce changes in your environment: Cats are creatures of habit. Avoid making sudden changes in their environment that may cause stress.
Cats are very sensitive beings, and their behavior can be a reflection of their emotional state. If you can correctly interpret their body language and the signals they send you, you can improve your relationship with them, reducing episodes of anger or stress.