Cats can get the reputation of being eternally cranky and unloving. These are fallacies; cats can still be playful and friendly after they leave the kitten period.
However, cats, like people, feel various emotions, including anger. Even the most cuddly, mild-mannered cats have their triggers and moments. Cats, unlike humans, cannot express their feelings through words. Though cats may and frequently do vocalize when upset, monitoring body language will provide the greatest insight into what your cat feels about their current scenario.Developing your inner cat whisperer can help you avoid injuries and heartbreak. Here are some indicators that you have an angry cat, as well as what to do about it.
What makes a cat angry?
Cats are special. Different cats will have different triggers. For example, one cat may appreciate being pet on their bellies (unusual), while another may have a two-minute tolerance for petting. It is critical to understand your cat’s emotions and what makes them happy or upset. However, some common sources of rage in cats are:
- Overstimulation, such as from excessive petting.
- Pain or disease.
- Fear of a new pet or a loud noise.
- Territory violation, such as another animal using their litter box or someone sitting in their favored seat on the couch.
- Frustration can lead to redirected hostility.
- Hormones, especially in females in heat.
- Threat to kittens (maternal aggressiveness).
Signs Your Cat is Angry
When an angry cat is simply “frustrated,” they frequently give off subtle body language cues. If the behavior goes unchecked, it might progress to more obvious indicators of an angry cat, such as pouncing, biting, or hissing. These habits can endanger the cat and other people or animals in the house. They can also be described as “aggression” that leads to surrender. These early-stage and late-stage cues will help you determine where your feline’s emotions fall on a scale of 1 to 100.
Early indications of an angry cat
A furious cat may have become irritated and proceeded from there. Recognizing the early signs can help you change course before molehills become mountains.
- Flicking tail. When a cat becomes upset or annoyed, they will flick their tail up and down or side to side.
- The pupils are dilated. The eyes reveal a cat’s emotional state. When cats are in a heightened state, their pupils dilate.
- Curled tail. This is particularly prevalent when a cat feels terrified. They may curl their tail beneath their hunched body to “hide” from the trigger.
- A direct stare. Take note if your cat is gazing at you or any other trigger. The filthy look might not be in your head.
- Flat, rigid, and pushed back ears. Cats frequently use “airplane” wings when they feel threatened, and removing whatever bothers them as soon as possible can prevent them from taking flight (pouncing).
- “Halloween Cat” mode. This stance can serve as a bridge between a frustrated and angry cat. The stance consists of an arched back, a pushy tail, and fur rising up (hackles).
Later signs of angry cats.
Some pets become so agitated or startled by a trigger that they quickly enter angry cat mode. Sometimes, they will have been dropping hints for quite some time. In any case, here are some indicators that your cat has had enough.
- Vocalizations. Growling and hissing are signals that your cat is mad.
- Pouncing. An enraged cat may take matters into their own hands by pouncing on the trigger (or diverting their rage toward someone if they cannot get to whatever disturbed them).
- Swiping and scraping. Cats will take these steps with their claws out to protect themselves.
- Biting. Cats, like kids, dogs, and other animals, bite when they are unhappy in order to protect themselves and communicate.
What to do when your cat is angry?
If your cat expresses anger and dissatisfaction, you should take a few precautions to protect yourself (and get back on their good side).
- Back away or remove the trigger. Eliminating the trigger, such as discontinuing a snuggle session your cat dislikes, might help tempers simmer down before they flare up.
- Avoid shouting. Don’t aggravate an angry cat, especially if it’s already afraid.
- Do not break up fights. Avoid getting caught in the center of two animals fighting. You could get injured. Instead, try smashing pots and pans (or yelling—this is an exception).
- Call the veterinarian. Cats may appear angry when they are in pain or unwell. A checkup might be in order.
- Work with a behaviorist. Professionals can assist you identify triggers and develop more specific methods to help your cat relax.
Cats are not always angry, contrary to popular belief. However, all felines can become angry. While cats cannot express themselves verbally, they do display signals of fury through body language and vocalization. Recognizing early indicators of a cat’s anger, such as dilated pupils and tail flicking, might help you back off swiftly (or remove whatever is agitating a cat, such as an eager child).
Sometimes, a cat will quickly adopt more aggressive behavior. Other times, unrecognized or ignored early signs of fury will escalate, causing a cat to bite, pounce, or scratch. If your cat suddenly exhibits hostile behavior on a regular basis and without reason, contact your veterinarian. The cat may have an underlying problem. Your pet’s veterinarian can also recommend you to a behaviorist for personalized assistance.