Does it ever seem like your cat is mad at you? Do they ignore you when you return from a trip? Or growl if you try to pick them up? What seems like anger to us is typically stress, fear, overstimulation, or anxiety. We already know that cats love routine so anything that is out of the ordinary - a vet exam, friends visiting, a new pet - can cause them to react negatively. It may seem like they’re holding a grudge against you, but they aren’t. They are trying to process a negative experience and prevent it from happening again. The good news is you can regain their trust through positive associations and making them feel safe and secure in their environment.
Reasons your cat might be angry
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Overstimulation from petting or grooming
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Loud noises
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Strong scents
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Other animals either outside or inside the home
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A vet visit
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Moving to a new home
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A new family member or pet
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A stranger in the home
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Changes to their environment, like rearranging the furniture
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Health issues
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Changes to their routine, like a new mealtime or playtime
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Going in their carrier
Your cat’s body language can help you learn when they are overstimulated and want to be left alone.
Common signs of an angry or fearful cat
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Tail twitching, flicking, or thumping
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Flattened ears also known as “airplane ears”
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Staring at you without blinking
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Hiding
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Swatting
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Biting
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Growling, hissing, or spitting
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Turning away from you or leaving the room
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Crouching down to seem smaller
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Back arched with hackles up like a “Halloween cat” to appear larger
If you notice your cat having any of these behaviors, leave them alone and let them calm down. Forcing an interaction will only make your cat more stressed and upset. They will come to you when they are calm and ready to interact.
It’s important to note that a sudden change in your cat’s behavior could be a symptom of pain or illness. Schedule a vet exam if their behavior is very out of character as they may not be feeling well.
There are plenty of things you can do to try to prevent your cat from becoming angry or overstimulated. This involves interacting with them in ways they enjoy and creating a consistent routine.
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Provide enough resources in multi-pet homes to prevent resource guarding
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Pet your cat only in places they like being pet
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Give them a cozy hiding space
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Avoid prolonged direct eye contact as that can be seen as a threat
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Provide enrichment
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Play with them every day
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Feed them and play with them at the same times every day
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Keep their litter box clean
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Use a calm and quiet voice when talking to them
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Introduce any changes gradually
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Be patient
However, sometimes we all have to do things we don’t want to do. Cats need to go to the vet, get their nails trimmed, and get groomed or take medicine - all of which can be unpleasant or stressful experiences. If they seem upset during or after these experiences, that is totally normal. If they want to run and hide after returning home from the vet or receiving their medication, that’s a cat’s natural response to stress. They are processing what just happened, trying to keep it from happening again, and waiting for their stress levels to reduce.
Cats react to stressful situations differently than humans and we need to respect their behavior. The way you react to them when they are struggling is important and will help them feel safe in similar situations in the future. Remember to always be patient, give them plenty of space, and let them come to you on their own terms. Soon, the two of you will be happy together again.
Love, Nala
