Why does my cat attack me out of nowhere?

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue. The good news is that, with time and patience, the issue can usually be corrected.

Why do cats attack a certain person?

Cats sometimes attack a particular person because they pick up on a particular odor from that individual. Cats are highly territorial and a whiff of an unknown cat or a threatening dog can generate a lot of anxiety, which is then directed towards you as the source of the smell.

Why does my cat attack my visitors?

The two big reasons for cats to be hostile toward visitors: fear and territorial aggression. Frightened cats may have had a negative experience that was associated with strangers. They’ll do whatever they can to avoid confrontation. If hissing, growling, and retreating fail, they lash out.

Why does my cat aggressively bite me?

Petting-induced aggression occurs when a cat suddenly feels irritated by being petted, nips or lightly bites the person petting him, and then jumps up and runs off. This type of aggression is more common in males than females. When your cat signals you to stop petting, the best response is simply to stop.

Why does my cat hiss at my guests?

A cat hiss is an aggressive act. If your house guest was petting your cat, she may hiss to indicate she’s through being petted. Or she may hiss from fear if she perceives the new person as a threat. Finally, if your cat wasn’t socialized as a kitty, she can hiss at new people.

Why do cats bite then lick you?

If your cat is feeling playful and is biting your hands and then licking them, she is treating you just as she would another cat. She’s saying that you’re her bestie and she’s feeling feisty. Sometimes cats will chew or gnaw on a part of their fur to remove debris or help smooth things out before licking.

Do cats prefer females?

According to a new study, cats experience the greatest fondness for female owners. Cats attach to your veterinary clients—your female clients in particular—as social partners and it’s not just because they want to be fed, according to research in the journal Behavioral Processes.

Why do cats attack humans, especially strangers to them?

The feral cat may live it’s entire life near to humans without ever interacting with a human beyond accepting the food and water that a human leaves out for the good of the cat. A feral cat has trust issues, and many times, the cat was abused and/or neglected earlier in its young life, before being dumped by the human.

When do cats attack their owners for no reason?

Unprovoked Aggression: When a cat is aggressive for seemingly no reason. Rare, and hard to diagnose. Often mistaken for redirected aggression. Many pet owners fail to become attuned with their pets mannerisms that may hint that an animal is becoming irritated. Here is a list of the more subtle signs of aggression and agitation in domesticated cats.

Why does my cat attack me when I Walk by?

Your cat may lie in wait for you to walk by and then pounce. Or when you pat them, one stroke too many means a full-scale, teeth and claws attack. A cat’s weapons are painful and most owners want to avoid being bitten or scratched. Here are some of the reasons why cats attack, and a few tips on how to reduce your cat’s overly ‘playful’ behaviour.

Why does my cat keep attacking my computer?

Make them hunt for their food, as this will occupy their minds. If your cat attacks when you’re occupied elsewhere, they could be attention-seeking. This is common feline behaviour with cats pouncing on us while we’re making phone calls, working on our computers or walking sleepily to bed.

Why do Cats suddenly attack their owners?

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue.

Why does my cat attack me for no reason?

One of the most common reasons why cats bite for “no apparent reason” is that we have trained them from kittenhood that biting and scratching on human flesh is okay. Prevent this by always using cat toys to play with your cats. Other types of biting such as fear biting, overstimulation biting, and anger biting,…

Why does my cat attack my Dog?

If your cat keeps attacking your dog, it can cause stress for the whole family. There are several reasons why a cat may attack a dog, including stress, jealousy, and natural aggression. You can stop your cat from attacking your dog by giving your cat its own space, providing appropriate options for play,…

Although owners often report a cat attacking out of nowhere, cats often exhibit subtle changes in body positioning before launching into an actual act of aggression. These postures may be a clue in pinpointing the trigger for the aggressive behavior, as well as a much-needed warning before future attacks.

Can a cat go back to normal after an episode of hyperesthesia?

They can be agitated and often run frantically around the house for about 20 to 30 seconds until the episode stops.” Cats generally go back to acting normal after an episode passes. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is extremely rare. Dr. Murray says that even in her neurology-only practice, she does not see feline hyperesthesia syndrome often.

When do cats start to decline in age?

While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue. Recognizing when the end is approaching for your beloved feline will help you make the most loving and compassionate choices for her and for yourself.

Is there a medical problem with my Cat?

With their unique ways and fickle preferences, it’s no secret that cats can be a little weird. But sometimes, that strange thing your cat does is actually a medical problem. Take, for instance, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, sometimes called twitch-skin syndrome, rippling-skin disease or rolling-skin syndrome. What is feline hyperesthesia?

What causes sudden aggression in an older cat?

-Aggression with a medical origin is also common. Pain is the most sudden medical cause for sudden aggression, particularly in older cats or those who have always had a calm temperament.

When to worry about your previously sociable cat has started hiding?

If you have cats that are naturally less social, it might be harder to tell when to worry about their hiding, but if you have super-sociable cats like mine that follow you everywhere, the signs will be quite clear. Now when I say there might be “something wrong,” I don’t necessarily mean something to do with their health.

Why does my cat yowl all the time?

Cats who are in heat or are fearful of encroachments on their territory may yowl, growl or otherwise vocalize instinctively. Your veterinarian can recognize whether your cat’s vocalization is specific to any of these contexts. Attention Seeking. Finally, many cats vocalize to catch the attention of their families.

What happens if a cat gets bit in a fight?

If a cat gets into a fight, you may not know about it. The puncture wounds will close over and trap bacteria in the skin. This will lead to swelling where the cat was bitten. Check the cat’s body for any swelling. The most common places a cat will get bitten is the head, neck, forelimbs, and the base of the tail.

What should I do if my cat bit itself?

You can also try to place a warm compress on the injured site. Hold the cloth on the wound for a few minutes to help loosen fur and clean some of the blood. Be careful not to get bitten. Your cat may not let you do this because it is in too much pain.

What to do when your cat is in attack mode?

In either case, you want to avoid interacting with a cat exhibiting these postures as they are on the brink of moving on to the real damaging moves. A cat in attack mode can move with startling speed and aggression, and inflict extensive damage in a very swift period when the mouth and all four paws are engaged.

What kind of cat attacked me last night?

Rugger is normally a very very affectionate, lovey cat but last night he attacked me. He attached himself to my leg, scratched me in 8 places enough to bleed profusely and bit my calf & punctured the skin in 4 places, very deeply. I was bleeding all over the place & completely freaked out.

What causes aggression between Unneutered male tom cats?

The most obvious and easily understood type of aggression between cats occurs between unneutered males. As males reach adulthood, they often begin to challenge each other for access to mates and territory. Tom cats who roam will get into threatening stand-offs and actual fights.

Why does my cat get aggressive when I touch him?

Arthritis, dental disease, trauma, and infections are just some of the conditions that can cause pain and subsequent aggression when a cat is touched, or thinks he or she might be touched, in a painful area. In addition to pain, cognitive decline, a loss of normal sensory input, or neurological problems can all lead to aggression.

What causes a cat to be a defensive cat?

A defensive cat is often experiencing fear or anxiety about a situation that may or may not be apparent to you. You can be the recipient of fear-based aggression even if you’re not the one causing the anxiety. Offensive postures make a cat look big and intimidating.

Why does my cat Hiss and Swat at me?

Cats who are in pain will respond with hisses and swats when sensitive areas are touched. My cat, Siouxsie, does this if I accidentally put pressure on her sore hips. A hard yank on the tail, for example, can be quite painful. Ignore the warning signs and a scratch and possibly even a bite may follow.

Why do male cats fight with other cats?

Male cats in particular are biologically wired to fight with other male cats when females in heat are present. If you see two cats fighting, do not physically intervene because you will almost certainly become the target of the cats’ aggression. 4. Cats Can Get Aggressive Due to Frustration

How does a male cat attack a female cat?

A male waits for his moment and then darts after the female, pouncing on her from behind, biting her in the neck and pinning her to the ground, while he intromits his barbed penis.

Why does my cat hate my new boyfriend?

Your cat is a territorial creature of habit and it can be very unsettling and stressful for her to suddenly have someone unfamiliar spending time in the house. In the case of a new boyfriend or girlfriend, people often make the mistake of trying too hard to get kitty to like the new person. The cat parent almost forces the two together.

What causes a kitten to be an aggressive cat?

Rough playing aggression. Many times young cats and kittens may be thought to be aggressive while all they are doing is playing rough. A cat or kitten that attacks the owner’s ankles is simply acting out of prey drive. In other words the owner’s feet or ankles are thought to be prey and so the cat chases and scratches.

A male waits for his moment and then darts after the female, pouncing on her from behind, biting her in the neck and pinning her to the ground, while he intromits his barbed penis.

Why does my cat hate my new spouse?

If you’re moving to your new spouse’s house or moving into a new house together, it can be even more overwhelming because now your cat has also lost all of her familiar territory. First of all, you can’t rush this process. Cats need to feel as if they have a choice. The more you try to force the cat on your spouse, the more the cat will back away.

When does a mother cat become aggressive with her kittens?

Maternal aggression can occur when a mother cat (called the queen) with her kittens is approached by people or other animals whom she perceives as a threat. It’s more often directed and other cats, but it can be directed toward people, too. Queens can be quite aggressive when defending their young, especially in the first few days after birth.

What should I do if my cat suddenly attacks me?

If a cat suddenly attacks you, try to stay as calm as possible and avoid hitting it, since reacting strongly can actually increase the cat’s stress and interest in you. If the cat has its claws or teeth in you, try pushing toward the cat rather than pulling away to get it to release.

Is it possible for a cat to attack a human?

Instances of stray cats attacking humans are quite rare in this country. However, aggression is always a possibility when humans and animals interact. When warning signs of aggression are not recognized, human behavior can cause a cat to eventually attack.

How old is the cat that attacked the owner?

Cat attacked owner randomly and violently! I was recently on the phone in the midst of a particularly upsetting conversation when my 4yr old female cat jumped onto my lap, latched her teeth into my neck and wouldn’t let go. I had to literally pry her mouth open in order to free myself.

Do cats attack people?

Some cats are more prone to attacking humans, pets or both. These cats are usually generally high-strung and fearful. Instead of hiding – as many shy cats do – they tend to bite or scratch people and pets around them. Other cats appear to be especially relaxed and easygoing.

Why do cats attack legs?

Other causes that provoke our cats to bite our legs. Although biting ankles usually means that our cat is bored and does not have the necessary toys to exercise their instincts positively without hurting their guardians, cats can also bite for different reasons. Depending on the circumstance, a cat may bite as a sign of: social interaction.

Why are some cats more aggressive than others?

Cats don’t get aggressive out of nowhere. An aggressive cat is usually behaving that way for a good reason. Here are seven reasons why cats become aggressive — plus the warning signs and how to handle each.

Why does my kitten attack my feet all the time?

Many times young cats and kittens may be thought to be aggressive while all they are doing is playing rough. A cat or kitten that attacks the owner’s ankles is simply acting out of prey drive. In other words, the owner’s feet or ankles are thought to be prey, and so the cat chases and scratches.

Is it normal for my Cat to attack me?

It is normal for cats who are mostly left alone at home without any way to release their excess energy. Cats require enough playtime in order to develop physically and mentally without any issues. If your cat is not given enough playtime, your cat will have no avenue to use up excess energy.

Why is my cat being aggressive towards my other cat?

For example, a cat sees another cat through a window, but is unable to reach it. Another cat in the household then enters the room and the cat redirects the aggression to the second cat. In the second, and subsequent episodes, the initial stimulus no longer has to be present to elicit the aggression, just the target of the first attack.

When does a cat redirect its aggression to a person?

Redirected aggression occurs when the cat becomes upset because of another animal, a person, or an event, but is unable to direct their aggression towards the stimulus. As a result, the cat will redirect its aggression to the first person, animal, or thing that it can.

Why does my cat bite me and no one else?

If your cat bites you and no one else, then it’s likely been scared or mishandled. Cats that are petted too forcefully or in the wrong spots may bite at random. If that’s a regular occurrence, the cat may learn to distrust you and bite out of revenge.

How old was my cat when he got blocked?

Beautiful, sweet baby, only about 1 1/2 years old. He was my daughters’ cat, and my oldest (4 years) found him sick yesterday morning, tucked him in with her blanket, and sat with him until I woke up, After a scary UTI infection last month, he had seemed fine and back to normal. Then yesterday he was vomiting, yowling, in so much pain.

Can a person still love a cat decades later?

Because every cat runs on their own Track. This is how Cat Appreciators have many cats; and love them all. This is how we can still miss a cat decades later, while loving many cats since. myth of “get over”

Can a dog stop a cat from attacking a dog?

It all ultimately depends on the circumstances and what happens. If Rover is being boisterous, rest assured, more likely than not the attack was not unprovoked, Fluffy is just tired and telling the dog to stop.

Just like when dealing with aggressive dogs, there can be many reasons. It could be prey drive, just as some cats like to chase and bite your ankles as you walk by or lay in bed, some bold cats may decide to play rough and attack Fido. However, more likely than not, I see a fear component at play.

How can I train my cat not to attack?

Train your cat not to attack. Once you have eliminated any health or situational problems that are causing your cat to attack, you should work on training it not to attack any more. This training should include interrupting aggressive behavior before it escalates.

Why is my cat acting weird all the time?

A cat acting weird might be depressed. Remember how you felt the last time you got dumped? You stayed in bed all day, didn’t change your clothes, and ate only when your mom called and insisted that she was going to come over if you didn’t shove some food into your face right now.

When does a cat become aggressive towards another cat?

Redirected aggression occurs when the original target of the aggression is not accessible and the cat now directs its aggression towards an unrelated target, a person or another cat, that enters the area soon after. The eliciting factors of the aggression are different in the initial and subsequent episodes.

What does it mean when a cat is scared?

The fearful cat may initially attempt to avoid the fear stimulus if that is an option. Fearful cats will typically hiss, spit, growl, pilo-erect (fur stands up), flatten their ears against the head and show a low or crouched body position. Pupil dilation is common. He/she may try to flee or attack, depending on the circumstances.

What can I do to keep my cat from attacking me?

Throwing the toy will serve two purposes–you are keeping her away from your hands and feet, and you are fostering her natural instinct to chase and pounce. Provide her with more environmental stimulation. If you can keep your cat busy in her environment, she will probably spend less time trying to attack you.

What should I do if my cat keeps attacking another cat?

These recommendations will also be helpful for cats who have been introduced to each other recently and are not getting along. If one cat keeps attacking a particular cat, the first step is to separate the cats from each other completely — in separate areas of the house. Do not allow them to paw at or smell each other through a door.

How to deal with an aggressive cat in the House?

Separating the aggressive cat from the other cat If one cat keeps attacking a particular cat, the first step is to separate the cats from each other completely — in separate areas of the house. Do not allow them to paw at or smell each other through a door. If they must be in adjoining rooms, place a barrier at the bottom of the door.

Why are so many cats surrendered to shelters?

A recent study reported that 27 percent of cats relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons were surrendered for aggression. Given these high stakes, it is important that cat owners understand the cause of their pet’s aggressive behavior in order to develop a plan to successfully intervene.

How old was my cat when he died?

Today our nine-year-old cat died suddenly. Last week I noticed his left eye looked a bit off–I remarked to my husband that I wondered if he was losing his sight in that eye. He was perfectly normal and healthy in every other way.

How to stop a cat fight and why they happen?

Play with them, give them treats, and praise good behavior. If one initiates a cat fight, put him in the crate. Continue until they can be together in the room without fighting. At that point, you can reintroduce them to the rest of the house. When one starts a cat fight, he goes back in the crate.

Why does my cat have a sudden aggression?

Sudden aggression in cats is a scary and frustrating problem for many owners, who fear the unpredictable nature of the kitty fury as well as the physical damage he or she can cause in the throes of an attack.

Why do cats hide the signs of illness?

Therefore, cats have evolved to hide signs of illness. This means that in the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a cat owner may notice is that the cat has become quiet and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.

Can a cat be sick before its owner realizes it?

Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.

What are the signs of an older cat getting sick?

Increased appetite may also be a concern, especially if it comes on suddenly in an older cat. Hypothyroidism may be the explanation, but your vet will need to run tests to be sure. Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats.

What causes a cat to attack another cat?

This type of aggression is directed toward another animal who didn’t initially provoke the behavior. For example, a household cat sitting in the window may see an outdoor cat walk across the front yard. Because he can’t attack the outdoor cat, he may instead turn and attack the other family cat who is sitting next to him in the window.

What causes a cat to be aggressive to other cats?

While often directed at other cats, people and other animals may be the subject of the aggression as well. Triggers may include introducing a new pet or even a new person into the house, a recent move, or new cats in the neighborhood. -Status aggression occurs when a cat attempts to run the house.

Why does my cat suddenly Bite Me for no reason?

Q&A: Why does my cat suddenly bite me for no reason? CatCentricPosted on November 28, 2011by Tracy DionNovember 9, 2015 There you sit, enjoying a quiet moment while gently petting your beloved feline when he suddenly, inexplicably, turns and sinks his teeth into your hand, or lashes out with his claws.

Where was cat mauled to death by two dogs?

Two dogs launched a frenzied attack on a cat sitting on its own doorstep, mauling it so severely that it had to be euthanised. Horrifying CCTV footage shows the moment Daisy, an 11-year-old family pet, was pounced on by the two dogs right outside her home in Kings Norton, Birmingham .

Is it normal for a dog to attack a cat?

We are so used to the image of dogs chasing cats, attacking cats and even eating cats for breakfast, or as a quick dessert, that thinking the opposite sounds really odd. Perhaps this is due to the fact that images of canine-to-feline aggression overpopulate television shows and newspaper strips.

Who was the owner of the cat that was attacked by two dogs?

Daisy’s owner, Vicky Brennan, rushed her to the vet but the cat’s injuries were so bad they decided to euthanise her. The footage shows Daisy asleep in the sun when the dogs – one a medium-sized poodle-cross type and the other a small, white terrier-type – launch their attack.

This kind of attack is often described by cat guardians as coming “out of nowhere.” However, from the cat’s perspective, there is always a trigger. It is important to understand that these attacks are not malicious, or even intentional on the cat’s part. The cat simply reacts to a perceived threat.

What was the name of the cat that killed my cat?

There’s a tom cat who comes in my garden. He badly bit one spayed cat, but at the throat, and she survived. One other cat who’d just been spayed got out, he attacked her, she ran off, and I found her 5 days later, dead. I throw water at him, and my 2 little dogs bark and run after him. I can’t hurt him, but just want him to go.

What causes a cat to attack a guardian?

Other triggers can include smelling a strange cat on the guardian’s hands or clothing, being frightened by something or someone, coming back inside after accidentally getting outside if the cat is normally an indoor cat, or even watching birds and squirrels outside.

What happens if you kill a kitten in Minecraft?

Like other baby animals, killing a kitten yields no item or experience . Cats are immune to fall damage, but they still avoid falling off cliffs high enough to normally cause fall damage. Cats can see players even if they have the Invisibility status effect.

Why did my indoor male cat run away?

He would come out for a few minutes but usually ran back in if anything moved. So if it was windy or rainy or if there was any activity in the yard , he would would run in the house like a big fraidy cat. They are all different! My indoor male cat (neutered)ran outside last night and has been missing 15 hours.

Is it normal for a cat to attack a woman?

Regardless, cats are very lucky to be considered domesticated, or there would be a Federal ban on them immediately enacted. Cat attack sends woman to hospital – WALB.com, South Georgia News, Weather, Sports. A Thomas county woman is in the hospital after she was attacked by a stray cat.

-Aggression with a medical origin is also common. Pain is the most sudden medical cause for sudden aggression, particularly in older cats or those who have always had a calm temperament.

Why is my cat suddenly so affectionate all of a sudden?

A typical, happy cat will be neither clingy nor aloof. The cat will seek attention on occasion, when she wants it. Most often, this will be: If your cat is affectionate during these times, you have a healthy relationship. Anything more or less is worth monitoring. Why is My Cat Being So Affectionate All of a Sudden?

What happens if a cat refuses to leave your side?

As Veterinary Clinics of North America explains, this can lead to health and behavioral problems. A cat refusing to leave your side is equally problematic, though. It can be physically dangerous, as cats can get underfoot.

What causes an indoor cat to go missing?

When an indoor or outdoor cat goes missing, it often means that something has happened to the cat that has prevented it from returning home. This can include illness, injury, and death. By the nature of their survival, cats usually hide when they’re sick or injured and die if not found on time.

Why is my cat so lethargic all the time?

Depression: Fear, painful memories, and the loss of a loved one are just some things that could cause your cat to become depressed and appear lethargic. Diabetes: Diabetes causes loss of glucose and poses challenges with getting adequate food and water, which may make your cat lethargic.

Why do cats become irritable when they are dying?

Well, it is a sign that your pet is aware about the approaching death and wants to be more relaxed and calm during this period. A cat who loved being petted and held, would now become irritable because of the pain it might be suffering from. On the contrary, an independent cat may want to be closer to the owner and seek comfort from petting.

Why did Itty Bitty the cat leave the House?

One day Itty Bitty went off on exploration and we never saw him again. We found out much later that a neighbor in the next sub-division closest to ours had taken him in. They had kids that loved Itty Bitty and had no cat allergies like we did in our house.

Can a veterinary assistant deal with an angry cat?

As a veterinary assistant, you surely do not want to deal with a very angry cat. Fortunately, special restraint techniques make treatment possible, sometimes requiring the help of others. When it comes to aggression issues with cats, underlying physical or behavioral problems must be addressed.

Why does my new cat have so much aggression?

Most new mom’s aggression regresses as the kittens age. Try to keep her quiet and avoid disturbances. This is just a natural instinct to protect her babies. You just adopted a new cat, and your older cat will not tolerate the new arrival. Threatening growling and hissing takes place. This form of aggression usually regresses with time.

What’s the name of the most painful cat emergency?

While we’re on the subject of pain, this is one of the most truly painful cat emergencies: aortic thromboembolism, or ATE. ATE is a complication of heart disease in cats in which a blood clot lodges in the rear (usually) legs.

Do you feel guilty if your cat doesn’t show symptoms?

But owners should not feel guilty if they fail to recognize these subtleties — cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them (and, by definition, subtle symptoms are hard to recognize).

When do you Know Your Cat is in trouble?

Check them regularly, and you’ll get a sense of what they look like normally. If you suspect your cat is sick and the gums are pale, grey, blue or bright red, then your cat most likely is in trouble (although you should be aware that your cat might still be in trouble even if the gums are their normal pink color).

Why does my cat keep biting and attacking me?

If your cat all of a sudden starts to bite and attack you constantly, (an action it has not been doing in the past), it could have a mental disorder. Other medical conditions A few other medical conditions can make your friendly cat aggressive and they include:

Why does my cat keep attacking my other cat?

The main reasons why your cat is aggressive with other cats include: Stressful situations: cats usually begin to manifest intolerance and aggressiveness with each other when they suffer changes in their routine such as moving, visits to the vet, trips or vacations. Inadequate socialization process.

Why does my cat bite me for no reason?

How do I Stop my Cat from attacking my face?

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How can I get my kitten to stop attacking me?

To make your cat stop attacking you, try to set aside at least two 10-minute play sessions every day since oftentimes cats attack out of boredom. Also, make sure your cat has enough environmental stimulation so it’s less likely to focus on you, like toys, cardboard boxes, and scratching posts.

Why do Cats suddenly attack their owners at a young age?

Kittens that are not handled regularly by people at a young age grow up to be cats that don’t know how to properly socialize with people. This can turn into aggression because they may fear people or just don’t know how to properly interact with people. The cat may be protecting its territory from intrusion.

What kind of aggression does a cat have?

-Petting-induced aggression, the type described in the opening paragraph, occurs when a cat who enjoys being pet suddenly changes his or her mind. It’s thought that the repetitive motion over time turns from pleasant to irritating. -Redirected aggression is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous types of feline aggression.

Kittens that are not handled regularly by people at a young age grow up to be cats that don’t know how to properly socialize with people. This can turn into aggression because they may fear people or just don’t know how to properly interact with people. The cat may be protecting its territory from intrusion.

Many times young cats and kittens may be thought to be aggressive while all they are doing is playing rough. A cat or kitten that attacks the owner’s ankles is simply acting out of prey drive. In other words, the owner’s feet or ankles are thought to be prey, and so the cat chases and scratches.