The most common reasons cats pounce on their owners are for play and attention. Typically cats who engage in this behavior hide behind a corner or furniture and then suddenly jump out at the owner. Your cat may dig her claws into you and hold on or lightly touch you with her paws and run off.
Usually, this happens when you're sleeping or trying to work. Typically, your feline friend swats at your feet because they want food or a snuggle session, or perhaps are acting out aggression. But more often than not, they do it because they want to play.
It Wants To Play
If your cat suddenly bursts in front of you while you are walking, then you are probably asking, why does my cat want to trip me? In this case, though, your cat is probably just trying to play. Many cats enjoy ambushing their owners because it is similar to the thrill of hunting!
But your cat is also a skilled hunter…and you're the prey. At least, that's what it feels like when your feline best friend launches a surprise attack on your exposed ankles. Before you worry that your domesticated cat has turned wild, feline behaviorists say that when cats stalk humans, it's completely normal.
The most common include: Fear/defense: A fearful cat may exhibit dilated pupils, ears turning back, or a twitching tail. In this situation, your cat may growl, hiss or swat at the person reaching, touching or petting.
Swatting is a predatory behavior that's often shown while playing — especially with toys. Kittens are usually rougher when swatting because older cats know how to hide their claws. If you use your hands while playing with your cats, they may think of them as toys.
With human visitors, cats displaying territorial aggression will typically approach or lunge at them, which may be accompanied by growling and hissing. Swatting or biting may occur even if the visitor stands still or attempts to move away. It's important to remember that cat aggression is the symptom, not a cause.
GAME OVER—stop all play and calmly withdraw from the cat. corners, and crouching. Redirect the cat immediately at the first sign of these behaviors. Consider putting a bell around the cat's neck, so she is less likely to execute a sneak attack.
Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section. Food treats are excellent positive enforcers of non-aggressive behavior.
Cats usually place scent marks in their territory, which exert a calming effect on the animal. Going for a walk means moving in an unknown environment without its reassuring marks. There is also the risk of the cat getting hurt or a sudden fright when meeting unfamiliar dogs.
Basically, your cat wants your attention, and she wants it now. Recognizing that you'll be distracted by other things, such as the TV, another person or sleep, your fur baby knows that you can't ignore her if she stands on your torso and, in many cases, stares directly into your eyes.
Shy or fearful behavior is most often caused by negative associations made in early life. If a cat doesn't interact with people often or experiences abuse or trauma, later, he or she may be afraid to trust human caretakers and become a skittish kitty.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
A tail in the full upright position also indicates familiarity, trust, and affection. Whether it is tail signals, slow blinks, head bumps, or just leg rubbing, cats show their affection in many ways and greet the people they trust and love with these body language quirks.
They're Greeting You
If your cat rubs their head on you and begins meowing or purring as soon as you walk into your house, it's likely just your cat's way of greeting you. “Cats rub against their people as a sign of affection,” says Dr. Sandra Mitchell, DVM, DABVP.
Simple dominance will be exhibited by a cat by marking or spraying urine on territory, stealing and hoarding toys, rubbing its face on items it wants to claim as its own, claiming specific areas to sleep, pushing other cats away from the food bowl, and/or starting at or physically intimidating other cats.
Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they're touched or who's doing it. But generally, you shouldn't pet a cat you don't know on their stomach or extremities.
They include: Dilated pupils, direct staring. Thrashing/twitching tail. Hissing, growling or spitting.
Cats are natural born hunters so if your cat grabs and bites your hand, it is replicating hunting behaviour and pretending your hand is the prey. Often, they wrap their front paws around your hand, scratch with their back feet and then bite – this is how they would kill their prey in the wild.
Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
For cats with more aggressive pouncing behaviors, think of alternatives that would provide them with more physical and mental stimulation. For example, when your cat is in the process of stalking and is about to pounce on you or any other object, you can distract them by using interactive toys, like laser pointers.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.