Have you ever been swatted by your cat? It’s not an uncommon, but surprising phenomenon. Some cats swat at their owners when they walk by, and some don’t.
The fact is that unless you notice your cat swatting at you, you might not even notice.
However, if you have a history of pet aggression, you should consult your veterinarian to discuss possible treatments.
Why Does My Cat Hit Me When I Walk By?
When you go by, your cat may strike you with its paw or tail. It might follow behind you, pounce, or growl.
You may get lucky and the cat will flee. Getting the cat to back off isn’t always easy, but it can happen if you take the time to know why it’s reacting and work around it.
Your cat’s intention will be expressed physically.
Needs your attention
To get your attention, your feline pet may try to get in your face and meow at you. They may also just flop down on you, or possibly bump you with their paw.
If you haven’t spent much time with your cat that day, the “pouncing” may be a way of showing you how much they miss you.
It’s important to remember that cats have an extremely limited attention span, especially when they are at the age when they are learning new things every day.
This means that your cat may get overexcited and begin trying to lick your face or bite you.
Your cat might also be attempting to get your attention and affection because they are very lonely or bored.
Whatever the reason, it can be helpful to be aware of your cat’s behavior in order to ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe.
Playful Behavior
While misdirected aggressiveness is the most typical reason your cat may swat you with their paws, they can just as easily enjoy chasing a string toy, a toy mouse, or even a bare piece of string across the floor.
It’s quite entertaining for your cat to bat around something for fun, so consider taking the opportunity to play with them.
When your cat wants to fight or play, all you have to do is offer it a toy, and your kitty will oblige.
They may be bored and want some playmates or to become more adventurous. If your cat resorts to violence, this is a sign of serious aggression that must be addressed through a professional such as a veterinarian.
These acts are completely harmless, and your kitty is just trying to burn off some energy.
Before embarking into a pursuit, the kitty usually begins to paw at your feet. The cat’s playful behavior doesn’t mean that it wants to hurt or abuse you.
If your cat engages in this pursuing activity, it’s entirely harmless.
Redirection Of Aggression
Redirected aggressiveness is one of the most unfortunate reasons that your cat may attempt to attack you.
As a responsible cat owner, you should stay aware of what’s going on around you.
It suggests that your cat was provoked by something outside the relationship.
In other words, the cat chose you target rather than the source of its rage.
Redirected aggressiveness in cats must never be ignored.
Some assaults may result only in minor scratches, but others may be so severe as to cause severe injuries, including broken bones or black eyes.
Mark its territory
When you go by its food or kittens, it is establishing its domain. Mother cats guard their young. When any people or object approaches her little felines, they get anxious.
Mother cats are not only fond, loving, and protective but they also protect their kittens by attacking people or objects that might harm them.
When any person or item gets close to them, they either attack them or growl at them as a warning. Cats also attack their owner and other people as well.
Why does my cat hit me with her paw?
Cats use their paws as a way of maneuvering their surroundings. For this reason, it’s important to take good care of their paws and nails.
Watson, my cat, will paw me in my face.
It’s also his method to show affection. Just like people, cats have various ways to show affection for their owners.
Other cats may paw the owner’s face as a playful gesture.
If other cats wish to play, they may rub their paws all over you.
It’s better to back off and give your cat some space than to try to pat him, which may make him feel threatened.
Why does my cat swat at me when i pet her?
When you go to touch her, she’ll attempt to swat you. This is her way of getting away from you.
If that’s the case, don’t attempt to stop it.
Instead, take a step back and let her swat you. She’s trying to get a reaction out of you.
So, give her some attention, but after that, let her swat you, and then go back to petting her.
This swatting action indicates your cat is protecting its personal space.
As an owner, you should try to not pet your cat when it’s angry. If you continue to pet her when she is angry she will in the end be more aggressive towards you.
If you attempt to pet her calmly, she might allow you to pet her for a little while.
Also Read: Why Does My Cat Lick My Eye?
Why does some cat hit you in the face?
A cat may swat you in the face if it’s afraid of you, or feels threatened. Usually, cats swat when they are sick or anxious. Their spawing can also be a sign of aggression.
Some of the most typical causes are that it is trying to catch your attention, it’s too close, or it’s just hungry and wants food while you’re asleep.
However, if you allow your cat to slap you around like this, it’s pretty likely to escalate. If you give in every time your cat hits you in the face, and she continues to not stop, then the chances are you’re in for a rough time.
This may seem harsh and abusive, but it doesn’t hurt the cat and it’ll help teach it a lesson.
The reason for this is because you create the environment in which the cat can interact.
Final Words
If your cat is nipping at your feet every time you pass, you are likely taking it for granted.
Next time try to be more thoughtful and remember that your pet is talking.
If you’re feeling frustrated or angry, take a moment to pause before approaching your feline friend.
Or, if the situation becomes dangerous , get other people to help. Tip: First, don’t punish your cat.
That will make her feel insecure and afraid and, most likely, cause her to hit you more. Instead, talk to her calmly, and then walk away from her.
This will teach her that she’s causing an offense, not you.