Strange Cat Behavior Demystified

Scenario: You’re walking down the hall, in your own little world, when suddenly a flying, foot-snagging cat grabs a hold of your ankle and takes a bite. “But he was purring away on the couch a few minutes ago,” you think to yourself. “What happened?”

Explanation: Chances are your Persian cat or other cat is simply practicing skills he would normally use in the wild, such as: stalking, chasing, swatting, clawing, and biting. He may draw his ears back, twitch his tail, freeze in a low crouch before pouncing, and/or wrap his front paws around your hand or foot in an attempt to bite. These are all body postures, Persian cat or other breeds, large and small, show when searching for and catching prey.

Despite your kitty’s playful intentions, they can result in scratches, bites that don’t break the skin, or serious injury (scratches and bites that break the skin and become infected). The most common play aggressors are cats less than two years of age, those living in a one-cat household, and Persian cat and all other cats spending 8-10 hours a day home alone.

Playful “attacks” commonly occur when unsuspecting owners round a corner, come down the stairs, or toss around under a blanket. These attacks can often be distinguished from aggressive encounters by a sideways hop or pounce, an arched back, a half open mouth, or silence (the absence of hissing, growling, or spitting).