Cats have their reasons for being aggressive in scary situations. These can include medical issues, traumatic prior experiences and misunderstandings by the human in identifying their triggers.

• Medical issues can include psychological disorders, diabetes, vision or hearing loss and even old age.

• Some cats may have experienced abuse by prior owners, or experienced a natural disaster like a fire or tornado.

• Depending on the humans level of knowledge about cat behavior and age of the person could be a factor.

Behavioral Indicators: The Tail

Have you noticed cat tails change their frequency of waving and direction? This is an excellent predictor of how cats are feeling.

Is the tail aggressively sweeping back and forth? Is it standing straight up or tucked underneath? Is the hair smooth or full and standing straight out like a porcupine?

The Ears & Body

The same predictors can be interpreted by ear placement. Are the ears straight up or flat like an airplane?

Is the back arched with hair standing straight up or are they backed away looking small with ears down and tail between their legs?

Understanding the signs and being in tune with the cats demeanor can prevent a terrible attack or cat bite. But what are some methods we can try to reduce the chances?

• Use a blanket to cover the cat to help ease their overstimulation if advancing an attack. This can help calm them down if scared or frightened.

• Give them space and don't back them into a corner. Allow them to have many exit routes available to them.

• Slow blinking. Slow blinking will communicate to the cat that you mean no harm and are vulnerable to them.

• Allow them to come to you first, don't rush towards them or come from above as it can frighten them.

• Let them sniff your hand first before initiating contact. This is like a hand shake for them to get to know you.

• Make yourself smaller, sit or lay on the floor when meeting them rather than standing over them. Standing over them can indicate you are a predator and they are in harms way.

  Remember

  Every cat is different and has had different life experiences just like humans. Being open, flexible and understanding of their behavioral predictors can ensure a healthy cross species relationship.