Cats are creatures of intense emotions that come and go in a flash. They may be overjoyed one moment, and the next, they could be sinking their teeth into your hand… But how can you tell when a cat is about to bite? Let's dive into the body language of cats before they decide to bite, so you can effectively predict and prevent any unwanted bites. No more worries about being bitten!
Signs of an About-to-Bite Cat:
Hissing and Baring Teeth: When a cat starts to emit low growls, tightens its lips, bares its teeth, and hisses at you, it's a clear sign that it's angry and on high alert. At this point, the cat is essentially giving you the boot, signaling you to back off. Once you notice these signs, make sure to keep your distance, as the cat might attack you in the next second.
Arched Back and Raised Fur: A cat's body will arch before it bites, a typical defensive and offensive posture. This is done to appear larger visually and effectively scare off potential threats. Additionally, you'll notice the cat's fur standing up like spikes, enhancing its intimidating presence.
Tail Shaking: Besides the above methods, you can also judge if a cat is about to attack by looking at its tail. When a cat is about to enter a state of anger, its tail will shake rapidly from side to side or even slap the ground fiercely. This movement indicates that the cat has lost patience and is extremely angry.
Sharp Glare: An angry cat will often stare at you intently, with a look of obvious anger in its eyes. Some cats' pupils may even dilate when they're angry, making their gaze even sharper. If you notice such a piercing stare from your cat, it's a signal that it might attack soon, so be cautious!
Conclusion:
These are some typical warning signs before a cat bites. If you can spot them and avoid triggering such behaviors in time, you can maintain a harmonious relationship with your feline friend~