Content
- Factors that influence this behavior
- Why do cats pull their legs and bite?
- Other causes that cause cats to bite their legs
- What to do when the cat bites my legs?
If you share a house with a feline, you've probably already been surprised by an ankle attack. For many tutors, this behavior is a matter of concern, as they consider it to be a possible symptom of aggressiveness. However, in general, a cat that chases its owner's ankle is just bored and he finds no other way to positively exercise his extinct natural hunter.
Do you wonder why cats bite their legs? So we invite you to continue reading this article on PeritoAnimal to better know the possible causes of this "thief attack" and know how to avoid it so that the game does not end in injury.
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Factors that influence this behavior
Although they have been "domesticated", cats retain their innate hunting instincts, just like all felines. However, unlike their wild relatives, our pussies have ceased to exercise their hunting skills noticeably, as they no longer need to hunt for food.
If, on the one hand, home life protects them from many diseases and adversities in the environment, on the other hand, when the environmental enrichment that a feline requires to keep itself healthy and balanced, different behavior problems arise. You must ask yourself why your cat attacks you without any reason, however, all behaviors manifested by felines have a reason and aim to achieve specific goals: feeding, de-stressing, attracting attention...
Why do cats pull their legs and bite?
Most cats that bite their owners' ankles have some of the five symptoms that they are bored. For spending a lot of time alone and not having a environment rich in stimuli, or by not receiving the proper attention of its guardians, a cat ends up considering hunting the ankles of its owners a perfect opportunity for exercise your natural instinct. Also, it's important to remember that a bored, sedentary cat becomes vulnerable to a range of illnesses and behavioral problems.
We may not even realize it, but when we play with our pussies, we give them the opportunity to exercise their natural instincts. For example, the classic fishing rod prank aims to mimic the movement of a bird to stimulate the hunting instinct of felines. If we stop playing with our pets or don't make toys and accessories available to them to remain active when we're out and about, it's very likely that they'll consider attacking their ankles or legs as a exhaust valve to its monotony.
Other causes that cause cats to bite their legs
Although biting the ankles of guardians can be evidence of the boredom of a cat who does not have the necessary toys to exercise your instincts positively, without hurting their guardians, cats can bite for different reasons. Depending on the circumstance, a cat may bite as a sign of social interaction, because it got too excited during a game, to show its affection, for lack of socialization, due to mistrust and because it feels vulnerable, among other reasons.
When a cat gently bites you when you're eating his food or when you play with him, you're probably showing your affection and appreciation. It's very important not reinforce this behavior and ignore it and teach your cat to express her affection safely and quietly, using positive reinforcement to recognize only your pussy's desirable attitudes. Remember that pushing him away, punishing him or scolding him are also ways to reinforce his behaviors, since if the cat is calling our attention, he is getting what he wants.
For eliminate a behavior, you must ignore it completely, it's the only way the cat doesn't repeat it, because it doesn't get any response. On the other hand, if a feline is sick or feel vulnerable in some situation, you may bite as a form of self-defense, to avoid possible harm to your well-being.
If you notice that your pussy has symptoms such as weakness, hides for a long time, or isolates itself and uses the bite as a defense, it is very important to see a veterinarian quickly. Some illnesses can cause behavior changes and pain makes you feel more vulnerable.
In short... Because cats have a unique personality, there is no exact interpretation for each sound, gesture or expression that felines use in their daily lives to express their feelings, desires and state of mind. Your cat is a unique and unique being, so there is no pre-established definition of its personality. So to interpret the meaning of your pussy's bites and different forms of expression, it is very important that you take the time to discover its personality and unravel its body language.
However, if you notice that your cat has become aggressive or shows negative changes in its behavior, it is important to consult a veterinarian who specializes in feline ethology. With this professional, you can find out what the causes of these changes are and establish a treatment based on your cat's specific needs.
What to do when the cat bites my legs?
Although we can understand that the act of attacking our ankles is a natural instinct of our pussies, the truth is that bites in this very sensitive region can be very uncomfortable and painful. Therefore, we have put together some practical advice for you to avoid these attacks from your cat and achieve a healthier coexistence in your home.
- Diverse environment: surely you have to go out to work and fulfill your responsibilities. This means that you will have to leave your cat alone at home. One way to avoid behavioral problems and symptoms of stress and boredom, such as attacking your ankles, it is essential to provide a diversified environment, with toys, scratchers and other accessories that allow the cat to remain physically and mentally stimulated during your absence .
- Quality moments: even offering many toys for your pussy to have fun alone, it is essential that you set aside time exclusively to play with her and share quality moments. Even if you arrive home tired, remember to spend a few minutes with your partner. No doubt you will not regret it.
- Consider giving your cat a companion: If you notice that your cat gets bored playing alone and the bouts of boredom are persistent, you might consider giving him a "little brother" or "little sister". However, remember to observe your cat's temperament and analyze his sociability level. If you think that the presence of another animal can improve your feline's quality of life, remember to socialize it before abruptly imposing a relationship, and to correctly introduce the new cat to your feline.
- preventive medicine: As mentioned before, some pathologies can cause stress and modify your pussy's behavior. Therefore, to keep your cat healthy and balanced, it is essential to provide adequate preventive medicine throughout its life. Remember to make periodic visits to the veterinarian every 6 months, follow your periodic vaccination and deworming chart, in addition to providing a balanced and high-quality diet, so that he remains physically and mentally stimulated.
