Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress.Ī regular walk is vitally important for your pet's health too. The health benefits of dog walking to you and your dogDog owners enjoy numerous health and social benefits by walking their dog a few times a week. There's nothing like an exercise partner who's waiting by the door with a wagging tail to keep you motivated! With a little time and a little patience, your feet will be safe and sound.Regular exercise with your pet is good for both your health and your dog's health and can be great fun. Understanding your cat's body language and knowing which behaviors are normal (and which are not) are two important tools that will lead to more positive interactions with your cat. Together, you and your vet can address your cat's erratic behavior. The vet will ask you questions about other behaviors, including destructive habits like scratching furniture, so jot down a list of concerns, including the question, of why cats attack feet. When to Call the VetĬontact your veterinarian to discuss any worries that you have about your cat's aggressive behavior - the sooner the better, advised the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Invest in some soft, squishy toys that will make your feet less desirable as chew toys.
"A cat that habitually chases a person's feet is distracted (redirected) when a toy is waved in its face so the cat plays with the toy instead of focusing on the person's feet," said the American Animal Hospital Association. To calm an aggressive cat, avoid roughhousing and redirect their attention. Why do cats like feet when it comes to acting out aggression? Feet are easily accessible and mimic the movements of an animal. In addition to biting, an aggressive cat will display one or more of the following behaviors:Īggression is often the result of roughhousing gone wild, hostility caused by an outside factor such as an illness, or defending territory against a new pet in the family. You'll recognize cat aggression when you see it. Sometimes, cats can become overzealous during playtime and take it to the next level, such as biting or scratching that breaks the skin. "In fact, the cat often hides behind some furniture and waits until a person walks by, and then dashes out and attacks the person's ankles." Sound familiar? Kittens, in particular, are notorious for such behavior and will lunge at your feet, even if you're just walking across the room minding your own business. "The cat does not exhibit dominance posturing toward the victim, and does not retreat from or avoid the victim with characteristic signs of fear," explained the RSPCA Australia. A cat who's looking for a playmate doesn't exhibit hostile or fearful behavior - quite the opposite, in fact. But more often than not, they do it because they want to play. Typically, your feline friend swats at your feet because they want food or a snuggle session, or perhaps are acting out aggression. Usually, this happens when you're sleeping or trying to work. They also are very persistent and when cats want your attention, they won't stop until they get it, including jumping at your feet and ankles. When Cats Attack Your FeetĬats are quirky, sometimes complicated creatures that capture the hearts of so many pet parents. Beware if you wear big, fuzzy slippers or socks that look conspicuously like small mammals, as this may encourage pouncing. "As cats hunt alone their prey is small in size as this is all they are capable of catching on their own," explained International Cat Care. Why do cats like feet in particular? Human feet happen to be the perfect shape and size for their preferred prey.
For some cats, that drive is so strong that your moving feet will trigger it." When your kitty sees your feet moving around under the bed covers, their instincts are on high alert: Attack!
They're predators, so it's second nature for them to chase things.
Why do cats attack feet so often? As Cat Health noted, "Cats chase things because it's innate behavior. Why do cats attack feet? And why do cats like feet so much, anyway? If you've ever lay motionless in bed hoping to avoid a foot ambush, these questions probably have crossed your mind. And don't even think about moving your toes - your feline friend is a stealthy hunter and will jump on those, too. Cat parents know the routine: You've just settled down to rest when suddenly, your cat pounces on top of your feet.