How to Tell if a Cat is Angry?

Cats have extremely diverse personalities and can show different emotional reactions to different situations at different times. It is perfectly normal for them to sometimes show signs of anger in situations where they normally don't react, and also to remain indifferent to situations where they are always angry. The changing reactions of cats are easily noticeable to those who observe them closely. When cats are angry, noticeable changes can occur in their body language, voices, and physical posture. In this article, you can find information about the basic indicators that help you understand when a cat is angry.

Cats Can Get Angry About Many Things

Cats can get angry, but this anger isn't usually a vengeful one. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and even small changes in their familiar environment can cause them to get angry. Starting a new food, going to the vet, or not getting enough attention can all make a cat angry. There are many different answers to the question, "Why do cats get angry?" However, these answers are usually related to the cat's current situation. "My cat is very angry" is a phrase sometimes used by cat owners.

Cats can also become angry when they are scared or feel threatened. Understanding why a cat is angry and eliminating this situation is critically important for its relief. The first step is to understand whether the cat is angry or not. To do this, it is sufficient to observe the cat's movements and compare its general behavior with its reactions.

Physical Changes Occurring in Angry Cats

When cats are angry, they express these feelings through physical changes. Their tails, ears, pupils, and even fur can become tools reflecting the emotional change they are experiencing. Therefore, correctly interpreting the cat's body movements will be the first steps in making it easier to calm them down.

Tail Movements Become Sharper

There is such a thing as an angry cat's tail. The emotions cats feel are very easily understood from their tails. Angry cats usually wag their tails rapidly from side to side. Also, when they are angry, the fur on their tails ruffles. When they start wagging their tails from side to side along with their hips, they are about to pounce on something they are targeting. When tail movements become sharp, keeping your distance from cats is the most practical way to give them time.

Pupils Dilate

Changes also occur in the eyes of angry cats. When cats are angry or about to attack a living thing or object, their pupils dilate and their eyes narrow. The pupils open, allowing more light to enter and enabling them to see better. You may notice that the pupils of an angry kitten suddenly become very large.

Ears Tilt to the Sides

One way to understand if cats feel threatened or angry is to look at their ears. The ears of angry cats curl to the sides. Before attacking or running away quickly, their ears droop almost flat, with the tips pointing back. If you encounter a similar behavior, it's best to avoid touching the cat.

Fur Ruffles

When cats are angry, their fur ruffles. It almost doubles in size. This is actually their attempt to appear larger and more threatening than they are. In this way, they try to protect themselves from future threats.

They Damage Your Belongings

Some cats tend to damage the belongings of people they are angry with. This is because the scent of the person they are angry with is on their belongings. However, this behavior develops very rarely, and cats only exhibit this behavior when they truly feel threatened or stressed.

Their Gaze Fixes

When cats are angry at someone, they look directly into that person's eyes. Many people ask the question "Why is my cat so angry?" when they see the cat looking into their eyes. If you see the cat's pupils dilate in this situation, you should move away, as this is generally considered an indication that the cat is about to attack.

Their Whiskers Point Downwards

Cats' whiskers have many functions. Cats use their whiskers in many situations, including when they are angry. When cats are angry, their whiskers point downwards.

They Move Away From You

Cats normally enjoy being near people they like. However, when they are angry at someone, they generally prefer to stay away from that person. In fact, some cats will leave the room when someone they are angry at enters.

How to Calm an Angry Cat?

If your cat is angry about something and this is temporary, you can leave it alone. After a while, its anger will pass on its own. In this case, petting or stroking it is not very helpful. Giving treats to cats when they are angry actually encourages this behavior, so treats should not be given until their anger has passed. It is a different situation if the cat becomes angry or stressed as a result of a permanent situation such as a new pet coming into the house, a change in food, or moving. These emotions, which can become chronic, can lead to various health problems in cats, primarily loss of appetite.

You can use sedatives to help the cat adjust to the new situation and prevent its negative feelings from becoming chronic. You can click here to learn about suitable sedatives for cats. Sedatives are generally harmless as they are usually plant-based. Eliminating the situation that causes the cat to feel angry or threatened usually eliminates the anger. If it is a situation that needs to be adjusted to, it is best to help your cat adapt to this process.