A few years ago, the story of Tara, the ‘Hero Cat,’ went viral1.
Tara, a cat from California, bravely fought off a dog that was attacking her owner’s young son. The incredible footage of Tara’s heroic act spread rapidly online, earning her the well-deserved title of ‘Hero Cat.’
This incident showcased cats’ protective instincts and their ability to sense danger, allowing them to take remarkable actions to safeguard their loved ones.
With that said, here are nine telltale signs that your feline friend has always got your back:
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1. Following You Everywhere
Does your cat trail behind you from room to room, always keeping a watchful eye? This behavior is more than just a cute quirk.
According to a 2019 study published in Current Biology, cats form strong attachment bonds with their owners, similar to those seen in dogs and human infants. (ref) By staying close to you, your cat is essentially saying, “I’ve got your back!”
2. Sleeping Near You
Have you ever woken up to find your cat curled up at your feet or even on your chest? This adorable habit is another sign of your cat’s protective nature. By sleeping close to you, your feline friend is demonstrating trust and a desire to keep you safe.
Interestingly, experts say that cats often choose to sleep in high-up places or near entrances and exits. (ref) This strategic positioning allows them to monitor potential threats and quickly react if needed.
3. Bringing You “Gifts”
It might not be the most appealing present, but when your cat drops a dead mouse or bird at your feet, it’s actually a sign of their affection and protective instincts. In the wild, mother cats teach their kittens to hunt by bringing them dead or injured prey. By presenting you with these “gifts,” your cat is trying to take care of you in their own unique way.
4. Rubbing Against You
Cats are known for their love of rubbing against their owners’ legs, faces, and pretty much any available surface. While this behavior is often seen as a sign of affection, it also serves a more protective purpose. When your cat rubs against you, they’re marking you with their scent, essentially claiming you as part of their territory.
This scent marking not only makes your cat feel more secure but also warns other animals that you’re under their protection.
5. Showing Aggression Towards Strangers
While aggression is never a desirable trait, it can sometimes be a sign that your cat is trying to protect you. If your normally friendly feline becomes hostile or defensive when a stranger enters your home, they may be perceiving a potential threat to their territory and their beloved owner.
It’s important to note that aggression should never be encouraged or rewarded. If your cat displays aggressive behavior, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist to address the issue and ensure a harmonious household.
6. Comforting You When You’re Upset
Cats may have a reputation for being aloof, but many cat owners can attest to their feline friends’ uncanny ability to sense when they’re feeling down. If your cat seems to magically appear by your side when you’re sad, stressed, or sick, it’s a clear sign that they care about your well-being.
A study conducted by Oakland University found that cats can pick up on their owners’ emotional cues (ref) and adjust their behavior accordingly. So, when your cat curls up in your lap or gently paws at your face when you’re upset, they’re offering their own form of emotional support and protection.
7. Acting as Your Alarm Clock
Does your cat wake you up every morning with gentle nudges or insistent meows? While it might be tempting to hit the snooze button, your feline friend may be trying to tell you something important. Cats are creatures of habit and are highly attuned to their owners’ routines.
8. Guarding Your Home
Cats may not be as obvious about it as dogs, but they can be excellent watchdogs in their own right. If your cat suddenly becomes alert, stares intently at a specific spot, or makes a low growling sound, they may be sensing a potential threat to your home.
While cats are more likely to hide than confront an intruder, their keen senses and quick reflexes can still act as an early warning system. Plus, the mere presence of a cat in your home can be enough to deter would-be burglars, as they may assume that where there’s a cat, there’s also a human nearby.
9. Saving Your Life
There are numerous real-life accounts of felines alerting their humans to fires, gas leaks, and even early signs of severe medical conditions like heart attacks or cancer.
For instance, Sam Felstead credits her cat Billy for saving her life when she suffered a heart attack while sleeping. Billy persistently pounded his paws on her chest and meowed until she woke up, unable to move the right side of her body. (ref) Felstead’s mother rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed a blocked artery caused the heart attack.
Felstead believes Billy sensed something was wrong, and his actions allowed her to get timely medical care.
Source:
1. abc7.com article on Tara
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.