What to Do if a Stray Cat Attacks You

What to do if a stray cat attacks you? Instances of stray cats attacking humans are quite rare in the U.S. However, aggression is always a possibility when humans and animals interact. When warning signs of aggression are not recognized, human behavior can cause a cat to eventually attack. And unfortunately, the results of such attacks can be serious.

Cats have a number of impressive defensive weapons. Between sharp claws and teeth, an aggressive cat can cause serious lacerations and contusions. And if an attacking animal is diseased, that disease could potentially be passed on. As such, it is always best to approach a stray cat with caution.

Should you ever be unfortunate enough to be attacked by a cat, you need to know how to respond. This post offers you a step-by-step process for ending the attack and taking care of yourself in the aftermath. Each of the steps can be adapted to the seriousness of the attack. Whatever you do, remember that the animal has attacked you due to its natural defense mechanisms. It was nothing personal.

Step 1: Do Not Panic

It is easier said than done, but the first step in dealing with a cat attack is to not panic. Why? Because panic can cause you to do things that the cat perceives as aggressive and/or threatening. That only encourages the animal to continue the attack. What could have ended rather quickly may be prolonged if you panic.

So what do you do? Try to push the cat away first, then slowly back away yourself. Do not attempt to charge the cat or turn and run. Both actions can be interpreted as aggression. The more calm and relaxed you are, the more quickly the situation will de-escalate. If you remain calm, the attack is unlikely to last more than a few seconds. It is not like a stray cat wants to pounce on you and spend minutes clawing at your face to take your eyes out.

Step 2: Observe Where the Animal Goes

You should definitely seek medical treatment after a cat attack, but first make an effort to observe where the animal goes, if you can. This might be helpful later when local animal control officers attempt to locate the cat. Of course, this is assuming you report the attack – which you should when you seek medical help.

Observing the cat for up to 10 days makes it a lot easier to determine whether the animal was infected with rabies. On the other hand, you cannot take that chance if you don’t know where the animal goes immediately following the attack. If the cat quickly disappears from sight and animal control officers can’t find it, both they and your medical team will have to assume it was rabid.

Step 3: Call Local Animal Control

The third and fourth steps are interchangeable depending on the severity of your injuries. If you can afford to delay seeking medical attention for a couple of minutes, immediately call local animal control to report the attack. They will likely send an officer right away in an attempt to locate the cat before it disappears.

Animal control will probably want you to provide details of the attack. If you must seek medical attention right away, do not delay on behalf of animal control. You can always fill them in later. When you do eventually speak with an officer, do your best to give a fact-based account. Animal control officers need as much information as possible to do their jobs.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention following an animal attack regardless of how minor your injuries might appear. The reason should be obvious. If it’s not, it can be encapsulated in a single word: disease. Although the number of zoonotic diseases in the feline arena is small, those that do exist can be rather serious.

Rabies is perhaps the most well-known zoonotic disease. If the stray cat you encountered was rabid, a bite could easily transfer the virus to you. The virus that causes rabies is found in saliva. Also note that you can contract the virus without actually being bit. If the animal’s saliva found its way to any broken skin, you could become infected.

Another disease you have to worry about is cat scratch fever, a bacterial illness that can be transferred from cat to humans via scratches and bites. You can also contract cat scratch fever if saliva comes in contact with broken skin or your eyes.

CDC estimates suggest that upwards of 12,000 people are diagnosed with cat scratch fever annually. Of them, some 500 are hospitalized. Most people who contract the disease exhibit flu-like symptoms that go away with an antibiotic treatment. Complications are rare, but they do exist. Untreated cat scratch fever can lead to encephalopathy, neuroretinitis, osteomyelitis, and parinaud oculoglandular syndrome.

Severe Lacerations

Setting the disease question aside for one minute, there is also the issue of severe lacerations inflicted by sharp cat claws. A laceration deep enough may require stitches to close. This is a case in which immediate medical attention is recommended. Get to the ER or urgent care center as soon as you can. In the meantime, bandaging the laceration and applying direct pressure can help stop the bleeding.

Step 5: Keep an Eye on the Area

Assuming you were attacked near your home and animal control officers do not locate the animal, keep an eye on the area for the next several weeks. The point here is to be on the lookout in case the cat makes another appearance, at which time you can alert animal control once again.

You might also inform your neighbors as well. This isn’t intended to frighten or panic them, but just to let them know that there is a potentially aggressive stray cat in the neighborhood. They will want to avoid contact with the animal too.

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Why Stray Cats Attack

There is a natural fear among people when relating to wild animals. The fear is one of being attacked. It is both reasonable and an act of nature in that the fear between animals and people help to keep them at a healthy distance. You might be a little uneasy around a stray cat out of fear of being attacked. The question is, will a stray cat actually attack you?

In all likelihood, no. Stray cats are generally either current pets that simply wandered away from home or former pets that were abandoned by their owners. As such, they are used to human contact and unlikely to be aggressive without cause. But know this, cat attacks are serious when they do occur. Cats have a number of built-in defensive systems that can cause quite a bit of harm to you.

The information below explains the basics of cat aggression and why cats attack. It is not intended to make you fearful of cats. Rather, the goal is to help you better understand how the feline brain works so that you can be prepared to assist a stray cat in need. Everything has been laid out in a series of 10 facts relating to cat aggression.

1. Aggression is a Natural Defense

All animals are wired to be aggressive under certain circumstances. Aggression is a tool of nature that animals use in self-defense. Cats are no exception. While most domesticated felines rarely show aggression toward human beings, there are legitimate reasons for doing so. Many of those reasons will be discussed later. For now, though, let us start by defining what aggression actually is.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), aggression in cats is defined as “threatening or harmful behavior directed toward a person, another cat or other animals.” The ASPCA goes on to explain:

“In pet cats, aggressive behavior can range from cats who hiss and avoid the target of their aggression to cats who attack.”

The most important thing we can take away from the ASPCA’s explanation is that aggression does not always mean attack. A cat can be aggressive enough to show its unhappiness but not enough to actually scratch or bite you. You can avoid an actual attack by leaving a cat showing signs of aggressive behavior alone. That leads us to the second fact about cat aggression.

2. Aggressive Cats Show Warning Signs

It is rare for a domesticated cat to attack a human being without showing any warning signs whatsoever. Again, the warning signs are part of nature’s defense system. When an animal shows signs of being aggressive, that is an indicator to whatever is instigating it to back off. The ASPCA divides the many warning signs into two categories: offensive and defensive postures.

Offensive postures are as follows:

A stiff posture characterized by raising the rear and lowering the tail toward the ground
Ears turned upright with the backs pointing slightly forward

The animals fur sticking out, especially on the tail
Pupil constriction and a direct stare (some aggressive cats will directly face and stare down an opponent)
Growling, howling, or hissing.

Defensive postures are as follows:

A crouching posture with the head tucked in
Tail curved around the body and tucked in

Dilated pupils and wide eyes
Flattened ears with the tips facing rearward
Turning sideways rather than facing an opponent

Hissing, spitting, and quick strikes with the paws.

There are a few other warning signs that are common to both offensive and defensive postures. They include things like growling and shrieking, scratching, biting, and showing both the teeth and claws.

Any stray cat exhibiting these warning signs could attack if not left alone. Remember, the warning signs exist to tell you to back off. Should you encounter a stray cat exhibiting them, your best course of action is to simply back away slowly. Do not make any sudden movements that the cat may interpret as aggression on your part.

3. Fear Is the Number One Cause of Aggression

In the vast majority of cases involving cats attacking people, fear is the motivator. A stray cat may lash out at the veterinarian because it is unfamiliar with that person and afraid of what he or she is going to do. In such cases, attacking is a defense mechanism. If the cat believes its own safety is at risk and there is no means of escape, there is nothing left to do but go on the offensive.

You may run across a stray cat in your yard only to discover it soon adopts a defensive posture. While the animal is paying attention to you, it is also looking for a way to escape. Not being able to find one could push the fearful animal into attack mode. Fear is telling the cat that attacking is the only way to survive.

4. Cats Can Display Redirected Aggression

In human beings, redirected aggression is aggression that is caused by some sort of unrelated stimulation. Guess what? Cats can display the same kind of aggression. You could have a stray cat sitting on your porch behaving rather calmly as you prepare a nice bowl of food and water. But some sort of stimulation you do not recognize could be making the cat anxious. The cat could lash out and attack you as you bend over to put the food and water down.

A good example would be witnessing a conflict between other animals. Two squirrels fighting, for instance, or a predator capturing prey. The event causes anxiety in the cat and elevates feelings of fear. You walking up behind the animal can startle it and lead to an attack.

5. Pain Can Trigger Aggression

Animals do not deal with pain in the same way we do. When you and I feel pain, we instantly start thinking about possible causes. We may grab an aspirin or head to the ER. When an animal feels pain, that pain triggers the natural defensive systems. As such, pain can cause a cat to be aggressive. And it doesn’t take much. Even mild pain can turn a docile stray into an aggressive attacker.

For this reason, you should be very careful about how you physically handle a stray cat. Be careful about picking it up and stroking its fur. Unless you have had experience with a particular cat in the past, you have no way of knowing if it is sick or injured. Touching the animal in just the right way could cause pain that leads to aggression.

6. The Hunting Instinct Can Cause Aggression

There are plenty of cases of cat owners having to give up their pets because the animals have a tendency to attack their feet and ankles. In such cases, the aggression is the natural result of the animal’s hunting instinct. Such cases represent rare instances in which a cat is behaving aggressively without any external stimulation.

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You are unlikely to encounter this kind of behavior in a stray cat. But that’s not to say it’s out of the question. A stray cat can be hungry enough that the hunting instinct completely takes over. Just walking by could cause the cat to lunge at your feet. Fortunately, this kind of aggression almost always demonstrates with a posture that includes crouching, a fixated look, ears facing forward, and a low-profile walk.

7. Unwanted Attention Can Trigger Aggression

Not all domesticated cats appreciate close human contact. Some of them just want to be left alone until they are ready to make contact themselves. Forcing a cat to accept human contact can create anxiety that eventually results in attack. A good example would be a cat attacking a toddler who insisted on following it around the house.

Cats are very adept at letting people know when they’ve had enough contact. Let’s say you’re dealing with a stray who seems to be very social at first, but after a few minutes of contact begins to resist. That’s the point to stop and leave the cat alone. If you persist even as the animal is attempting to resist, you may be creating a situation that could lead to aggression.

Some tell-tale signs to look for include skin twitching, tail twitching, attempts to pull away, and even gentle swats with the paws. This is the cat telling you that it has had enough.

8. Aggression Can Be Territorial

Cats are territorial by nature. Even domesticated strays will find a territory to call home and make every effort to protect it. This can lead to territorial and sexual aggression during mating periods. The good news is that this form of aggression is rare toward human beings. Cats do not view humans as territorial or sexual competitors. The bad news is that attacks can be serious when they do occur.

9. Aggression Can Be Learned

There are occasions when cats learn to be aggressive because it gets them something. For instance, take a stray that bites when it is hungry. That behavior may have been learned while the cat was still a house pet. As a kitten, the animal may have bitten its owner in an attempt to play, but the owner interpreted it as a demand for food. Feeding the kitten then made the association, in the animal’s mind, that you bite to get fed.

10. Mothers Aggressively Defend Their Kittens

The last reason an aggressive cat may decide to attack is in defense of kittens. Mothers are very protective of their babies for the first few weeks of life. In some cases, they can be protective for a couple of months. Like any other mother, she doesn’t appreciate anyone or anything that threatens the little ones.

This is the reason experts suggest staying away from a mother and her kittens during the first few days after birth. Where stray cats are concerned, this is great advice. Unless the mother or any of her kittens requires emergency veterinarian care, it’s best just to stay away from the new family for a few days.

Your Chances of Being Attacked Are Slim

An hour’s worth of online research can have you believing that stray cats attack with regularity. But it’s not true. Statistics show that your chance of actually being attacked by a stray are very slim. To illustrate the point, let us compare cat bites with some other types of injuries that send people to the ER.

Statistics show that about 400,000 cat bites occur each year in the U.S. Roughly 66,000 cases wind up in the ER. When you compare those numbers to a total population of just under 327 million, you are looking at a very small minority of people being injured by cats – and that includes strays, pets, and feral cats.

By comparison, statistics show roughly 4.7 million dog bites annually in the US. Upwards of 800,000 of those bytes are serious enough to require medical attention. Dog attacks kill nearly three dozen people every year.

Moving on, check out the number of annual injuries resulting from the following types of incidents:

Accidental Falls – 9.1 million
Overexertion – 2.9 million

Motor Vehicle Accidents – 2.7 million
Accidental Cuts – 1.9 million
Accidental Poisoning – 1.7 million

Animal Bites and Insect Stings – 1.1 million
Assaults – 1.2 million.

It should be clear from the above numbers that, relative to other causes of injury, the chances of being attacked by a stray cat are negligible. Unless a cat has a specific reason for attacking, it will not. And like most other animals, an anxious or fearful cat will look for a way to escape first. It will only attack as a last resort of self-preservation.

What to Do if a Stray Cat Attacks You – Conclusion

To summarize all that you’ve read, cat attacks against humans are rare. If you remain calm and act appropriately, the consequences of being attacked by a stray won’t be serious. Even if you were attacked by a rabid animal, early treatment will prevent you from actually getting the disease. Rarely do people develop severe and long-lasting consequences as the result of an attack. Even more rare are deaths related to cat attacks.

Should you ever be unfortunate enough to be attacked by a cat, do not panic. Move the animal away and then retreat slowly yourself. Watch where the animal goes so that you can inform animal control officers of its movement. They will want to track and catch the cat in hopes of determining whether it has rabies or not.

Any serious injuries – like deep lacerations, for example – should be treated at your local ER or urgent care center. Minor scratches and bites can be attended to by your primary care physician or an after-hours clinic. Please make sure that you seek medical attention even if you think your injuries do not require it. There is always the possibility of disease or infection.

Finally, unprovoked attacks are not the norm with cats. The best thing you can do to prevent being attacked is to handle stray cats with extreme caution. You might want to reach out and take care of an animal you feel sorry for, but caution is advised until you get to know the cat a little bit better. Just assuming a stray cat needs your assistance and will gladly accept it is an open invitation to aggressive behavior. Do not take the risk.

Key Takeaways

Aggression in cats refers to threatening or harmful behaviour directed towards a person, another cat, or other animals.
A cat may exhibit aggressive behaviour without actually attacking.

Fear is the primary motivator for cat aggression.
A stray cat may attack when fearful or hungry.
Some domesticated cats do not appreciate close human contact and may attack if forced.

Cats can be protective of their kittens and may attack in defense.
Aggression can also be learned due to reinforcement.
It is important to stay away from a mother and her kittens during the first few days after birth.

When faced with a stray cat showing signs of aggression, it is best to back away slowly and avoid making sudden movements.
It is crucial to recognize a cat’s boundaries and respect them to prevent provoking an attack.

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FAQs

Q: What is the first thing I should do if a stray cat attacks me?
A: First and foremost, try to put some distance between yourself and the cat. This will help prevent further injury. Once you are safe, cleanse the wound with warm soapy water to help reduce the risk of infection.

Q: Should I seek medical attention if a stray cat attacks me?
A: Yes. After any cat attack, especially by a stray cat, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is crucial to assess the risk of rabies or other potential infections.

Q: I managed to escape a cat attack with just a few scratches. Do I still need medical attention?
A: Yes. Even if the wounds appear minor, it’s still important to see a doctor. Cat scratches can carry bacteria that can lead to infections like Cat Scratch Disease.

Q: What steps should I take to avoid being attacked by a stray cat in the future?
A: Avoid approaching stray cats, particularly if they show signs of fear or aggression. If you need to interact with a stray, do so slowly and calmly, giving the cat plenty of space and time to get used to your presence.

Q: How can I tell if a stray cat might attack me?
A: Signs that a stray cat may be preparing to attack include hissing, growling, flattened ears, and a puffed up tail. If a cat is showing these signs, back away slowly and give the cat plenty of space.

Q: Can I call animal control if a stray cat attacks me?
A: Yes, it’s advisable to call your local animal control agency if you’re attacked by a stray cat. They can help capture the cat, which may need to be quarantined and observed for signs of rabies.

Q: Are certain people more likely to be attacked by stray cats?
A: Stray cats may be more likely to attack if they feel threatened or cornered, regardless of who the person is. Children may be at a higher risk due to their unpredictability and lack of understanding about how to behave around cats.

Q: What should I do if my child gets attacked by a stray cat?
A: If your child is attacked by a stray cat, immediately cleanse the wound with warm soapy water, then seek medical attention. It’s also important to comfort your child and explain why the cat might have attacked, to help them understand how to avoid such incidents in the future.

Q: Can a stray cat attack my pet?
A: Yes, stray cats can attack pets. If your pet is attacked, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Q: If a stray cat attacks me, does it mean it’s rabid?
A: Not necessarily. While rabies can cause aggressive behavior in cats, there are many other reasons a stray cat might attack, including fear, stress, or feeling threatened. However, any unprovoked attack by a stray cat should be treated as a potential rabies exposure and reported to local animal control and public health officials.

Q: What should I do if I am bitten by a cat that I suspect is rabid?
A: If you’re bitten by a cat that you suspect is rabid, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately. You should also report the incident to local animal control and public health officials.

Q: What if I was just trying to feed a stray cat and it attacked me?
A: Even when intentions are good, a stray cat may perceive a person as a threat and react defensively. It’s always safest to call a local animal rescue organization to assist with stray cats rather than trying to feed it.

Q: Can I still help stray cats even if they’re likely to attack?
A: Yes, you can help stray cats by supporting local rescue organizations and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs. If you must interact with stray cats, remember to move slowly and avoid direct contact unless necessary.

Q: What if the stray cat was showing no signs of aggression before it attacked me?
A: Cats, especially strays, may attack without clear warning signs if they feel threatened or cornered. Always approach any animal with caution, especially if it isn’t familiar with you.

Q: Should I try to capture the cat that attacked me?
A: It’s generally safer to let professionals handle potentially aggressive animals. Report the incident to your local animal control or a rescue organization. They have the training and equipment to safely capture and assess the cat.

Q: If a stray cat attacks me, should I stop feeding or helping stray cats altogether?
A: While it’s understandable to be shaken after such an incident, remember that not all stray cats are aggressive. Continue to support rescue organizations and TNR programs. However, you should avoid direct contact unless you have been trained to safely interact with stray or feral cats.

Q: Can stray cats that have attacked humans be rehabilitated and rehomed?
A: It depends on the individual cat and the circumstances of the attack. Some cats may react aggressively out of fear or due to medical issues. Once they’re in a safe environment and receive appropriate care and socialization, many cats can become suitable for adoption. It’s always the goal of rescue organizations to try and rehabilitate animals whenever possible.

Q: Why do stray cats attack unprovoked?
A: What might seem unprovoked to us might not be the same for the cat. Cats may feel threatened by direct eye contact, quick movements, or being cornered. Remember, it’s important to respect their space and approach any animal with caution.

Q: I’ve been feeding a stray cat and it still attacked me. Why?
A: Even if you’ve been providing food, the cat doesn’t see you as a friend but as a food source. It could also be that the cat was in pain or felt threatened in some way. It’s always safer to let professionals handle stray animals, even those you’ve been helping.

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