Dogs have always been known as loyal and protective pets, while on the other hand, cats are always perceived as independent and carefree animals. So, do cats protect humans? Do cats protect their owners? There are various reasons why your feline friend is not just a tiny adorable being but might also protect you from potential threats.
Cats are often stereotyped as apathetic and unbothered animals, but most people do not know that cats are highly territorial animals. Cats will protect their property as well as their owners. You might have witnessed cats spraying their urine in the house or rubbing themselves against their owners’ bodies. These are all signs that suggest that cats are claiming the home as their property and the person as their owner.
Although it might seem like cats do not think of humans as their owners but as their property they need to protect, cats do have affection for their human partners, and they can get quite aggressive and bold if they sense any danger lingering around their property.
In addition to this, cats can be very intuitive and hyper-alert to everything that goes on around them. Cats are pretty possessive when it comes to their properties, and their hyper-vigilant hyper-perceptive nature helps them protect not just themselves but also others. It is instinctual for a cat to defend their territory as well as yours.
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Do Cats Protect Their Owners – A Brief Answers
We often hear about dogs saving the lives of their owners or even risking their own lives to protect people. But there have been numerous news articles about cats saving their owners’ lives too.
There have been various news headlines stating how cats saved their owners from snakes coming into the house by not letting them enter the kitchen until they killed the snake, saved their baby from a dog attack, warned their owners when an intruder was trying to barge in, woke up their owner by meowing loudly and constantly which helped her in putting out the fire before it went out of hand, destroying everything and even helping in the early detection of Lung Cancer by continually pointing to the area on the chest of their owner due to which they could receive early treatment before it got worse.
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There has not been just one case of cats warning their owners of a fire breakout; there have been numerous fire cases where the people only survived due to their cats waking them up during sleep. Likewise, various instances show that cats, although, may seem calm and unbothered, actually care a lot for their humans.
Moreover, cats do not just look at humans as their owners, but they think of them as their friends and companions. In addition to that, cats also have sharp claws and magnificent teeth to attack anybody who seems like a threat. They might sometimes even show more affection to their human companions rather than their feline friends.
Do Cats Protect You When You Sleep?
Just like how cats protect their owners from threats like snakes, intruders, helping in putting out fires, and even detecting early-stage cancer, there have been various instances where cats helped their owners while they were fast asleep.
The very first thing that determines a protective cat is the position they choose to sleep in. You might have noticed how cats prefer to sleep outside the blanket near your feet rather than cuddling with you inside the blanket.
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This is because sleeping outside near the bottom rail or even beside your bed makes it easier for them to act upon any dangers or threats while you are fast asleep.
One way of also knowing if potential risk or hazard is coming your way is when your feline friends wake up alarmed and start howling loudly and repeatedly. This means he sensed something unusual in their surroundings which they aren’t familiar with, which might also be a possible threat to you.
How Cats Saving Their Owners?
There have also been various incidents where the cats woke up their owners when someone tried to break in or gas leaks. There have also been situations where someone’s blood sugar dropped, but they could not hear their monitor beeping and only woke up until their cat sat on their head and woke up on time to give themselves an insulin shot.
Likewise, there are various stories where people witnessed their feline friends trying to protect their humans. Whether they were sleeping or working in the kitchen, unaware of their surroundings—sleeping with your feline friends benefits you and them as both parties get a sense of protection from each other’s company.
How Do Cats Help Humans?
Cats are not just adorable to look at, but they also can calm people experiencing stress and anxiety. They are known to be great therapy animals for patients. Their ability to lower stress levels makes them more adorable.
You might have noticed your cat purring while they sleep and are relaxed. They purr while sleeping next to you, letting you know that it trusts you and feels safe around you. This purring is known to calm you and reduce stress. Cats can help you relax and destress by just lying down next to you.
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They can also help you increase your concentration power. Not just cat purrs but looking at adorable cat pictures, and videos online are known to increase serotonin levels and boost one’s energy. It also helps calm down your nerves when you procrastinate too much.
As a result, cats are not only capable of protecting you physically but also possess the ability to help you improve and protect your mental health. Animals are surprisingly aware of our emotions, and cats can notice when you are stressed out. Therefore, your feline friend knows when you are distressed and need to calm yourself.
Cats Behaviors Towards Human
Another reason for cats being highly protective of their owners is separation anxiety. Many cats suffer from separation anxiety and want their human companions to be around them all the time. Their constant need for a company might make them more protective of their loved ones.
This might be an issue for single cats in the house whose owners go to work every day while leaving them behind.
If your cat shows signs of separation anxiety which you would know if they are urinating or defecating outside their litter box, decrease in appetite or overeating, under-grooming or over-grooming, destructive behavior or clinging too much, excessive crying and howling, then it is more than possible that your cat is depressed and has separation anxiety.
Conclusion – Why Are Cats Protective In Nature?
It is an instinct of animals, including cats, to protect another family member when in vulnerable positions such as eating or sleeping. As we said, Cats do not just treat you as their owners or masters; instead, they treat you as a friend, a companion, or a family member.
If you are also one of those who think that cats are unfaithful and protective of their owners, this is an answer to your question. Cats are highly social and affectionate animals. They love when humans give them attention and play with them.
Some cats might not like kisses and belly rubs, but that does not mean they do not love you. Being mean to their companion is just a cat’s unique way of showing love and affection. Although they enjoy solitary and depend highly on themselves, they can still get attached to humans like any other animals and even go to lengths to protect them.
However, a cat’s behavior towards its owners highly depends on the behavior of its owners towards them. If you have a charming relationship with your cat and have raised them with care and affection, then it is likely that your cat will reciprocate the same feelings towards you. Cats raised in a loving environment are more likely to attack intruders or other house members who dive their masters. Hence, not all cats, but many do protect their owners. They will try to alert you when they sense danger. You have to pay attention to what they are telling you.
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