Do Cats Protect Their Owners?

Cats are popular household pets with mischievous personalities and — despite what many believe — a whole lot of love. In fact, cats actually bond with their human loved ones so much that they often become protective over them. 

Wondering if your furry friend is protecting you? Here’s how cats protect their owners and some signs your cat is looking out for you.

Are Cats Protective of Their Owners?

Yes, many cats will actively protect their owners. Once a kitten or adult cat bonds with its owner, it begins to develop loyalty to them. Many even become territorial of their humans. It’s no surprise then that cats will stay on high alert and react to anyone they perceive as a threat.

For instance, you’ve likely noticed your cat’s ears perk at the slightest sound; or maybe you noticed more aggressiveness from your furry friend when someone new visits your home. This is often a sign your cat is protecting you — and itself.

How Cats Protect Loved Ones

Here are some ways cats will protect their owners.

Keeping Sharp Senses While Around Them

Cats have sharp senses, including hearing, smelling, and seeing. If you’ve ever noticed your cat’s pupils dilate in the darkness, you know they can still see well during the nighttime. Additionally, their hearing can pick up on the slightest sounds. This is why many cats will jolt awake at the most minor noise, often even checking up on you in the process. If something is off, your cat will likely be the first to know — and he or she might even attempt to alert you.

Additionally, because cats are so sensitive to humans and perceptive to their environments, they can usually pick up on someone’s ill intentions or negative energy. Just like how dogs are great judges of character, and how humans will feel tense in the presence of certain individuals, cats, too, can sense if someone isn’t safe to be around. 

Coming Between You and the Perceived Threat

If necessary, many cats will attack aggressors to keep their owners safe. For example, if your cat thinks someone is attempting to hurt you, it might spring into action by scratching or sinking its teeth into the individual’s skin. At the very least, your cat might hiss or swat at the person as a warning, which allows you to better assess the situation. 

Offering Spiritual Protection

Some people attribute cats to providing spiritual protection. In ancient times, many have credited cats for warding off bad spirits, believing they had psychic abilities and a deeper connection to the spiritual realm. Additionally, some Eastern cultures still worship cats as spiritual protectors, declaring that owning a cat will dispel any negative or dark energies in your home.

While there’s no scientific evidence for this idea, it’s still reassuring to believe your furry loved one can keep you safe from spirits and other paranormal entities. As mentioned earlier, cats are sensitive creatures and can pick up on the slightest shifts in energy. 

Offering Emotional Support

Cats offer emotional protection in addition to physical protection. Their affection and companionship can provide a sense of security and support. Additionally, because of their sensitivity and ability to pick up on energy, cats can often tell when you need extra love. Many will cuddle close when you’re sick, brush up against you while you’re crying, or even just settle on the foot of your bed while you’re resting, showing you they’re close by if needed.

Signs Your Cat Is Protecting You

Here are some signs of a cat protecting its owner.

They Appear Ready to Fight

Some of the visual signs your cat is activated and in protection mode include:

• Dilated eyes
• “Airplane” ears
• Tense body
• Crouched stance
• Sharp, swishing tail
• Arched back
• Hissing 

If you notice any of these signs, allow your cat some space to avoid aggression. Most often, this indicates the cat is feeling stressed (especially if they feel you or themselves are threatened).  

They Sleep at the End of Your Bed

It’s a common habit for cats to sleep at the foot of the bed, but did you know this sometimes means your cat is protecting you? That’s right — cats often serve as watchdogs as you sleep, positioning themselves in front of you as if to stop any potential threat that might enter the room. 

They Appear Clingy

If your cat is being extra clingy, they might actually be trying to keep you safe. Perhaps they sense your anxiety or stress, or maybe they’re adjusting to someone new in your space. Regardless, clinginess can be an indication of your cat’s desire to protect you.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sergey Dementyev/iStock via Getty Images