According to Legal Match around 400,000 cats bite each year, and among them, about 66,000 people visit emergency rooms. So you can’t take it lightly if your cat pounces and stalks you. So if you want to understand why does my cat pounce on my face, read on.

Typically, cats can pounce on your face and hide or run away to ask you to cash him in as part of the play. They can also perform this unusual behavior due to instinct or emotional reasons, or consider it a reward. Let’s get to the in-depth reasons and safe solutions.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Follow Me Then Run Away?

Why Does My Cat Pounce on My Face?

In most cases, cats pounce on their owners’ faces as a part of the play that they do with other cats. It means your cat considers you a surrogate playmate. However, there may be other underlying reasons behind your cat’s unusual behavior. Let’s check some possibilities:

Natural Instinct

A roadside cat typically pounces on something to hunt food. But domestic cats don’t need to do so while you feed them. However, your cat may still pounce on your face due to their hunting instinct. And the behaviors are fairly normal, such as marking territory and meowing at other cats.

Play and Attention

Cats are energetic, and they require ample play sessions to burn energy. So a cat’s pouncing on your face can be the result of asking to play or wanting attention. If that’s the main intention, you’ll notice your cat hiding behind a corner or under furniture and then pouncing at you suddenly. Even your cat may dig his claws into you or touch you lightly with his paws and run away.

For the owners, it’s concerning and alarming as they can be injured due to the cats digging with nails or biting. But it is normal playing behavior for a cat. To keep it safe, give your cat several long-lasting play sessions on a regular basis. This way, your cat will wear out and be done with panting and puffing.

Rewarding

Another possibility is that your cat may find this behavior rewarding. It means that if you cry and chase the cat after she pounces on your face, she will repeat the behavior. Your cat might also feel that this behavior makes for more interaction with you. In short, your cat finds your reaction rewarding.

Emotion

The cat may also start pouncing on its owner’s face due to becoming agitated by other humans or animals surrounding them who introduce this pouncing behavior. Even your cat may exhibit this strange behavior if you feel upset after noticing a neighbor’s cat walking around the yard.

Since your cat can’t chase the outside cat, she may redirect her destructive behavior toward the owner. You can also pounce on your face due to being bothered by your quick movement in the house. For example, if you remain still, your cat may remain calm but pounce on you if it notices you cleaning the house or preparing food.

What to Do If a Cat Pounces on Your Face?

If the lack of playtime is the main reason, stimulate your cat and give him more playtimes. Does your cat lie on a sunny windowsill and watch the world outside? Does she have interactive toys that she can stalk and kill? Cat dancers are also inexpensive, like other toys for pets. Likewise, play with her for some time to burn their extra energy while improving the relationship.

If you can’t spend enough time with your cat, use a cat game app or laser toy to keep them active and entertained.

But if the pouncing behavior becomes intense, let a vet examine your cat and find out if any underlying health problems exist. Despite this, if you are injured due to the pouncing behavior of your cat, speak to a veterinarian to curb this activity. He should also suggest some good safe play activities to redirect this behavior.

FAQs

Why does a cat randomly pounce on their owner?

Your cat may randomly pounce on you due to anxiety or agitation. And they may trigger this behavior from surrounding humans or animals.

Why does my cat pounce on me and bite?

A cat may pounce on its owner and bite as part of the play. In addition, he may enjoy your reaction after pouncing and biting, which encourages him to repeat.

Why does my cat pounce on my feet?

Many cats pounce on their owner’s feet or sweat at the feet as an act of asking for food. Some cats also act out aggression or complete snuggle sessions through this behavior. But the most common reason for pouncing on the feet is asking for play.

Final Words

It’s crucial to give a cat a proper routine to live which involves enough playtime with ample toys, visiting outside, and giving a companion. If your cat gets enough options to burn their extra energy or can’t feel bored and anxious, hope you should no longer ask why does my cat pounce on my face. In addition to the discussion, the behavior with a vet or examining him should not hurt your time and money largely.