Do house cats ever act protectively such as a pet dog might?

Question

Just a random thought. I was watching my house cat assume her normal perch on the edge of my bed last night when I considered whether or not it was a "protective" position. My dog used to sleep in the same place and he definetly went into protection mode while I slept. I know that wild cats are more solotairy animals than dogs- with their pack mentality- yet I know that certain great cats do hunt and live in packs, for example lions. Would house cats have any of the similar pack mentality with their owners that dogs do? I wonder if there are any stories of normal house cats attacking people in "protection" of their owners?

Answer 1

Did you know that Egyptian cats were trained to guard the palace gates. If anyone dared tried to get in, well.....let's just say they only tried it once.
Cats are definitely protective. I had a wonderful cat who lived to be 22 years of age. She slept with me every night and neither my mother, nor my son would dare cross the threshold of my bedroom if I was sleeping. She never actually attacked but she did a lot of hissing and we never tempted her further than that.

Answer 2

There was one case where a robber broke into a house and the cat jumped off the top of the refrigerator onto the guy. The cat scratched him so badly that there was blood everywhere in the house and the thief actually had to seek medical assistance. When he did somebody put 2 and 2 together and they used the blood from the crime scene to convict the guy. However, I don't think this was the cat protecting their owner because no one was in the house. I think cats are more likely to protect their territory. I've known several acts that had strong drives to protect their territory. My cat is fine with people, but any other animal (even my two dogs) that is in 'his' house is a target. Another example would be my friend who had a Maine Coon cat. She had her own room in the house and the only person that could go into the room was my friend. No one else in the 8 person household could go in the room or the cat would run them off hissing and swiping. Seems to me it's probably the cats protecting their territory and not you...but dogs do the same thing. Just call him your guard cat.

Answer 3

She can outgrow her allergies. Especially if she's spent time building up an immunity. When she gets a little older, there will be medications she can take. If you know somebody who has a low-dander breed (poodle, terrier...). You could try spending time with them to see if your daughter does ok. If she does, then you can look into the breed to own. If she shows signs of allergies, but not real bad/life threatening. Spend many shorter sessions with the breed so perhaps her body can overcome some of the allergies. Two-year-olds usually love any animals. Fish would be a great way to teach her about pets and life. If you research cycling, you can establish a small tank that won't be a deathtrap, so you won't be replacing goldy a million times before she sees him dead. They do have genetically engineered cats with the protein that causes allergies removed. They cost about $3500. They are relatively new and god only knows how such a protein-sensitive animal can be healthy without this protein, but they say the cats live a relatively normal lifespan.

Answer 4

I've had a few very protective cats. In fact the one we have now although he is outside, we always know if someone has been there is coming or is close he will start to growl wether he knows them or not. I've had cats go after people that I was arguing with or they were just simply being obnoxious, just like a dog would. I do know if there is more than one they will gang up on things if needed.

Answer 5

Yes... many cats are protective not only of their home turf but those they consider belongs to them - like their pet guardians. I have heard a story on TV about this blind cat who like to take up a perching position on his cat tree by the window. Anyway, one night, a burgler entered the fateful window... when he got bodily into the house, next think he knew was this "thing" come flying out of nowhere and latch onto his head. It was the blind cat and she literally drew blood. The burgler was so shocked by the sudden attack that he panicked, dove head first through the fateful window, leaving one shoe and a trail of blood. Pet owners woke up rushed downstairs and there they saw the evidence of the break and entry and their faithful cat standing by the window all prickled up and angry. They called the police who verified the story.

So... there you go.

Answer 6

My cat has done a run-by attack. He waits in the room next to the door, not every time but once in a while, he will run out and attack whoever comes in and then takes off not to be seen for a few hours. He has been declawed and i think he sees it more as a game, but it scares the bejeezes out of my guests.

Answer 7

i would say yes. i have a fire exit your at my livingroom window and they were painting it so the guy started to talk to one of my cats and the other came from the other room and attacked him through the screen scared him lol. and when my grandma died she was in her housr for three days with her cat and when we found her my mom took the cat and now you can not take a bath with the door closed with the cat going crazy and that is the only room you cant close the door to she is afraid that you will not come back out. also when my friend is over and her kids are sleeping my female goes in and out of the room looking in on them and sometimes sleeps with them. they told me my house was on fire.

Answer 8

Cats can be surprising. I am sure they are are protective. I was watching Animal Miracles on animal planet and a cat attacked a burglar...

Answer 9

I think a cat is more than less likely to run and hide if a stranger comes in...its their instinct of survival. Dogs on the other hand would jump and bark and bite...Why do you think they were named mans best friend? It is their instinct to fight off the unknown strangers in battle to protect the ones they love

Answer 10

They sure do, I have a cat that will attack anyone new who comes into my house until my boyfriend or I pick him up and pet him to let him know that the person is ok.