Skip to Content

Why does my cat attack my feet?

This post will show you why your cat might attack your feet and what you can do about it.

So, why does my cat attack my feet? Possible reasons why your cat attacks your feet are that it is playing, it is intimidated, it wants you to stop touching it, or it sees your feet as prey.

Your cat could actually be doing it because of a number of different reasons and it could be the result of a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.

Why does my cat attack my feet?

Below are a number of possible causes and what would make each of them more likely to be the main reason.

Intimidation

The reason why your cat attacks your feet could be that it feels intimidated. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are touching your cat with your feet and your cat seems to pull away from you and if it also scratches, or hisses. In this case, it could be the case that you are not being gentle enough or you are approaching it too boldly.

It’s playing

The reason why your cat attacks your feet could also be that it is playing. This would be more likely if your cat does it when you are walking or when you are moving your feet while your are sat down.

Related: Why does my cat attack my leg?

It wants you to stop touching it

If your cat does it when you are touching it, with your feet, the cause could be that it wants you to stop touching it with your feet. This would be more likely if it also tries to move away from you.

Related: Why does my cat attack my hand?

It sees your feet as prey

Your feet move about like a mouse might. The reason why your cat attacks your feet might be that it sees your feet as prey. This would also be more likely if it does it when you are moving your feet around.

Things to consider about your cat attacking your feet

Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.

If it has always attacked your feet

If your cat did not always attack your feet, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it might have something to do with a change in the way you have been touching your cat with your feet.

What is different when your cat does not attack your feet

If your cat seems to do it more in specific situations, it would also help to consider what is different when it does not attack your feet. For example, if it only does it when you are moving your feet, the cause would be more likely to be that it is playing and sees your feet as prey.

What to do about your cat attacking your feet

Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.

Get your cat to sit somewhere else

If your cat attacks your feet when you are sat down, one option would be to get your cat to sit somewhere else. One way to do so would be to put a cat bed somewhere for it to lay down in.

Wear shoes

If your cat has been attacking your feet at a specific time, another option would be to simply wear shoes at that time.

Give it distractions

Another option would be to give your cat toys that it can be distracted by so that it is less likely to attack your feet.