Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Dogs are known for being fiercely devoted to their pet parents, but is there such thing as a protective cat? Learn whether your kitty feels protective of you and how they might let you know it.
Cats are often stereotyped as standoffish and aloof, even to the people who love them most, but the truth is that cats can be just as protective of their people as dogs are of theirs. Put simply, cats love their family and their family loves them right back. In a groundbreaking study published in 2011, researchers showed for the first time that "cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds," according to NBC News.
You might not realize how closely your cat pays attention to where you are and what you're doing. Petful highlights a cat who protected a child from a dog attack as well as numerous cats who alerted their humans to medical emergencies, including cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning. Kitties use their razor-sharp hearing and smelling abilities to keep their pet parents safe.
More frequently, cats try to protect their pet parents from people they consider to be dangerous. Although cats are fierce predators, humans can seem big and scary to some cats. It's instinctual for a cat to defend their territory and yours.
But while it's adorable to imagine your kitty rushing in to save the day, they probably don't think the same way about their actions. Renowned animal behaviorist Dr. John Bradshaw, in National Geographic, cautions against people's tendency "to imagine that [cats] have thoughts and intentions rather like ours." If your cat attempts to protect you from something (or someone), they're probably just following their instinct.
In some cases, cats can be protective to the point of aggression. Try to pay attention to your cat's nonverbal communication so you can determine what's causing your kitty to go on the defense.
To tell if your cat is in bodyguard mode, look for the following cat body language:
A protective cat is a fearful cat, and fear can turn into aggression. But before you go out and purchase a "Beware of attack cat" sign for your front door, work on ways to calm your aggressive cat and teach them their behavior is unacceptable.
Know that, while you shouldn't reward your cat's hostility, punishing an aggressive cat isn't productive either. "It is very important not to console an aggressive cat, as this may be perceived as approval of aggression," explains the Cornell Feline Health Center. "It is also important not to retreat or show fear, as this may reinforce the behavior if your retreat is what the cat wants." The best thing to do in this type of situation? Walk away and encourage other people in your household to do the same.
Are cats protective? It's your pet's instinct to react when they smell, hear or otherwise sense something strange. It's also in their DNA to go on the defense when they're frightened. It's nice to know that in times of trouble, your cat's got your back.
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.