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We all have heard of guard dogs, but guard cats? Is it possible to train your cat to guard your house or your belongings? Is there any particular breed of cats that can be trained to protect you? The answer to all the above three questions is yes. Cats can be trained to guard your home.
Not all are scared cats
Most cat owners would describe their furball as an animal who thinks humans exist in this world to serve them. They think of cats as a highly intelligent species that also happens to be lazy. The question in this context is whether a cat will attack any intruder who threatens its family. In other words, will the mild-mannered lazy cat suddenly transform into a brave cat who will protect its human family? Searching the Internet will bring on results that are just the opposite. Cats are so afraid that they run away at the slightest danger. There is a term for it, too, the scaredy-cat.
To alleviate your concerns, guard cats do exist. Do note that a guard cat will not have the same intimidatory tactics as a guard dog. Intruders will have a completely different experience with a guard cat compared to a guard dog. Canines are known to attack intruders and people who try to harm their owners.
Individual cat
Before you congratulate yourself for owning a cat, do remember that not all cats are the same. Your cat may protect you if someone tries to do you harm. On the flip side, it may not protect you at all. No scientific evidence on this score exists. Whether your cat will protect you (or not) will depend on its individual personality. Before you scream about this ambiguity, remember dogs are the same. Many so-called "guard dogs" hide under the bed at the nearest sign of danger. A few cars are known to selflessly protect their owners by fighting off intruders, even if it knows a lot of danger is involved.
Cats are much more territorial than dogs. It means that a cat will meow, growl, or raise hackles if someone violates their territory. The cat may also attack the person if the animal feels threatened or believes that its companion human is in danger. Scientists are yet to find out why your cat protects you. Is it out of love, or does your cat think it owns you? The easiest way to find out is to ask the cat, but you and your cat do not share a common language. A few cat breeds are found to be more protective of humans compared to others. These breeds generally act more dog-like than cats. The Abyssinian and Burmese are two examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat be a guard cat?
While cats are known for their hunting skills and ability to protect themselves, they are generally not as effective at guarding a home or property as dogs. However, some cats can certainly exhibit protective behaviors and act as a form of security for their owners. For example, some cats will hiss or growl at strangers or intruders and may even attack if they feel threatened. They may also patrol their territory and mark their scent to deter other animals from entering. Some breeds, such as the Siamese or the Sphynx, are known for being particularly vocal and alert, which can make them good watch cats. That being said, cats are not typically trained to be guard animals in the same way that dogs are. They are independent creatures and are unlikely to follow commands or obey their owners in the same way that dogs do. Additionally, cats tend to be less predictable than dogs and may not always react in the way their owners expect them to.
What type of cat is a really good guard?
While cats are not typically trained as guard animals, certain breeds may be more inclined to exhibit protective behaviors than others. Maine Coon cats are very large and strong and can be very protective of their home and family. They are known for being loyal and affectionate and may act aggressively toward intruders or other animals. Siamese cats are known for being vocal and protective of their owners. They can be very affectionate with their family but are often wary of strangers. Sphynx cats are very active and curious and tend to be very attached to their owners. They are known for being alert and watchful and may act aggressively toward strangers or other animals. American Shorthair cats are generally quiet and easygoing but can become very protective of their home and family if they feel threatened. They are known for being independent and self-sufficient, which can make them good at watching cats.
Do cats ever defend their owners?
Yes, cats have been known to defend their owners in certain situations. While they are not typically trained as guard animals like dogs, cats can be very protective of their owners and their home territory. In some cases, a cat may perceive a threat and act to defend their owner, such as by hissing, growling, or even attacking an intruder or an aggressor. This is more likely to happen if the cat feels very attached to their owner and sees them as part of their social group or family. However, cats are individuals and can have different personalities and temperaments. Not all cats may be inclined to defend their owners in this way, and some may be more likely to flee or hide in the face of danger. Additionally, cats can sometimes act unpredictably, so it's always important to take precautions to keep yourself and your pet safe.
Can you train a cat to defend you?
While cats can certainly exhibit protective behaviors and act as a form of security for their owners, they are not typically trained as guard animals in the same way that dogs are. Cats are independent creatures and are unlikely to follow commands or obey their owners in the same way that dogs do. That being said, you can still work with your cat to help them feel more comfortable and confident in defending their territory and protecting their owners. One way to do this is to provide them with a safe and secure environment, such as a room with plenty of hiding places and perches, where they can retreat if they feel threatened. You can also socialize your cat and expose them to a variety of people and situations from a young age so they become accustomed to different stimuli and feel more confident in new environments. This can help your cat become more comfortable around strangers and more vigilant in defending their territory and protecting their owners.
How do you know if your cat is protecting you?
Cats can be very intuitive and may exhibit certain behaviors if they sense that their owner or their territory is being threatened. If your cat hisses, growls, or yowls at a perceived threat, it may be trying to warn it away or intimidate it. Cats may puff up their fur, arching their backs, or stand with their tails erect when they feel threatened or are trying to defend their territory. Some cats may follow their owners around when they feel that their owner needs protection or may be trying to keep an eye on a perceived threat. If your cat is constantly alert and aware of their surroundings, it may be on the lookout for potential threats. In some cases, cats may become aggressive toward a perceived threat and may even attack if they feel that their owner or their territory is being threatened. Cats are individuals and may have different personalities and temperaments, and not all cats will exhibit these protective behaviors. Additionally, some cats may be more prone to anxiety or fear, which could cause them to hide or flee in the face of perceived danger.
