I feed two ferals. The one I call Shae scratched me about a month ago; I was talking to her right before I fed her, and she reached up and swiped my arm. It was very small and I chalked it up to hungry impatience.
So I stopped trying to touch them and mostly just fed and talked while I kept moving. This morning, after I put down the food, she attacked my arm while I bent over to fill the water dish. Claws and I believe one puncture with a fang.
So now what ???? She's always been more vocal and will come closer to me than her sister. Her sister was present at feeding time yesterday and Shae hissed at her. Maybe this morning was a reaction to that ?
I love cats. I do not love being attacked for doing nothing.
Hmm. Hard to say what happened. Maybe next time protect your arms and hands with extra clothing? A long time ago, our mom was caring for her sister's two Siamese cats and they were complete terrors to her. She wore oven mitts when serving food and water. (Absolutely true story.)
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it, but as I read this, I thought that she may be ill, or injured, and is in hyper-afraid mode. Or, your hand was moving too fast...for her...so she lashed out. I hope it doesn't happen again, and be careful with that puncture.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry she attacked you. Maybe it is jealousy that you feed her sister too, although I would doubt that.
ReplyDeleteI think displaced anger makes sense. Think about it. When we're mad at someone, we're more likely to lash out at other people. And Shae might feel protective of the food you provide - or even you. Without seeing her body posture, it's kind of hard to tell. Bear never learned to love bite so his love bites are full on fangs. If she was rubbing up against you right before this happened, that might be the case. It's also possible that she's been mistreated by humans before. I know it's hard, but be patient and understand she's terrified and not sure what to think.
ReplyDeleteThat is awful. I am sure she was just scared. I hope your wounds heal quickly. XO
ReplyDeleteWell, it could have been several things...Eastside Cats brought up a good point, she may not be feeling well or you moved too quickly which startled her. Or it was displaced anger as Momma Kat says...or redirected aggression. We hope it doesn’t happen again. Maybe move a little slower with her?
ReplyDeleteYikes, looks like the poor thing might've been scared? I'm not feral, but the first day mom and dad came to visit me before adopting me I got dad pretty good on his arm. Good luck with those dear kitties.
ReplyDeletebelieve it or not but i would take it as a sign that she is actually getting to like you and is uncomfortable with getting attached to a human--my sister is a vet and says that feral cats get stressed when they start to feel relaxed (cause being relaxed is not the way you survive out in the wild!) and so they have these conflicting emotions once they start to like a human and so actually lash out at the human to remind themselves they need to be on guard-seriously i think it means she likes you but doesn't want to like you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that happened. Yes, I would lean towards it being displaced aggression. Please take care of that puncture wound, okay?
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice that you take care of them. I really agree with both Eastside Cats and Momma Kat's ideas.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry be sure to take care of those wounds and watch them.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
Oh I’m sorry you were attacked. I agree with other comments that it may be redirected aggression or she wasn’t feeling well. I hope your arm will heal quickly xo
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