Why Did My Cat Lash Out At Me

[Treacle71]

My cat most of the time sleeps with me. I woke up during the night last night and I stroked him once on his back and if I hadn't moved my arm away he would have attacked me. I saw him lift his leg and paw up ready for war! Why did he do this? Other than that, although he's a feisty thing, he's otherwise fine 🤷

[Buenchico]

It was probably just an instinctive fear reaction to being 'attacked' (as his body would have perceived it) while in the middle of enjoying a lovely snooze.

[pastafreak]

Maybe you startled him and that was his gut reaction...to defend himself. He didn't actually touch you though, did he?

[Hopkirk]

Maybe in his dream you were a dog

[calmck]

You woke him up

[johnk]

Let sleeping cats lie.

[Treacle71]

Hi pastafreak. No he didn't attack me, but would've, hadn't I moved my arm back in time! 🤷

[drmorgans]

 

Aren't you grumpy when you've been woken from a catnap?

 

[barry1010]

I'd lash out at you if you woke me up in the middle of the night 

[douglas9401]

The action stems from a deep sense of entitlement reinforced by endless drivel about them being special and actually in control, some might say enabled.

[bednobs]

it's because cats are b'stards

[Gill1941]

My late black tom hated his belly being rubbed and always pummeled with his back legs.

I doubt if he "attacked"!

[Treacle71]

Thanks all!  Some made me smile xx