Why did the normally mellow Mountain View cat suddenly attack his owner?
Briefly

The article discusses an incident where a cat named Butter attacked its owner in response to seeing two raccoons outside. This behavior is explained as redirected aggression, a typical cat response when they cannot confront the real threat. The owner is advised on measures to mitigate such incidents in the future, such as closing blinds to prevent visual triggers and providing a safe retreat for pets. The piece highlights the complexities of feline behavior and the need for understanding cat instincts in managing pet safety.
Redirected aggression in cats occurs when they feel threatened by an external stimulus but can't respond directly, leading them to redirect their frustration towards a nearby person. This behavior isn't personal, but rather a primal instinct to protect their territory.
To prevent future aggressive outbursts, close blinds at night to shield your cat from visual triggers and ensure they have a safe, comforting space to retreat to when upset.
Read at The Mercury News
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