Why do cats like to pounce on people?

There are mainly two reasons why cats like to pounce on people: the first is the inherent hunting instinct of cats, who see people as prey and therefore exhibit pouncing behavior. The second reason is that the cat is seeking revenge on its owner. This occurs when the owner loudly reprimands or punishes the cat, causing it to develop a desire for retribution. As a result, the cat will suddenly pounce on the owner to exact revenge. When cats display this behavior, owners should patiently discipline them to break their habit, and remember not to hit or scold the cat again, or it may have the opposite effect.

Innate Instinct

Cats have a hunting instinct, so when they play, they treat anything that moves as a potential prey. If someone passes by them at this moment, they will suddenly pounce and then run away. To address this, owners can provide the cat with more toys, such as wool balls or toy mice, to allow them to practice hunting. Once the cat is tired from playing, it will have less energy to pounce on people.

Revenge on the Owner

Some cats hold grudges easily. If the owner does something they dislike, such as shouting at them, punishing them, or accidentally stepping on them, the cat will develop a desire for revenge. Once they find an opportunity, they will suddenly pounce on the owner or even urinate on the owner's bed. If this is the case, the owner should not punish the cat further but instead make the cat feel safe and secure. This can be achieved by gently stroking the cat's chin and back, and playing with them more often. Avoid forcing the cat to do anything it doesn't want to do.