Dear Critter Corner: There are a lot of birds outside of my apartment and my cat has been stalking them from inside. Then when I’m walking around she keeps trying to grab at my pants or nip my legs.
It sounds like what you’re describing is your cat potentially becoming overstimulated by the birds outside of your home and then redirecting this towards you. Your cat’s natural instinct to hunt may be triggered by the birds and since she is unable to complete the hunt cycle, she then tries to pounce on you.
It may be helpful to try to limit her visibility to the birds by partially or fully closing curtains or blinds during the day. If you like to have some natural light in your home, you may also want to consider horizontal blinds that can be closed at the bottom of the window and left open towards the top half. This will allow natural light in but limit her view of the birds.
When your cat is redirecting her behavior towards you, it would be a good idea to follow up with a long cat wand with a toy at the end that she can chase and pounce upon. This will help ease her frustration and reward her with the appropriate play item instead of grabbing at your pants. You may also want to consider increasing the amount of daily play she receives and assess whether her toys are really engaging her or if they need to be rotated out for new toys. You’ll know when she’s tired from playtime if she’s lying down and preferring to rest. If after a short play session she’s ready for more, engage her again until she tires.
Another fun game to incorporate into her daily exercise includes having your cat chase after kibble or treats. This will also help her to use her natural instincts of chasing, then pouncing. Reward her hunt with the treat. Try this out at least once or twice a day and determine what amount of playtime helps to decrease unwanted behaviors from your cat.