Any cat owners out there will know just how confusing cats can be sometimes. Just figuring out what makes them tick (or hiss) is a mission on its own! However, some of the things we do with the best intentions might just be getting on their last nerve. Let’s look at things from a cat’s eye view and learn about the top 10 things people do that cats actually hate.
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Forcing Them to Interact
Cats hate it when they’re enjoying some alone time and you come over to scoop them for a hug without asking. They really don’t like it when we force cuddles on them without picking up on their cues. They care a lot about consent! The next time, wait for them to come to you to make those cuddles all the more special.
Loud Noises
Cats’ ears can pick up sounds we can’t even imagine hearing. As such, when we’re listening to our favorite tunes at max volume or vacuuming like there’s no tomorrow, it’s rather jarring to our feline friends. Try to keep things on the down-low so that your cat’s day is a lot more peaceful. They deserve it!
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Ignoring Their Litter Box Cleanliness
Nobody likes a dirty bathroom—including cats. They really can’t stand a litter box that hasn’t been scooped regularly as it’s bad for both their hygiene & comfort. After all, you wouldn’t expect your loved ones to use a filthy bathroom, would you? So keep your cat’s litter box spotless—it shows you care about their needs.
Sudden Changes in Their Environment
Cats are creatures of habit. As such, moving furniture around or doing some redecorating can really throw them for a loop. Just think of it like someone rearranging your house so you kept bumping into things—that’s not fun! Instead, try making gradual changes to your home as these can go a long way.
Direct Eye Contact
Even though making eye contact is important for us humans, for cats – not so much. In cat language, prolonged eye contact is like throwing down a gauntlet—it shows you’re ready to fight. If you want to show you’re friendly, try blinking slowly instead because this is like sending a kitty kiss!
Not Providing Enough Stimulation
Whenever you get bored, you probably end up mindlessly scrolling through your phone. Cats get bored but instead of smartphones, they need toys & playtime. It keeps their brains and bodies active, which also keeps them out of trouble. Playing is their version of a hobby—don’t deprive them of it.
Ignoring Their Hunting Instincts
Similarly, cats are natural-born hunters and they need to express this instinct. Without it, they might get frustrated (or even a little sad) because they’re missing out on an important part of life. Try using interactive toys that mimic prey to make playtime more exciting & fulfilling for them. You can even get robot ones that you simply switch on!
Too Much Petting
Yep, there really is too much of a good thing. Some cats love a good petting session but others have a shorter fuse for being touched so you should watch for signs they’ve had enough. This can include twitching tails or flattened ears. You really don’t want to overstep their boundaries—it’ll hurt!
Introducing New Pets Too Quickly
You’d be quite scared if a new roommate just showed up one day without any notice—your cat feels the same way about new furry family members. Give any new family members a slow & steady introduction. This way, both of them can get used to the idea without feeling threatened or upset.
Neglecting Routine Veterinary Care
While most of us don’t love going to the doctor, we know it’s for our own good. The same goes for cats. They need regular check-ups to catch any health issues early and keep them in the best shape. Essentially, it’s another form of love—you’re keeping them healthy & happy. You can’t put a price on that.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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