7 Things People Do That Cats Hate

Is your cat displaying signs of being upset or anxious? Are there any negative body signals or inappropriate bathroom habits?

What’s bothering your cat may also bother you. Cats and humans share more pet peeves than you may think, such as dirty bathrooms, spoiled food, and loud music. As a cat owner, you might unknowingly be making mistakes that cats can’t stand. Here’s how to remedy them.

Cats Hate Feeling Lonely

Contrary to popular belief, cats are not solitary animals. Although they can be left alone for longer periods than dogs, cats still need attention and companionship. If left alone for extended periods, they can become agitated, anxious, and even depressed. If you have a busy schedule, try to spend a few minutes each day with your cat. Even just 15 minutes of playtime every few hours can keep your cat happy and healthy. Another option is to consider adopting another cat to provide a full-time companion for your pet.

Cats Hate Dirty Litter Boxes

Like humans, cats detest using a dirty toilet. It’s important to clean out your cat’s litter boxes every day. If you’re not keen on daily scooping, consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. Additionally, the type of litter you use and the number of cats in your household affect replacement frequency. Litter should be replaced about every two weeks.

Cats Hate Spoiled Food

Just like humans, cats don’t like spoiled food. Be sure to check the expiration dates on both wet and dry food before serving them to your cat. If you find that you have a lot of leftovers after feeding your cat, reassess the portion sizes. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the appropriate portion size based on your cat’s breed, age, and activity levels.

Cats Hate Yucky Medicine

When it comes to medicine, cats are just like us: they don’t like yucky-tasting medication. To make the experience more palatable, it’s important to train your cat to be comfortable with having its face handled. Train it to tolerate having its mouth handled as well. Associate these sensations with something positive by rewarding your cat with a small treat. Establishing a medication schedule can also help your cat know what to expect and when.

Cats Hate Overly Aggressive Petting

Cats can be extremely sensitive to tactile stimuli. So, it’s important to be mindful of where and how you pet them. Cats generally prefer to be petted around their head and neck areas. Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior and body signals to understand acceptable and unacceptable petting.

Cats Hate Competition From Other Cats

Cats can become jealous of each other when it comes to food, space, toys, or even their humans’ attention. This jealousy or resource guarding may lead to aggression. For example, if a house cat feels threatened by an outdoor cat, they may redirect their aggression. They can’t attack the outdoor cat. They may attack another cat inside the house.

Cats Hate Loud Noises

Loud noises, such as thunderstorms, arguments, and fireworks, can seriously stress out your cat. Chronic stress from loud noises can lead to several behavioral and health issues. Try to limit your cat’s exposure to loud noises. Keep it in a quiet, safe space when guests are over or during bad weather. Also, avoid playing very loud music or turning up the volume on the TV.