It’s long been known that cats have a strong-willed nature. But even for seasoned cat lovers, it can sometimes be very difficult to understand certain aspects of a cat’s character. After all, a cat will never tell you what it doesn’t like or which things it simply hates.
AdmiGram.com is here to tell you about the everyday habits that cats hate the most — and won’t easily let you forget. So if you’ve noticed that your Oliver or Bella has been giving you the cold shoulder lately, chances are you’ve done one of these things without even realizing it.
10 Things Your Cat Really Hates
You Don’t Pay Attention to the Cat
© Piotr Musioł / Unsplash
Contrary to the popular belief that cats prefer to be left alone, they, like any other pet, need attention and interaction with you. Sometimes your pet simply gets bored and wants to play. It will try to get your attention in various ways: rubbing against your leg, scratching furniture, following you around, or just meowing at you. Don’t ignore your kitty — give it five minutes of your time. And whatever you do, don’t respond with irritation; that will only make things worse.
A Dirty Litter Box
Let’s be honest: would you be thrilled if your own toilet were dirty and smelly? Cats have a sense of smell many times stronger than ours, and they can’t stand a dirty litter box. Keep it clean and fresh, unless you’d like your pet to start looking for alternative bathroom spots — like your kitchen floor or your favorite couch.
Strong Odors
© Steve Tsang / Unsplash
Since cats have such a powerful sense of smell, strong scents can be genuinely overwhelming for them. Try to keep strongly scented plants out of the house, and skip the air fresheners in rooms where your cat spends most of its time.
Spoiled Food in the Bowl
Cats are instinctively cautious about food that’s no longer fresh, and their sharp sense of smell means they’ll notice long before you do. So don’t expect your cat to finish off leftover soup or expired deli meat — it simply won’t. Make sure the food in the bowl doesn’t sit out too long, and keep the bowl itself clean.
Living With Other Cats
© Chen / Unsplash
Cats are territorial by nature, so introducing a new cat into the house can sometimes lead to tension or even fights. That said, it’s not a lost cause — many cats do learn to live together peacefully, especially when the introduction is slow and careful. If you have a multi-cat household or cat-owning neighbors, keep an eye on how your cat responds and give it space to retreat if needed.
Overly Rough Petting
Cats appreciate gentle strokes. If you want to pet your cat, keep your touch slow and soft — many cats are sensitive to fast, heavy-handed petting. Some cats are also prone to feline hyperesthesia, a condition that makes certain areas of the body especially sensitive to touch, so what feels like affection to you might actually cause discomfort.
Loud Noises
© Paul Hanaoka / Unsplash
Loud music, a running vacuum cleaner, or fireworks are far from the only things that stress cats out — even a noisy conversation or a coffee grinder can trigger a startled, fearful reaction. If you’re hosting a party or blasting music, set up a quiet, cozy corner where your cat can retreat.
Pills
If your cat ever needs medication, keep in mind that tablets or capsules swallowed without enough water can get stuck in the esophagus, which is both painful and potentially harmful. Whenever possible, opt for liquid medication, or crush tablets as directed by your vet — never give a cat a dry pill without following up with water or food.
Water
© Brad Pearson / Unsplash
If you really want to upset your cat, give it a bath. Cats have a thin layer of air trapped in their undercoat that helps regulate body temperature; once the fur gets wet, that insulation is gone, and the cat starts to feel cold. That’s why most cats avoid water — and why they tend to remember (and resent) bath time for a long while afterward.
Travel Carriers
Cats have excellent memories, especially when it comes to anything that restricts their freedom. They’ll quickly associate the carrier with a trip to the vet or an unfamiliar place. If a trip is unavoidable, try to make the experience less stressful — familiar bedding, a favorite toy, or a calming spray can help. If your cat gets especially anxious, ask your veterinarian about safe options for the ride.
image on top: Andrew Umansky / Unsplash
