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There are a lot of things cats hate. In fact, cats can be downright fussy when it comes to the things they will or won’t tolerate. Some people might say that cats are just like toddlers, and they would be right! If you want to keep your cat happy (and who doesn’t?), then it’s important to know what makes them tick. In this article, we have listed 33 of the most common things that cats despise. Keep this list handy the next time your cat starts acting up—you’ll be able to quickly identify the problem and take corrective action!
1) High-pitched sounds
As any cat owner knows, cats can be fickle creatures with their own unique preferences. When it comes to things that cats hate, high-pitched sounds are near the top of the list. Whether it’s a shrill whistle or a piercing squeak, these sounds are sure to send your cat running for the hills. In addition to being annoying, high-pitched sounds can also be painful for cats, as they have much sharper hearing than humans. So next time you’re looking to get your cat’s attention, avoid using a high-pitched voice – your feline friend will thank you for it.
2) Dirty litter box
Any cat owner knows that a clean litter box is essential to keeping their feline friend happy. Cats are meticulous about the cleanliness of their environments, and even a small amount of dirt can be enough to send them looking for a new place to do their business. In fact, one of the things cats hate most is a dirty litter box. Not only is it unsightly, but it also has a strong smell that can be very off-putting to cats.
Not surprisingly, one of the main reasons cats urinate outside of the litter box is that they are trying to avoid using a dirty one. Therefore, it is important to scoop out the litter box daily and give it a thorough cleaning on a weekly basis. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your cat happy and prevent them from doing weird things around the house.
3) Cold
While cats are adapted to living in climates that experience cold winters, they still don’t enjoy being cold. When temperatures drop, cats will seek out warm places to curl up and sleep. They may also spend more time grooming themselves in an effort to generate heat. So if you see your cat acting a little funny when the weather gets chilly, don’t be alarmed. It’s just their way of dealing with the cold.
4) Change
Cats are creatures of habit. They like things to stay the same and dislike change. This can be seen in their routine behavior. For example, they will often have a set time for eating and sleeping. If their routine is disrupted, they may become anxious or stressed.
In addition, cats prefer to have their own space. They like to have a place where they feel safe and secure. When this space is invaded, they may respond by hiding or becoming aggressive. Change can also be stressful for cats because it can lead to new sights, smells, and sounds. This can be particularly overwhelming for indoor cats who are not used to outside stimuli. As a result, it’s important to be understanding of your cat’s needs when it comes to change.
5) Strangers
Cats are often thought of as aloof and independent creatures, but the truth is that they form strong bonds with their owners and can be very affectionate. However, cats also have a strong sense of territory, and they can be very wary of strangers. When a cat meets someone new, it will usually go through a period of hiding and observation. They will carefully watch the stranger from a safe distance, and if the person seems threatening or overwhelming, the cat may hiss or even swat. In general, it takes cats a little time to warm up to new people. But once they get to know someone, they can be just as loving as any other pet.
6) Too much attention
Cats are independent creatures that usually prefer to do things on their own terms. One of the things cats hate the most is too much attention. While it’s important to show your cat some love, constantly following them around and trying to pet them can be very annoying. If you want to show your cat some affection, it’s best to do so in a way that they can control, such as petting them on their terms or providing them with a comfy spot to relax. By respecting your cat’s boundaries, you can avoid things that they hate and build a strong bond with your furry friend.
7) Being Ignored
There are a few things in this world that cats really hate. One of those things is being ignored. If you have ever owned a cat, you know that they can be very vocal when they want your attention. They may meow, cry, or even use their claws to get your attention. And if you ignore them, they will definitely let you know that they are not happy about it.
Cats also hate changes in their routine. If you usually pet them before you leave for work, but one day you don’t, they will know and they will not be happy about it. So if you want to keep your cat happy, make sure you give them the attention they crave and don’t change things up too much.
8) Competition
Cats are fickle creatures, and there are many things that can set them off. However, one of the things they really hate is competition. If there are multiple cats in a household, they will often compete for attention, food, and toys. This can lead to fighting, and even though cats usually aren’t looking for a fight, they can be very territorial. As a result, it’s often best to keep things evenly divided between cats to avoid any conflict. Otherwise, you might just end up with a house full of grumpy kitties.
9) Not having a safe hiding spot
Cats are notoriously independent creatures, and they generally want to do things their own way. This can make them seem aloof or even uninterested in their human companions. However, cats still have a strong need for security and will feel anxious if they don’t have a safe place to hide.
When things in their environment feel overwhelming, cats will instinctively seek out a small, enclosed space where they can retreat from the chaos. Without a safe hiding spot, cats may become agitated or even aggressive. So if you want to keep your cat happy and stress-free, make sure to provide them with a cozy place to call their own.
10) Surprises
There are a number of things that cats hate, and surprises are definitely one of them. Cats like to know what’s going on around them at all times, and surprises can be very jarring for them. If you’re planning on throwing a party or having a lot of people over, it’s best to let your cat know in advance so they can prepare themselves mentally and emotionally.
In addition to surprises, cats also hate sudden changes in their routine. If you’re going to be out of town for a few days, make sure to put your cat’s food and water in a place where they can’t see or reach them. This will help to minimize the amount of stress they feel while you’re away.
11) Water
Cats really hate water. In fact, most things that have to do with being wetter than they want to be rank high on a cat’s list of things they dislike. This is likely because when they get wet, their fur clumps together and they end up looking and feeling more like soggy rats than a sleek and graceful felines.
In addition, water can remove the natural oils from their fur, leaving it dry and vulnerable to matting. As a result, it’s not surprising that cats will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet. So, the next time you see a cat run away at the sight of a puddle, remember that it’s just trying to stay dry.
12) Dressing
Cats are creatures of habit, and they prefer their things done a specific way. When you try to dress them in clothes, it goes against everything they stand for. Here are some things cats hate about dressing themselves:
- They feel constricted and uncomfortable in clothes.
- They hate the way the fabric feels on their fur.
- It limits their movement and they feel vulnerable.
- They feel like they can’t escape if they need to.
All of these things add up to a big no-no for cats when it comes to dressing them. So, if you’re thinking about putting your cat in a sweater, think again! They will probably just end up hating you for it.
13) Dog visitors
If you’re a cat owner, you know that your feline friend can be a bit of a diva. While they may show their affection for you in their own special way, there are also a lot of things that cats hate. One of those things is having to share their space with dog visitors. Dogs are often loud and boisterous, and they have a tendency to try to eat everything in sight – including the things that belong to your cat.
Cats also hate it when dogs invade their personal space, sniffing them in ways that are just plain rude. As a result, it’s not uncommon for cats to hide when dogs come over. So if you’re expecting company and you have both cats and dogs, it’s best to keep them separated to avoid any potential conflict.
14) Medicine
Cats are notorious for their hatred of things like baths, vet visits, and medication. In fact, many cats will go to great lengths to avoid taking their medicine. Some common things that cats hate include the taste, smell, and texture of medication. The experience of taking medicine can also be unpleasant for cats, as they may not like being held down or having something inserted into their mouths.
As a result, it’s often necessary to get creative when administering medication to cats. However, even when cats hate medicine, it’s important to make sure they take their prescribed medications in order to maintain their health.
15) Spoiled food
There are a lot of things that cats hate, and one of them is spoiled food. When food starts to spoil, it releases bacteria and other toxins that can make them sick. Additionally, the smell of spoiled food is often very unpleasant to cats. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving your cat any food that has gone bad. If you’re not sure whether something is safe for your cat to eat, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out. After all, your cat’s health is always more important than anything else.
16) Tummy rubs
While most cats enjoy being petted, there are some things that they really don’t like. One of the things that cats hate the most is having their tummies rubbed. This is because, in the wild, a cat’s belly is its most vulnerable spot. So, when you rub a cat’s tummy, it feels like you’re leaving it exposed and unprotected. So, if you want to keep your cat happy, it’s best to stick to scratches behind the ears and chin rubs.
17) Strong smells
One thing that all cats seem to agree on, however, is that they hate strong smells. Whether it’s the smell of garlic or the scent of citrus, things that have a strong odor are a turnoff for cats. This is likely because their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours – what smells mildly unpleasant to us is often overwhelming for them. So if you’re looking to make your home more cat-friendly, it’s best to avoid strongly scented products.
18) Being stared at them
There are a number of things that cats hate, and one of them is being stared at. If you find yourself engaged in a staring contest with a cat, chances are you’re not going to win. In fact, you might just end up getting a hostile reaction. Cats hate being stared at because they interpret it as a threat. In the wild, staring is often used as a way to assert dominance over another animal.
Thus, when a cat is stared at by a human, they feel like they are being challenged. So if you want to keep your cat happy, avoid staring them down. Instead, try blinking slowly or looking away for a brief moment to show that you’re not a threat.
19) Training
Cats are known for being self-sufficient, and they generally have little patience for things that they see as a waste of time. This includes things like training, which can be viewed as an exercise in futility from a cat’s perspective. After all, why should they have to perform tricks on command when they already know how to do things like using the litter box?
In addition, cats dislike being restrained, and the process of training often requires them to be on a leash or in a cage. As a result, it’s not surprising that most cats hate the idea of training, and prefer to assert their independence at every opportunity.
20) Waking them up from a nap
It’s no secret that cats love to sleep. In fact, they spend an average of 16 hours a day snoozing. So, it’s no surprise that one of the things cats hate the most is being woken up from a nap. Whether it’s by a loud noise or a pesky human, being interrupted mid-snooze can be incredibly frustrating for a cat.
Not only does it disrupt their much-needed rest, but it can also leave them feeling groggy and disoriented. If you must wake your cat from a nap, it’s best to do so gradually and gently. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a few angry scratches.
21) Touch their paws
Cats are wonderful creatures, but they can be very fickle. Just when you think you’ve won their affection, they may turn around and scratch you for no apparent reason. So what do cats hate? One thing cats hate is having their paws touched. This is because the pads of their paws are extremely sensitive. They can feel things that we can’t, and even the lightest touch can be uncomfortable for them. If you want to pet your cat, it’s best to stay away from their paws and focus on their back or head instead.
22) Being over-groomed
While cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits, there are actually a number of things that can make them hate grooming. One of the most common is when their fur becomes matted or tangled. This can be painful for cats and make it difficult for them to groom properly.
Cats hate it when their fur is greasy or oily, as this can make them feel dirty and unclean. Another thing that can make cats hate grooming is when their nails become overgrown. Long nails can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for cats to scratch themselves properly. As a result, it’s important to keep your cat’s nails trimmed and to avoid letting their fur become too matted or greasy.
23) Closing them in a room
Cats dislike being confined to tiny areas. When they’re confined in a room, they become stressed and trapped. Make sure you provide your cat with plenty of space to move about if you want them to be happy.
24) Touch their tails
Believe it or not, there are things that even the most aloof of cats hate. And one of those things is having their tails touched. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and their tails are even more so. A cat’s tail is full of nerve endings, which means that even the lightest touch can be painful. So, if you see a cat backing away when you try to pet its tail, it’s best to just leave it alone.
In addition to being painful, tail touching can also be intrusive and stressful for cats. So, next time you’re looking to show your feline friend some love, give it’s head a scratch instead.
25) Being cradled like a baby
There are a number of things that cats hate, and being cradled like a baby is definitely one of them. When you cradle a cat in your arms, it feels confined and vulnerable, two things that are very stressful for a prey animal.
Cats dislike being handled in a way that doesn’t allow them to move around freely. So if you want to hold your cat, it’s best to do it in a way that allows them to escape if they feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, you’re likely to end up with a very unhappy kitty on your hands.
26) Car rides
Anyone who has ever tried to take a cat on a car ride knows that it is not an easy task. Cats hate car rides for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they are confined to a small space, the lack of control they have over their surroundings, and the strange noises and motion of the car. As a result, cats often become stressed and agitated when they are in the car, resulting in them vocalizing their displeasure or even becoming violent.
Fortunately, there are a few things that owners can do to make the experience more bearable for both them and their feline friends. For example, covering the carrier with a towel can help to calm the cat down, and playing soothing music in the background can help to drown out the noise of the car. By taking some simple steps, owners can make the dreaded car ride a little bit easier on their cat.
27) Copying them with Meow
One of the things that cats really hate is when we humans try to copy them by meowing. To a cat, meowing is how they communicate with other cats, so when we do it, we’re just imitating them and not actually trying to communicate. This can be very frustrating for a cat, and they will often respond by meowing even louder in an attempt to get us to stop. So next time you’re tempted to meow at your cat, think about how much they must hate it and save yourself the hassle.
28) Being picked up
Cats hate mostly hate being picked up, they feel trapped and vulnerable, and it’s not something they enjoy. If you need to pick up your cat, be sure to do it gently and carefully, and put them down as soon as possible.
29) Cat carriers
The cat carrier is like a cage for cats, and they will do everything they can to escape. In fact, some cats become so panicked at the sight of a carrier that they will hide whenever they see one.
However, there are some things that you can do to make the experience more bearable for your feline friend. First, try to acclimate your cat to the carrier by leaving it open and putting their favorite toys inside. You might also want to put a blanket or towel inside to make it more comfortable. If your cat still hates the carrier, consider using a pheromone diffuser to help them relax. With a little patience, you can get your cat to accept – if not enjoy – being in their carrier.
30) Punishment
Cats are intelligent, independent creatures that hate to be punished. Instead of things like physical punishment or scolding, cats prefer positive reinforcement such as treats, petting, and verbal praise. When a cat is bad, the best way to discipline them is by ignoring them. By understanding what things cats hate, you can avoid using punishment as a way to discipline your feline friend.
31) Interruption during playtime
One of the things that cats hate is an interruption during playtime. When a cat is engrossed in a game of “catch the mouse,” the last thing they want is for their human to come along and start petting them or trying to engage them in another activity.
Cats need uninterrupted time to play in order to stay healthy and happy, so it’s important to let them have their space when they’re in the middle of a game. Interrupting their playtime is just one of many things that will frustrate a cat and cause them to put their claws out.
32) Wrong food
Cats are very particular creatures, and there are many things that they simply don’t like. One of the things that cats hate most is eating the wrong food. Cats are natural carnivores, and their bodies are designed to digest meat. As a result, feeding them a diet of grains, fruits, and vegetables can be very harmful.
In addition to being nutritious, the right food can also be very flavorful. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and they can often be attracted to the scent of certain foods. However, if the food doesn’t taste good, they will quickly lose interest. Sometimes, you have to switch from dry to wet food to keep your cat healthy and hydrated. So if you’re looking to keep your cat happy and healthy, it’s important to give them the right kind of food.
33) Babies
There are a number of things that cats hate, and babies are definitely one of them. It’s not that cats are naturally mean or violent creatures, but they simply don’t have the same understanding of personal space as we do.
When a baby comes along and starts invading their space, it can be quite overwhelming for a cat. Babies tend to make a lot of noise and move around erratically, both of which can be very off-putting to a cat. As a result, it’s not surprising that cats often seem to go out of their way to avoid babies.
