Think your cat’s upset? Well, it probably is!
Cats can get annoyed, bored, freaked out, or totally zen. Believe it or not, they can also feel hurt. Yep, our feline friends are more sensitive than we realize.
So, here are 10 everyday things that hurt your cat’s feelings, so you’ll know how to avoid them.
Contents
1. Dirty Litter Box
Nobody likes using a filthy toilet, and your cat is no different—only their reasons are a bit more primal. Cats bury their waste to avoid tipping off predators.
Also, cats spend most of their waking life licking themselves clean, so a dirty box is a major ick. They might even feel betrayed because they depend on you to keep a tidy space for their bathroom needs.
Some cats will try to hold it in or eliminate elsewhere rather than use the box, causing anxiety. To keep your cat happy, take your pop-scooping duties seriously. If you’ll be out for a while, set up several boxes so they always have a clean place to go.
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2. Ignoring Them
Cats are more social than we once thought. In fact, research says they can form strong attachments with us, much like dogs and children.
That means cats notice when you overlook them, especially when they want to engage—like when you walk through the door after being gone all day.
Meowing is one way they communicate, and they pretty much save this special language for humans. While kittens meow at their moms, adult cats direct their meows at us, almost like we’re their adopted parents.
Cats also use body language to express themselves. A raised tail, slow blinks, or exposing their belly are all signs of affection and attempts to interact. So, acknowledge these signals and respond when you can.
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3. Changing Their Routine
Is your cat acting out after you moved their bed, changed feeding times, or brought in new pets? Cats are creatures of habit, so even minor changes can be quite unsettling for them.
Also, cats sync their routines around your schedule. So, if you suddenly have to return to the office after working from home, your cat may develop separation anxiety.
Transitions are difficult but sometimes necessary. You can help your cat settle into their new routine by ensuring all their needs are met and providing enrichment.
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4. Teasing and Rough Handling
You might think it’s funny to scare your cat with a cucumber, but it’s actually mean. Cats are hardwired to be on alert for predators so sneaking up on them triggers their fight-or-flight response, which is stressful and terrifying at the same time.
Plus, cats aren’t plush toys, no matter how floofy they are. Picking them up wrong, squeezing them too tight, or playing too rough isn’t just annoying for them—it can be painful and scary.
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5. Sudden Loud Noises or Yelling
Cats have super sensitive hearing—much better than ours! What seems like a normal volume to us might sound like a rock concert to them.
And the way they can turn their ears 180 degrees, loud noises are virtually impossible to escape. They might run and hide, or become jumpy and on edge for hours afterward.
To keep them calm, try to keep the noise down. If you need to vacuum or do something noisy, give them a quiet spot to hang out.
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6. Strong Fragrances
Besides their keen hearing, cats’ sense of smell puts ours to shame—200 million odor sensors versus 5 million!
Imagine how they must feel when we use strong perfumes, air fresheners, or even cleaning products.
Intense scents can give cats headaches, make them nauseous, or stress them out. If you notice your cat pawing at their nose or avoiding certain rooms, your home fragrances might be to blame.
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7. Petting Them Incorrectly
Many cats go nuts for a good chin scratch. Others are content with strokes on the back. For most cats, spots like the belly and base of the tail are off-limits for being too sensitive.
Additionally, preferences change as they grow older. A cat might love belly rubs as a kitten, but not so much as an adult. So, pay attention to what your cat likes and dislikes.
Start with their chin, ears, cheeks, and top of their head. Then, try other places but watch out for signs of discomfort like twitching. If they don’t seem happy, stop petting them there.
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8. Forced Socialization
In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. This means they’re always cautious, especially in new situations.
They rely on familiarity to feel safe. Forcing them to interact with new people or other animals scrambles their safety signals.
Create opportunities for socialization, but let them approach new people and pets on their terms. Provide escape routes during introductions. And if your cat’s not feeling it? Respect that.
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9. Scolding and Punishment
We know how frustrating it is when your cat knocks over your favorite vase or pees outside the litter box, but yelling at them or punishing them after the fact? That’s never going to work.
Cats don’t understand guilt or punishment the way we do. All they know is that suddenly, their human is acting scary and aggressive towards them.
This doesn’t teach them what they did wrong; it just makes them afraid of you. Besides, cats sometimes “misbehave” because of underlying issues, like health problems or changes in their environment. Punishing or shouting at them only adds to their stress.
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10. Dressing Them Up
Grumpy cats in tutus might look cute, but your kitty probably isn’t enjoying it as much as you think (read again: grumpy).
Cats are naturally active and agile. Putting them in clothes can restrict their movement and even cause accidents, like getting stuck or falling.
Plus, embellishments like buttons or bells are choking hazards, and a sweater might overheat a cat with already thick fur.
Only put cats in clothes when necessary, like after surgery or for hairless breeds that need extra warmth. Otherwise, let your cat enjoy their freedom and comfort without the fuss of costumes.
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Final Thoughts
As cat parents, the last thing we want is to make them feel sad. So, pay attention to these 10 everyday things that hurt your cat’s feelings.
Remember, the key to your cat’s heart is hidden in the small, everyday moments you share.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.