Cats have a great memory, especially when remembering bad experiences. While still up for debate, most experts believe felines can retain memories for 15 to 20 years!
This practical capability helps them in the wild and allows them to form long-term bonds, recall useful information, and (yes) even hold grudges.
In short, if you’re a first-time fur mom or dad, it’s crucial to remain on their good side, lest you incur the feline’s wrath!
So, here are 10 things your cat will never forgive and you should never do. Some of these are seemingly harmless mistakes, yet have a lasting impact on your cat’s well-being and your relationship.
Contents
1. Sudden Loud Voices
Cats have excellent hearing. They hear about three times more than you, and even better than canines.
Have you ever watched your fur child stare at the wall for a long time? That’s them, picking up something behind or inside your wall panels.
Still, while it certainly sounds awesome, sensitive ears often bring many problems for these furry creatures.
Sudden construction noises, fireworks, thunderstorms, and loud voices can feel incredibly frightening, and sometimes painful, to them.
Simply put, avoid raising your voice when around your cat!
Read Next: How Long Do Cats Grow? A Guide to Their Developmental Journey
2. Teasing Too Much
We love teasing the furry creatures. They act aloof and distant but we know they love attention every once in a while.
Beware not to smother your cat too much, though. Cuddling them when they want to be alone can spell aggression and, worst case, a scratch.
Like you and I, they feel uncomfortable with unsolicited affection, too!
Also, don’t blow in the feline’s nose. Like their ears, it’s a sensitive organ for cats, and blowing into it can cause stress or anxiety.
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3. Too Little Cuddle Time
With all of their cuteness, felines are confusing creatures, that’s for sure. One moment they can’t stand the sight of you, the next they want all your attention.
So, how little is too little cuddly time?
Well, there’s no one one-size-fits-all answer to this. Some cats are simply more independent, thus requiring lesser intimacy than others.
But you can watch out for signs they want to get close, such as brushing against your leg, headbutting, flattened ears, purring, or eye contact with slow blinking.
Read Next: The Most Aggressive Cat Breeds
4. Declawing the Cat
Never declaw your cat. They may damage your furniture or hurt your hands by scratching or their shenanigans, but it’ll always be a bad idea.
Not only is declawing a painful procedure, but it also risks infection, nerve damage, tissue necrosis, and a slew of other health complications.
Instead of declawing, train your furry companion to use a scratch post. Remember that scratching is a perfectly normal activity for cats, and they need it to maintain their nails and stretch.
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5. Rough Play Time
Sudden or rough handling during playtime is another surefire way to make your cat hate you. Or, at least, avoid getting near you.
While teasing them certainly feels enjoyable, you must understand that they easily feel uncomfortable.
Aggressive petting or suddenly grabbing them can confuse your fur child, often leading to aggression or fear.
So, pay close attention to your pet’s body language. If their eyes become dilated, erect their tail, or flatten their ears, it’s best to stop your teasing.
Read Next: What does it Mean When a Cat Rubs Against You?
6. Leave the Feline Bored
It’s not curiosity, but boredom that ultimately kills the cat. As predators, your kitten will need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to remain healthy.
Never leave them to get bored! Boredom leads to behavioral problems, such as excessive clawing, overeating, or destructiveness.
There are plenty of ways to keep them moving, even indoors. Think of entertaining toys, providing them with climbing structures, or hiding treats they can hunt.
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7. Exposure to Strong Smells
While their noses aren’t as sensitive as their canine counterparts, felines are far more equipped to experience their surroundings with their tiny sniffers than you or I.
As much as you love your citrus-scented perfumes or candles, you may want to avoid wearing or lighting them near the feline. Rosemary and thyme fragrances peeve their adorable noses, too.
If you don’t want your cat to hate being around you, ensure only to use smells they won’t instinctively run away from with a whiff!
Read Next: The Smells Cats Really Hate
8. Punishing the Feline
As I already said, cats remember the tiniest details of bad experiences. So, as much as possible, you should avoid punishing the feline for their mischief.
They don’t respond well to discipline, as they often don’t see the connection between their behavior and your reaction. It’s also why positive reinforcements tend to work better.
Cats are fickle—their trust is even more. Yelling or hitting them will only result in damaged relationships and more behavior issues!
Read Next: Why Does Your Cat Lick You and Then Bite You?
9. Abandon Them For Long Periods
If you treasure your furniture, never leave your cat to itself for more than 24 hours. Despite their need for solitude, felines don’t enjoy being alone and often get lonely or bored.
Most cats will be okay when left for a day or night. However, your kitten may exhibit behavioral issues if you’re away longer than a day or more frequently than necessary.
If you have no choice, leave fun food puzzles for them to solve while you’re away. Besides food, provide the feline with enough water and secure anything hazardous for their safety, such as wires, medicines, chemicals, and stringed toys.
Read Next: How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Alone?
10. Sudden Changes In Their Environment
As creatures of habit, there’s nothing a cat can hate more than sudden changes in its environment. It doesn’t even matter how small the change is, they simply don’t react to it well.
Even as seemingly insignificant as moving their litter box can cause significant stress. So, imagine their anxiety if anything dramatic, say a baby, suddenly comes along in your lives.
The trick is to change things as gradually as humanly possible.
Moving the litter box a few inches every few days or introducing the cats to baby sounds beforehand can soften their reaction.
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11. Ignoring Their Need for Attention
Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but they also crave companionship. Neglecting their need for interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and even depression. Regular playtime and affection are essential to keep your feline friend content.
12. Serving Spoiled or Stale Food
Just like humans, cats detest spoiled or stale food. Offering them such meals can be off-putting and may even cause health issues. Always ensure their food is fresh and stored properly to maintain its quality.
13. Overlooking Their Jealous Streak
Cats can be territorial and may become jealous if they feel another pet or person is encroaching on their space or your attention. Failing to recognize and address this can lead to behavioral problems. Ensure each pet receives individual attention to mitigate feelings of jealousy.
14. Subjecting Them to Loud Noises
Cats have sensitive hearing and are often startled by loud or sudden noises. Consistent exposure to such disturbances can cause stress and anxiety. Providing a calm and quiet environment helps your cat feel safe and secure.
15. Denying Them a Taste of Your Food
Cats are naturally curious and may show interest when you’re eating, especially if it’s something aromatic like tuna. Denying them a taste can lead to visible disappointment or even mischievous behavior. While it’s important to monitor their diet, occasionally sharing a safe morsel can keep them satisfied.
Final Thoughts
As a fur parent, ensuring your cat grows in a safe and nurturing environment is your job, preventing anything that can harm their wellbeing.
Yes, sometimes, that means bending over backward for your pet. But it also means you get to remain in the good graces of your beloved furry companion!
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10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
Cats have a great memory, especially when remembering bad experiences. While still up for debate, most experts believe felines can retain memories for 15 to 20 years!
This practical capability helps them in the wild and allows them to form long-term bonds, recall useful information, and (yes) even hold grudges.
In short, if you’re a first-time fur mom or dad, it’s crucial to remain on their good side, lest you incur the feline’s wrath!
So, here are 10 things your cat will never forgive and you should never do. Some of these are seemingly harmless mistakes, yet have a lasting impact on your cat’s well-being and your relationship.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
10 Myths About Cats You Should Stop Believing
As a long-time cat owner, I’ve found that many of my friends often have misconceptions about cats. Unfortunately, new cat parents may encounter problems because of misinformation on the internet.
Today, we’ll discuss ten myths about cats that you should stop believing. You’ll be surprised by just how much you didn’t know about your feline companion!
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10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings
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.
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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.