Things Cats Hate – The Pet Peeves You Should Avoid

1. Smells

Cats have a truly strong sense of smell. Of course, that does not mean they hate every sort of a smell. But, yes, there are a few specific scents that your cat cannot stand. Citrus and the smell of strong herbs is what ffeline friends dislike a lot.

Somee of the smells that your cat may not be comfortable can include rosemary, theyme, banana and mustard. It also hates cigarette smoke. If you are a smoker, avoid smoking at the places that your cat frequently sits. Essential oils and perfumes are also a big no-no when it comes to cats.

2. A continuous stare

Cats hate it when you stare at it. Of course, they keep staring at you without blinking, but when you do it to them, they can get aggressive. As we are aware, cats are independent and territorial. Staring at them means showing an aggressive behaviour to them.

Apart from the aggression or dominance that a stare indicates, your size can also be a factor. That can irritate your cat a lot. This happened with one my cats who literally plunged her paw into my nose when I indulged into a stare contest with her.

3. Loud noises

The next thing you should avoid when you have a cat friend is the possibility of loud noises. Be it in the form of loud talks or even quarrels, or noises caused by the equipment, fireworks or just about anything, loud noises irritate your cat a lot.

I once had this experience. I dropped a thing accidentally when my cat was sitting beside me. The growl and the dirty look that she gave me was intimidating in itself. So, next time you are blaring those speakers on your music system, or even watching your favourite game on TV, make sure to keep the volume at the levels comfortable to your cat.

4. Baths

Cats are known to be cleanest among all animals. They do not like even a bit of dirt or anything on their shiny fur. But, this is not applicable when itt comes to bath. They hate bathing as hell. If you force your cat to a good bath, make sure you have enough of protective gear such as glows and what not.

But, wait. Even when cats can self groom and keep themselves clean, a bath every now and then is necessary. No matter how much your cat hates it, make sue to bathe your cat at least once every couple of months. You can use a gentle stream and make sure that the water is neither too cold or too hot.

5. Too much attention

Cats are independent animals. They do not like it when you shower too much affection. EEspecially when they are not in the mood for it. They do not like when their boundaries are pushed. While they do love petting and love being close to you, too much of attention can disturb them.

Never force your kitty to spend time with you when it is not in the mood. This can spoil your relationship. Especially when your cat is sleeping, avoid picking it up or disturbing it. Your cat will not be happy with it. It may decide to avoid you altogether.

6. Too little attention

That should feel counter intuitive. Yes, but, that is a fact. Just as your cat does not like too much attention, it hates too little attention as well. While your cat may hate your interaction, the next minute, she may demand attention form you.

Like we have been repeatedly saying, cats are entirely independent. They like their boundaries and preferences to be honored. If they want to be petted, they want it to happen on their own terms – not as per your whims. When petting your cat, make sure to check for the cues – that should give you an idea on whether your cat likes being petted or not.

7. Strangers

If you have frequent visitors to your home, that is something your cat would never be happy with. If your cat notices someone abruptly walking into your house, your cat may see it as tresspasing. Afterall, it is her house, and someone is moving into its own territory.

Strangers can either frighten or confuse your cat. However, once the cat recognises them, it will begin welcoming them and get friendly. I have noticed that when your friends themselves are cat owners, your cat is likely to welcome them without hassles. Your cat perhaps can sense the smell of cat on their body, and perceive them as cat friendly people.

8. Change in the environment

Any change in the environment may be a no-no for your cat. Cats typically are habituated to things and can get disturbed when when you change a home or move to some other place. In fact, simply rearranging the things like furniture in your home can annoy it.

If you have changed your residence, or have moved your furniture, and notice that your cat is stressed out, give it a good cuddle. This will help your cat to feel reassured. That way, it will make your cat get back on track.

9. Tummy rubs

Tummy rubs are another strange thing that may leave the caat owners confused. While your cat may appear to be in love with tummy rubs, it may also feel annoyed if you do it too much. However, for most of the cats, a rub on the tummy is never welcome.

Look for visual signs to understand whether the cat is fond of belly rubs or not. If it attempts to hit you with its front paws or tries bite you, it can be an indicator that it does not like you petting it. If your cat retaliates, make sure to back off and avoid forcing yourself on the cat.

10. Being picked up

Cats typically hate being picked up. If you have to pick her up, make sure not to hold her in a position that it does not feel overwhelmed. Make sure to avoid holding them when they are not in the mood to be picked.

Of course, if the cat has become quite attached to you, she will allow you to pick her. In fact, she may also demand to be picked up. However, whatever that the cat wants would be on its own terms. You cannot force yourself to what pleases you.