What Do Cats Hate?
Even as cats look adorable, they can also be weird in their own way. Sometimes they could be responding to some negative behaviors from their environment. Other times it could simply be something awful they don’t like.
We need to understand that what may seem normal to humans may be awful to cats, and sometimes what bothers you could also be a thing that troubles your cat.
Believe it or not, the mistake might be coming from you. So, let’s ponder on the question, what do cats hate?
Let’s begin by understanding what you are doing wrong that could possibly repel your cats. First, you must have known that cats aren’t like every other pet. And as such, they have certain characteristics that make them feel comfortable.
If you really need to get the best feeling from your cat, you need to watch and learn from its mood anytime you show off yours to them. It is worthwhile to mention that certain behaviors by you to cats, if not properly managed, could have a long-lasting effect on them. This is why watching your feline’s reactions to your behaviors is necessary.
To keep your cat happy at all times, here are some of the top things cats hate that you need to stop doing.
Like humans, cats’ ears are for hearing and maintaining balance. However, a deeper analysis shows that cats have deeper and more tapered ear canals than humans. This is also why they hear higher and lower frequencies than humans and dogs. From the design of the ears, loud noise tends to travel deep down to their eardrum, making them uncomfortable. As much as possible, try to keep your cats away from any noise from your phone, tv, music, fireworks, plate shattering, etc.
Felines would end up hiding under cars to relax and cool off, but most of them will definitely not accept going on a road trip on them. They are prone to motion sickness, and the combination of environmental change, and loud noises, doesn’t go well with them. Even as you visit their vet center, always keep your vehicles far from where they are kept.
But make no mistake- cats love adventures and the great outdoors!
Cats can be selective in what they use– from their litter boxes to their feed bowl. Just as humans wouldn’t use dirty toilets and feed plates, cats also feel the same way about their dirty feed plates and litter bowls. Invest your time in cleaning their litter bowl and surroundings daily. Also, invest money to change their feed and toilet bowl every two weeks.
You wouldn’t want to take up a spoilt bowl of food in any situation. The same applies to cats—no cats like spoilt food. At some point, you may be tempted to give them their leftovers; moreover, they are animals. Well, that’s a wrong move. Cats do not like spoilt food. It is important to know that certain bacteria grow in spoilt food, which is capable of causing severe paralysis to cats when ingested. As a cat owner, you should always keep a close watch on what your cats feed. Ensure you know the right quantity to give to them to avoid waste.
It may seem that most other cat families like water and enjoy swimming, but domesticated cats are far from it. Cats avoid water, hate bathing, and hide from the rain as much as possible. It may seem weird, but tongue cleaning is the perfect bath for cats. You don’t need to bathe your cat the way you do to dogs or other pets. Only bath cats when necessary, probably to clean up something toxic or oil to get their fur stained.
Among the many things that frighten cats, cucumber is one of those that has raised some concerns. Many videos have surfaced online that relate to several occasions where cats got frightened at a glance of a cucumber.
There is no other reason they exhibit such behavior rather than how they are genetically hardwired through instincts to avoid snakes.
The instinctive fear of seeing a snake can cause cats to panic. If they see anything slithering on the ground, they jump some feet high. This has always been an instinctive response to prevent them from being bitten by snakes.
It’s not just cucumber that can make them hysteric, but anything that looks like a snake on the floor can cause this reflex. Cucumber is just one of many that produce greater response because of its curvy appearance.
Generally, anytime you scare an animal, whether dog or cat, you risk inflicting psychological damage. You mustn’t go about trying to prank your cat. Anything that can cause your ferret panic can negatively affect its mental health.
This can make the cat not just afraid of cucumbers but also the surroundings in which the cucumber was presented. They can become restless in their once a comfort space and may start inflicting physical damage to themselves as they jump.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, environmental needs, including physical surroundings, are essential for your cat’s well-being. As much you want to have fun with your cats, keeping cucumber or any object that may scare them in their space should be avoided as much as possible.
Keep watch for your own cat’s idiosyncracies. If there are weird pet peeves that you have, there may also be some unique to your cat friend.
Understanding what your cat hates and loves will help you bond with your cat 🙂 You may be surprised to find that your cat reacts to your own emotions! Strengthen your relationship by understanding their kitten brain!
Written by Henry Omoroje
What does your cat hate? Fill us in below in the comments!
Works Cited/Further Reading
https://www.longtrailveterinarycenter.com/pet-offensive-odors-what-their-nose-knows-and-yours-doesnt#:~:text=Citrus%3A%20Just%20like%20their%20canine,cat%20out%20of%20the%20room.
https://www.thesprucepets.com/top-things-cats-hate-554081
https://www.petsradar.com/advice/top-things-that-cats-hate
https://canidae.com/blog/2015/04/pet-peeves-10-things-cats-hate/
I noticed that Cats hate change for many of the same reasons that we do. Change can bring with it a feeling of loss of control, a fear of the unknown, and a perceived loss of status if a new cat or human has entered their territory.
Hi Emmanuel,
Very good point. I agree with you. Cats can have extreme reactions to change. That’s a good thing to be aware of when taking care of a cat!
