Pet Peeves: 10 Things Cats Hate

Although it's true that all cats are individuals with unique likes and dislikes, one can reasonably come up with a list of feline pet peeves that will apply to most cats. As with anything, there are exceptions. It's up to us as responsible pet owners to get to know our BFFs (best feline friends) well enough to recognize what they do and don't like. We can't eliminate everything they hate, of course; some things are unavoidable and some are necessary for their wellbeing. Here are 10 things to consider.

Loud Noises

Many cats are terrified of fireworks, thunder and loud car noises such as honking, backfires and screeching tires. Raucous parties and arguing humans are also on the list of things that disturb cats. Even a very loud sneeze from you can spook a skittish kitty. You'll know if your cat hates any of these things, because they will bolt for their safe place at the first sign of them.

Other Cats in "Their" Territory

All cats have a territorial nature; it's instinctual. Even indoor kitties have what they perceive as their own territory, and they don't appreciate it when other cats encroach upon it. Luckily, most felines in multi-cat households can learn to share territory and get along. One thing you can do is take care to treat all cats the same; trust me, they do notice inequality, and they definitely don't like it. Some indoor cats are highly disturbed when they see a cat outside in "their" yard. In that case, close the blinds or distract them with a favorite toy.

Car Rides

Oh, the joy of taking your cat for a ride in the car. Their piercing screams will fray your nerves, but sometimes it's unavoidable, such as visits to the vet or when you're moving. For cats who hate car rides, there isn't much you can to do alleviate their displeasure; you just have to bear it until you reach your destination. I have heard stories about cats who don't mind car rides, but I'm pretty sure those are fables. If not, and your cat doesn't pitch a fit in the car, consider yourself blessed.

We flush our toilet after every use, right? When you consider that a cat's sense of smell is 14 times greater than ours, it should be obvious that a stinky litter box will annoy your fastidious feline. I've read that litter box avoidance is the most common problem for cat owners. Thankfully, the solution is often as simple as keeping it clean and providing the type of litter they prefer. That being said, some medical conditions can cause a cat to avoid the litter box, so be sure to check with your vet.

Strangers

My cats frantically run to hide whenever they hear a knock on the door, footsteps on the deck, or a car pulling up. Other, more gregarious cats are totally unfazed by the presence of people they don't know.

Stale Food

Cats do not like stale or spoiled food. Unlike some dogs who relish eating rotten food, most cats will turn up their nose at canned cat food that sits out for very long. I personally don't have this issue because my three inhale every speck of their CANIDAE cat food within minutes! If you find leftover food in their bowl every day, it's possible you're feeding too much. Try reducing the portion size, throw away leftovers after about 30 minutes, and give the bowl a good scrubbing so the next meal smells "fresh."

Taking Medication

I'm pretty sure every cat on the planet hates being pilled or having a liquid antibiotic thrust down her throat. Nevertheless, if they're sick and medication will help them get well, then it's something they will just have to endure. Pill pockets work for some cats, as does coating the tablet with a little butter or cream cheese. Just be sure not to make them swallow a pill dry.

Overly Aggressive Petting

When it comes to petting, many cats prefer a light touch. Petting too aggressively can over-stimulate your cat and invariably lead to you getting scratched or bitten, because that's the only way she can tell you to knock it off. When petting your cat, observe her body language carefully and stop if you see tail flicking, ears furled back and other signs of displeasure.

Being Ignored

Contrary to what some non-cat people think, felines do want affection, they do enjoy your companionship, and they don't like being ignored. My cats clearly let me know when I am slacking with what they think is an acceptable amount of attention. Typically, this involves jumping on my desk and head-butting my hand as I try to type, or blocking my view of the monitor. Since I work from home, I can take short breaks throughout the day to brush my cats, play with them and pet them. Curiously, they seem to know when I have a deadline looming, as that is when they demand the most attention!

Getting Wet

There are a few cat breeds who love water – the Turkish Van a.k.a. the "swimming cat" for example – and some that don't seem to mind getting wet. The rest of them absolutely loathe water, and have a reaction akin to the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz. Thankfully, most cats don’t need to be bathed regularly like humans or dogs.

Top photo by Irene Grassi/Flickr Middle photo by Kevin Dooley/Flickr Bottom photo by Belal Khan/Flickr