10 Things People Do That Cats Actually Hate, According to Vets

Beth Ann Mayer

Unhappy cat

You duck out of work happy hour to ensure you're home to refill your cat's water bowl. You spent more money on your cat during Prime Day than you did on yourself. In short, you love your cat and consider them like a baby of the human variety.

As sweet and well-meaning as it is to love your cat like you'd love a human child, experts share it's important to remember they are their own species.

"Each species has its own needs and way of interacting with the environment and other animals," says Dr. Evelyn Richer, DVM, the area medical director of VCA Animal Hospitals.

In the case of cats, they're solitary hunters.

"They need personal space, living space and territorial or roaming space," Dr. Richer explains. "What releases their endorphins is the stalk, pounce, bite behaviors. They are very sensitive to smells and behavioral chemicals, also known as pheromones—very different from human babies."

Though every cat is different, some things we do that we think they love (or are indifferent to) often tick them off. Some knowledge and self-awareness can help boost your bond with your pet (and their mood and 'tude).

"It’s important to be mindful of how cats prefer to interact with humans," Dr. Richer says. "For instance, we don’t want to annoy them, which could lead them to withdraw, or worse, having them feeling cornered with the need to defend themselves."

Since your feline friend can't talk, we called up vets to discuss things humans do that cats truly hate (usually). 

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10 Things People Do That Cats Hate, According to Veterinarians

1. Changes

Cats aren't chameleons or gymnasts, and they don't do well with changes.

"Any changes to their environment and fear of the unfamiliar or unknown make some cats very uncomfortable," says Dr. Jessica K. Hockaday, DVM, a veterinarian at Chewy.

2. Being touched all over

Touch may be your language, but your cat may speak in a totally different tongue.

"Cats have preferences just like people," says Dr. Richer. "Listen to your cat."

3. Tummy rubs, specifically

Many dogs adore a good belly rub. Cats? Not so much.

"The stomach or abdomen is a very vulnerable area, and cats have to be very comfortable in their surroundings and with the person to allow belly rubs," Dr. Hockaday says.

4. A warm embrace

Hugs are a common way for humans to spread love, but cats aren't big on the gesture.

"Cats don’t hug each other—that’s a human sign of affection," says Dr. Jacqueline Brister, DVM, a veterinarian and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance. "When you hug a cat or hold them in a way that they can’t move, you take away their ability to escape if needed. This can be very stressful for them."

5. Forced interactions

Your cat may not want to say hi to your best friend, to be held like a human baby or open the gift you bought them on Prime Day. Let them be.

"Cats hate forced interaction," says Dr. Kelly Diehl, DVM, the senior director of science and communication at Morris Animal Foundation. "Let cats come to you."

6. Citrus air freshener

Orange you glad you bought that tangerine air freshener? Your cat is not.

"The citrus smell is really irritating to cats," Dr. Diehl says. "In fact, there are products on the market designed to keep cats away from things (like furniture) that purposely have a citrus scent."

7. You keep cleaning their favorite rub spots

In addition to turning their noses up at your citrus air freshener, cats also wish you'd stop cleaning certain parts of your home.

"Cat owners have probably noticed their cats like to rub against things," Dr. Diehl says. "They're marking these areas, but sometimes that can leave a residue that people find dirty, so they clean it up. This is really annoying to your cat. If you can, try to avoid cleaning these areas up." 

Related: Your Dog Communicates More Than You'd Think—Veterinarians Share How To Decode Their Body Language

8. Lots of unexpected noises

You may actually agree with your kitty here.

"Nobody likes loud or unexpected noises, but it can be especially jarring and unpleasant for a cat," Dr. Brister says. "Their hearing is very sensitive. Although they look cute and cuddly, they are natural predators—loud, unexpected noises tend to put them on red alert, in fight-or-flight mode, and it can feel very intense for them."

Unfortunately, loud and unexpected sounds might include slamming your car door or hand weights hitting the ground after you nail that last rep of an at-home workout.

9. You keep bringing home new cat siblings

Cats are not pack creatures.

"The average cat needs 3,000 square feet of living space," Dr. Richer says. "Cats choose their favored companions (other cats or humans). We don’t really choose them."

What's more, too many cats can cause resource fighting.

"Fighting for resources...[like] places to rest or hide, litter boxes, food or even human time are all things that can make cats very displeased," Dr. Richer says. "When a cat has to work too hard for these resources, we can see behavioral changes—more hissing, scratching or even accidents outside the litter box in some cases."

10. Feeding them out of a small bowl

Little bowls may look cute, but cats don't really care about aesthetics. 

"Cats don’t like their whiskers to touch the sides of the container when they are eating or drinking.," Dr. Richer says. "Try a small plate for food." 

Related: Everything To Know About Chocolate Poisoning in Cats—Veterinarians Share How Toxic This Treat Can Be

How To Tell if Your Cat Hates What You're Doing

Body language and vocalizations are good clues your cat wants you to cut something out. 

"Learning changes in your cat's posturing or behavior can help guide how you approach them during different situations," Dr. Hockaday says.

Signs your cat is less than pleased with you include:

  • Ears low and rotated to the side of the head

  • Erect ears

  • Tail swishing

  • Growling

  • Hissing

  • Dilated pupils

If your cat is telling you to stop, experts share it's best to listen if possible.

"At the very worst, a cat will hiss, swat or bite at you if they're really annoyed," Dr. Diehl says. "It's best to avoid escalating to this level since it can have a negative impact on the bond you share and want to cultivate with your kitty."

Next: The 10 Best Exercises for Your Cat, According to Veterinarians

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