You give your cat lots of affection, playing, and goodies in an effort to keep them happy. Is it functioning, though? Still your cat becoming agitated, irritated, or distant as a result of some of your well-intentioned attention? We asked cat behaviours specialists to describe some of the ways people unintentionally annoy their feline companions.
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Dirty Litter Box
Litter box maintenance isn’t the cat parent’s favorite chore, but cats are meticulous about their litter boxes and a dirty one can cause serious stress and can even develop into health issues. Nobody wants to use an unflushed toilet. You should scoop litter at least twice a day and completely washed out frequently. Don’t resort to scented cover-ups to avoid your important job of keeping the box clean and inviting for cats.
Touching the Tummy
Although there are certainly some cats who tolerate this and may even enjoy it when you pet their exposed and vulnerable belly, but most cats hate it. When cats stretch out and expose their belly, it’s a sign of trust and relaxation. Unless you know for certain that the cat enjoys being touched there, respect kitty’s boundaries.
Cats hate loud noises
A cat's hearing is far sharper than a human's, and their ears are made to channel sound. This implies that cats detest loud noises, including phones, music, and washing machines, in addition to fireworks and family gatherings. Cats are adept at finding a quiet place to escape harsh noises, but being considerate of their sensitive ears may help to lessen the issue. Only when the noise is unavoidable, like fireworks, can the cat's level of stress truly rise.
Cats don’t like aggressive petting
Most cats prefer a softer approach, but certain canines might love a vigorous belly rub or a harsh back scratch. When cats feel threatened by harsh pats, petting, or handling of their paws or tails, they will either flee, strike out with their claws, or just become agitated.
Many cats dislike being cuddled
A disorder known as feline hyperesthesia. Always be cautious when caressing your cat; observe its behaviours and avoid pressuring them. This is especially common with rescue cats. This also includes dressing up animals in purportedly adorable attire. Ensure that all members of the household, including the kids, are aware of these cat rules.
Some cats don’t like to be ignored
Although not all cats are attention-seekers, many house cats enjoy it when it's convenient for them. A cat will climb onto your desk or lap and generally obstruct your hands if they are upset and want you to stop what you're doing to give them some attention. Many cat owners are well aware of this feline attention-seeking behaviour in these day of laptops and home working, and the demanding companion cat occasionally appears to be a permanent fixture on the desk, computer keyboard, or couch!
Cats don't like other pets.
Cats require their own space and are naturally loners, even though a kitten raised with other cats or even dogs may put up with their companionship. Cats don't require a significant other in their lives, unlike humans and many dog breeds. To show how true this is, you only need to observe how cats respond to other cats in their territory, such as the backyard.