Top 10 Things Cats Hate

Millions of homes across the world have adopted cats into their families. That is because cats can make one of the best companions you could ever hope for.

Although they are cute, cuddly, and most of the time friendly, they can still be quite particular about many things and are sure to let you know exactly what they like and what it is they hate.

So, what types of things do cats hate? Cats are very territorial as well as loyal. They do not like when things are out of place or their regular daily routine changes. Cats are also known for wanting to be clean and hate getting their fur dirty or wet.

If you have a cat or are considering getting one in the future and want to make sure you can keep them as happy as possible, we have compiled a list of the things cats hate the most, giving you your first step in the right direction.

The Top 10 Things Cats Hate and Some of the Reasons Why

Just like humans, cats have their own personalities and preferences. You truly have to understand your furry friend in order to know what makes them happy. On the other hand, there are multiple things that almost all cats are known to dread.

Here is a list of ten situations that your cat is sure to hate.

Cats Absolutely Hate Getting Their Fur Wet.

It’s a “Tail” as old as time. It is no secret that cats absolutely hate getting wet. Although, there are a few old balls out there who do enjoy jumping into your tub with you once in a while. But do you know why cats don’t like the water?

There are a few different theories out there surrounding all the reasons cats may hate getting wet. However, the one that tends to make the most sense is that it has to do with how it makes them feel when their fur is saturated.

Wet fur becomes heavy and uncomfortable, thus making it hard for your cat to move around quickly and swiftly. 

Cats Hate it When You Forget to Clean the Litter Box.

Nobody, including cats, wants to step on their own waste when trying to go to the bathroom. And it is a well-known fact that cats are actually pretty clean animals and do not want their filth all over their feet. However, that is not the only reason.

In the wild, cats use the pheromones in their urine and poop to fend off other cats. Larger cats will leave their waste in order to scare smaller animals off.

However, if a cat is trying to avoid predators, they are known to bury their waste so that its scent is not obvious to larger cats. 

These types of behaviors and traits will stay with cats even when they are domesticated. 

Another litter box, no-no, is making multiple cats share one. Some cats may be okay in this type of situation, but others may refuse to share and will end up going on the carpet or other places they shouldn’t.

Cats do not like to share their spaces with other cats because of their territorial traits, and there isn’t anything more personal than your toilet.

Loud Noises Can Cause Anxiety in Many Cats.

Like humans and most other living beings on the planet, the majority of cats are scared or at least startled by sudden loud noises.

The sounds of a door slamming shut or kids running and screaming in a room can terrify an unsuspecting cat.

All animals have a level of fear and a fight or flight reaction. If a cat were to hear a loud noise that is unexpected or unfamiliar, it will consider it a threat and will be scared of the possibility of danger forcing them to either run or react.

Anxious cats can un-intentionally become dangerous because of their sharp claws and their automatic reaction to scratch at a threat.

Do Cats Really Hate Dogs?

Cats don’t necessarily hate dogs; they hate larger animals that tend to chase them in general. Because dogs are drawn to persistently chasing and attacking small animals, tormenting the cat of the house is a game for them.

Even if the dog doesn’t intend to actually hurt them, the chase alone is very scary for your cat, and they are going to fear the dog. 

You have probably already seen many photos online or on your social media feeds of adorable dogs and cats snuggling like they are the best of friends. That’s a good indication the dog isn’t spending its afternoons chasing his feline partner.

Why Doesn’t My Cat Like Other Cats?

Because cats are very territorial creatures, having another cat invade their space can cause a lot of friction between the two. Bringing a new cat into the home after one has been a single pet may cause some tension for a few different reasons.

  • Your cat may become jealous of your new addition: If you spend all of your time snuggling your kitten and another comes into the house and takes even the smallest amount of your attention, your cat can become jealous.

           Making sure you give extra special attention to a jealous cat may help make the new situation easier to handle.

  • Your cat may feel threatened by an “Intruder”: Because of their territorial nature, another cat coming into their space can feel like a threat. When your cat feels like their home is being threatened, they will try and fend off the intruder.
  • Your cat is scared of other cats: There is always the possibility that your cat has never really interacted with another cat before, or maybe the other cat is bigger or a little too hyper for your cat’s taste. These things can be scary, and they just won’t want to have anything to do with them.

Other Cats Make Your Cat Anxious

Anxiety is a universal feeling that can be felt by humans and animals just the same. Having another feline around may cause your cat anxiety, not knowing who it is, where it came from, and what it wants.

Cats Hate Car Rides and Will Let You Know

When you place a cat into a car and start moving, you will quickly find your furry friend does not enjoy road trips.

They may start to pace or become extremely vocal throughout the ride. And if you have a male cat, he may leave your vehicle smelling pretty bad before the trip is over.

This is because cats are happiest when they are free to roam and know they are in their personal safe space. Being in a car with a bunch of unfamiliar smells, sounds, and sights can cause your cat to become anxious and scared, hating the ride altogether.

Keeping your cat in a pet carrier with a familiar scent on a blanket or stuffed animal may reduce the hisses and cries during your travels.

Cats Don’t Like You Leaving Them Alone For Long.

Once you have brought a cat into your home, they become accustomed to their new surroundings and feel comforted and protected by their family. You make your cat feel safe. 

When you leave, they become lonely and sad, or even depressed and anxious, as many humans do. Your cat may start to get upset as time goes by, and you do not come home, causing fear that you may not return.

Another reason some cats may hate being left alone could have a lot to do with their past. If you adopted your pet from a shelter, they may have a fear of abandonment or are still very scared by the experience of being left all alone in a strange and noisy place.

No Cat Likes Eating Old Stale Food

Although many picky eaters out there will stick up their noses to store brand food or anything less than the best. There are very few who are going to be okay with eating food that is old or stale.

You may have noticed that your cat will ignore the food dish if their dinner has been sitting for a long time. That’s because the smell and taste of their food are repulsive to them. Cats are fantastic hunters and have a good idea of what a fresh meal should smell and taste like.

Nail Clipping Can Be a Hassel. Cats Hate it.

If you have ever tried to trim down the nails of a cat who has been scratching up your couch or even your kids, you know it can be quite a chore. They will fidget and fight for their lives before they submit to letting you grab ahold of their little paws.

There are many reasons that can cause your cat to hate its nails being cut down, and here are three of the biggest ones.

  • Nail Clipping is Awkward and Uncomfortable: The position you have to put your cat in, in order to clip its nails can be very awkward and scary to a cat. Some people wrap them up in blankets, and others try to hold them like babies, making your cat uncomfortable and nervous. 

           Trying to maneuver around a cat’s body and tail without losing grip of their paws or even them is nearly impossible.

  • Nail Clipping Can be Stressful, and You Can Make them Worry: When you start to struggle with your feline friend, you may end up tensing and get angry or frustrated. These emotions pass on to your cat, making them feel the exact same way. 

           Trying to clip the nails of an anxious cat while you, too, are stressed out is a recipe for disaster.

  • Did You Hurt Your Cat in The Past?: If you accidentally clipped too far and nipped your cats quickly (the point where the blood vessels and claws meet) and cause them a lot of pain and blood loss in the past, they probably never forgot. 

           Now your cat is more than likely going to associate nail trimmer with pain the next time you get ready to shorten t                 their claws.

Cats Have Been Known to Hate Cucumbers

If you haven’t seen the videos yet, YouTube is flooded with them. Videos of oblivious cats just roaming the house until they saw the dreaded cucumber that has been laid out in front of them. 

They will jump, hiss, and runoff, but why? Researchers and veterinarians believe that cats get quickly scared by the presents of a cucumber because, at a quick glance, they are mistaking them for snakes.

Naturally, cats are aware of the dangers snakes can cause and will avoid them if they can. 

How Can You Tell if Your Cat Hates Something?

If your cat is unhappy or truly hates something around them, they will let you know. Cats have many ways of telling their owners that they dislike something. They will do this vocally or through body language, which you are sure to understand. 

  • Your cat will hiss at you.
  • Your cat will mew or yowl at you
  • Your cat will scratch or bite at you
  • Your cat will run and hide
  • Your cat will cry out
  • Your cat will ignore you

All cats will react differently to each situation; knowing your cat is the only real way you will ever know what they really hate.

How to Tell if Your Cat Hates You

If your cat tries to avoid you, withdraws from you, or refuses to let you hold them, there is a good chance you have done something to make your cat dislike you. 

Never try to force a cat into cuddling or being affectionate with you; it will only make the situation worse. 

Take each day slowly and try to make friends with the cat in an easy and sensitive way. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time and understanding to get your cat to come around.

Conclusion

All cat owners know they can be fickle little creatures and have very unique personalities. They are also well known for even being a little stuck up, so fully understanding everything that may make them upset can be a little complicated.

Making sure you pick up your cat’s cues is the best way to know what your cat likes and what it is they hate.