20 Things Cats Hate the Most

Sometimes, we show excessive affection for cats, such as cuddling or holding a cat, giving him treats, and inviting him to play. However, the form of our affection can be perceived differently by him. The attention we give often just irritates and irritates the cat. To avoid being misunderstood, cat behavior experts explain what can be "annoying" and dislikes for cats.

1. Baby

"Major life changes, such as moving or welcoming a new family, such as the birth of a baby, can be stressful for a cat." That's what Kristyn Vitale, a postdoctoral researcher at the Human-Animal Interaction Lab, has said. at Oregon State University, USA. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) through its official website shares tips to help cats get used to "sharing a house" with babies. The trick is to play the sound of the baby before the mother gives birth so that the cat gets used to the baby. Make sure we take care of the cat regularly and play at least a month before the mother gives birth.

2. Change

The slightest change can have an impact on a cat. If we move the box where the cat has a toilet, do it gradually. The ASPCA recommends moving the cat litter box several cm per day until it finally occupies a new location. If you have to move to a new house or apartment, the stress on your pet cat is even greater. Marilyn Krieger, Catster's "Ask a Behaviorist" columnist, writes that safety is a concern because anxious cats tend to run away or hide in uninhabitable places.

3. Boredom

Big changes are stressful for cats, but they basically don't want every day to be the same. "A home environment that never changes can also be boring for cats," says Vitale. Besides, if your cat is not used to the changes in his life, he will be terrified when he sees our sibling visiting the house. "Giving a cat a new toy can help stimulate his mind and make him more comfortable with new situations when big changes do occur," Vitale continued.

4. Loud sound

Fireworks, lightning, and construction sounds can be confusing and scary for pets. The best solution, says Vitale, is to distract him. He recommends that we train cats to sit and stay in a place with a mat when loud noises start. "Once the cat can sit up and be still, ask them to do this when a loud noise occurs," he said. "Reward the cat because it can sit and be quiet, and ignore loud noises. Eventually, it will learn that loud noises are nothing to fear, and that it is more interested in getting a reward than in hiding."

5. Certain textures

According to the website MSPCA-Angell, a non-profit animal protection organization in Boston, USA, most cats don't want to walk on aluminum foil, thick plastic, or sticky surfaces. Therefore, if a cat is roaming in the kitchen, we can make it stop by providing a base such as aluminum foil or plastic.

6. Strong smell or aroma

Cats will stay away from us while sleeping because we spray perfume on the body. Because, cats do not like strong odors. "Cats have a sharp smell," said Vitale. "Things with strong smells like perfume or fragrances may taste bad and cats avoid locations with these smells." However, there are also some scents that cats love very much, such as catnip, lavender, and grapes. "You can use a cat's favorite scent to attract him to a specific location."

7. Clothing 

The use of costumes and hats is common and fun for people, but cats do not like to be dressed. This animal will be irritated if we intend to dress it. If you want your cat to wear special clothes for family photos, get the cat accustomed to it slowly, says Vitale. "Seduce the cat to wear clothes by giving goods or food to the clothes," he said. In the next step, Vitale suggests that the cat only wears clothes for a minute or two, and give him treats and compliments. "Slowly let the cat wear the clothes for a longer time."

8. Stroking the cat's stomach

Stroking or stroking a cat's tummy is generally not welcomed by cats. "Most cats don't like to be stroked on their stomach," said Dennis C. Turner, the animal behavior researcher who edited the book "The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behavior." "They will go away or attack us with one of the extended front paws." It could also be that the cat will bite us. However, every cat has different interests, said Kristyn Vitale, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University, in the Human-Animal Interaction Lab. "Some cats like it when someone strokes their stomach, even though they generally don't like the treatment."

 9. Interact with strangers

Pay attention to the cat's reaction when someone he doesn't know wants to pet him. "One way to see if a cat is pet friendly is to let it sniff our hand and watch its behavior," says Vitale. "If he wants to interact, he will likely approach you and engage in social behavior, such as rubbing his body or trying to sit down with you." If the cat doesn't want to interact, Vitale continued, he will either leave or ignore us. In this condition, we need to make room for the cat.

10. Held or carried

"Cats don't like to be held against their will," Turner said. Most cats will "forgive" us who like to hold him if he is used to socializing with people, and he believes in us. "My research shows cats receive the most from their masters, giving us the impression that we are responsible." However, for long-term relationships Turner recommends that we wait until the cat comes to us and asks for attention. "There will be more time to interact in relationships."

11. Holds the tail

To a child, a cat's tail looks like something very seductive. But don't let the child hold the cat's tail. Turner said cats don't like being held or pulled by their tails. Show the child how to let the cat sniff his hand, and if he doesn't refuse, pet the cat where it is favorite. "If a cat can socialize with people, he usually likes to be tickled on the neck or stroked on the back," he added. Make sure the child is watching for signs when the cat is unhappy, says Vitale. "If a cat doesn't like the interaction it receives, the cat's pupils will enlarge, the tail moves quickly, the ears stick to the head, the cat's fur stands up, and a hissing or growling sound."

12. Left alone at home

Apart from dogs, cats also feel lonely and bored when we are in the office and they are left alone at home. Vitale advises cat owners to give cat puzzles a picture of their favorite pet food when they are alone so that the cat can focus on solving problems. She also recommends a variety of toys and outdoor spaces that are safe for cats. Some people will consider getting a new cat so that they can accompany the old cat who is alone in the house. "Not all cats are compatible with other cats, but many are receptive to a companion if given the right recognition," says Vitale. "Those who are just looking to get a new cat could consider adopting two kittens, who may already have a close relationship."

13. Litter box is lacking

Not without reason cats throw their litter in the wrong place. Chances are, the cat doesn't think his presence smells very good around the house. Vitale advises us to have more litter boxes. "Cats are more relaxed and safer in areas that have their distinctive smell," he said. "At least we put one litter box for one cat, plus one extra box, but other cats may need more." Spread the litter box around the house. Vitale suggests choosing an unscented cat litter box and cleaning the box using a non-fragrance product, so that no chemical smells can obscure cat odors.

14. Cat carrier or cat cage that can be carried

Most cats hate being put in cat carriers or portable cat cages. The reason is, the cat thinks that if he is taken with a cat carrier, he will see a vet. We can change the negative outlook of cats according to Vitale. "Leave the cage with a blanket in it so the cat can explore the cage and sit in it while he relaxes at home," he said. You can also put treats and catnips in the cage. When he is in the cage, give him more food. When he's comfortable, close the cage door for a moment, open it and give him anything else he likes.

15. Sit in an oncoming car

Some cats can be sensitive to a running car. "One thing an owner can do is take his cat around the neighborhood, while praising the cat for doing a good job," said Vitale. Take a short five-minute trip and don't forget to treat the cat, pet it and play with it when we get home. If the cat seems more comfortable, increase the duration of our trip with him by car a little.

16. Another cat

Many cats like to make new friends, but some cats can be frightened or aggressive. "Cats show a high degree of flexibility in their social behavior," said Vitale. He suggested separating the cats into different areas of the house and slowly reintroducing them to each other using a method called "Scent, Sight, Touch". - First, take a toy or blanket from each cat and exchange it. Give the first cat the item that contains the second cat's scent by giving praise and appreciation so that it sees the scent as a good thing. - Second, set up space where cats can see each other with physical obstructions, such as a door or screen gate. Then feed them, so they have a positive feeling by looking at other cats. - Third, try introducing the two cats without a barrier. Distract cats with toys at their first encounter. "If cat owners take it slow and give lots of gifts, many cats will learn to accept new friends," says Vitale.

17. Take a shower

Cats hate baths. But basically, cats don't need to be bathed. Brushing your cat regularly can remove loose hair and litter. If your cat plays in a dangerous place and needs to be cleaned with soap and water, clean it quickly, says Catster. Get a special cat shampoo, towel, washcloth for the head, and a water spray device. Wear long rubber gloves to protect yourself from cat scratches. Towel dry the cat. We should avoid using a hairdryer, unless the cat is not afraid of the tool.

18. Treatment

All Feline Hospital in Nebraska, USA recommends hiding medication in a slice of cheese or a cat's lunch. If your cat chews less often, it won't notice any medication in its food. However, if your cat is sensitive to medication, grind the pill and mix it with the food the cat likes the most. If your cat finds out you mixed medicine in your food and doesn't want to take the medicine, put the pill in her mouth and convince her to take the pill. The pill or capsule can get stuck in the esophagus for a while before it goes into the stomach. To prevent this, give the cat water or broth so that the medicine is pushed in and can be digested.

19. Old food

Many cats do not touch littered food all day while we are at work. Small amounts of food that are given frequently are more suitable for cats. Vitale advises us to do this instead of feeding him a lot. "It also gives the cat the things he is looking forward to, which can help alleviate behavior problems," Vitale said.

20. Dog

Dogs can look scary to cats' eyes. According to Vitale, we can introduce cats to dogs in the same way we introduce them to children. "Let the cat sniff, then look at the dog before physical interaction occurs." Also, make sure the cat has a safe and accessible place to hide if he's not interested in being around dogs.