19 Human Behaviors Cats Hate and Wish You Wouldn't Do

If you live with a cat, it's likely that you engage in the behaviors that drive your cat nuts. Even though we think we are doing the right thing, cats are very different from us and there are many things that seem normal and okay to us, but cats really don’t like them. In this article, we will discuss the top 19 human behaviors that cats hate and wish you wouldn't do, especially the last one.

1. Forced Socialisation

Unless it's a housemate or friend, cats are generally not fond of other felines. This is because of their animal instincts and territorial nature. They see other cats as competition for food and attention. They need to feel certain that there is enough territory and resources to allow another cat into their colony. This is why cats require a certain optimal amount of space to feel comfortable and content. 

2. Not Having A Hiding Spot

In the wild, cats often look for a hiding spot to protect themselves from other predators or stalk their prey. Cats usually hyper-alert even while dozing. Therefore, an enclosed hiding spot may allow them to feel secure and relaxed. Studies have shown that cats with safe hiding places have remarkably lower stress levels than their exposed counterparts.

3. Declawing Them

This one is a must to avoid! Declawing is torturous to cats, it can lead to pain and mobility issues. Keep in mind for cats scratching is a natural primal behavior, it's unrealistic and unkind to try to prevent your feline from her own nature. We should provide scratches for our felines to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Otherwise, your cat will find alternatives to scratching posts and proudly show off their scratching by leaving marks on your furniture.

4. Feeding Them Milk

Although feeding cow's milk to cats is thoughtful as a pet lover, it hurts them more than it helps. This is because cats are lactose intolerant. In fact, they will have a stomach problem within 10 to 12 hours after consuming it. But why do cats drink milk if it is not good for them? Cats are attracted to milk because of the protein and fats that they can sense and smell in it.

5. Rough Housing

Children are unpredictable and impulsive, they often behave in ways that are frightening or distressing to cats. Kids are grabby, they make loud noises and sudden moves. Cats prefer more predictable and serene companions before you have kids over asking their parents to explain the protocol to their children. If the kids want to play rough and loud and your cat seems concerned, put your pet in a room that is off-limit to the children.

6. An Enclosed Litter Box

A covered litter box may look cleaner than an open one to you, but cats prefer to have large litter boxes that offer airflow. A closed box prevents proper airflow which discourages use.

7. Dog Visitors

To cats, dogs are scarier than kids. Always allow cats to sniff and explore the dog at their own pace before physical interactions occur. Make sure that your cat has a safe accessible place to hide if she's just not interested in participating. Just like humans, animals have their own unique personalities. Also, remember that dogs have an instinct to chase small prey especially if they are fleeing it is no secret that cats typically do not enjoy being chased.

8. Strong Smells

A cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of humans. You may want to protect your pet from your perfume, deodorants, household cleaning products, bleach disinfectants, citrus fruits, onion, garlic, pepper, and any strong smelling chemicals as much as possible. Please remember not to use scented sprays on your kitty's bedding or litter box because your cat will be able to smell them for a long time afterward, likewise, cats hate a dirty smelly little box. Therefore, make sure to scoop and replace litter in a timely fashion.

9. Whisker Fatigue

Whiskers help cats detect air movements, objects nearby and even navigate through dark narrow spaces. If your cat is pulling food out of its bowl and eating it off the floor or is more finicky about her food,  this may be due to whiskers' stress that occurs when a cat's whiskers rub against the sides of the food bowl. A cat's whiskers are so sensitive that they become easily fatigued by unnecessary contact. Put their food on a flat plate or try a bowl with low sides to help to prevent whiskers' stress.

10. Bathing Them

Cats are very clean animals, they rarely need to be washed. The surface of a cat's tongue has tiny spines called papillae, which act as a natural brush to remove extra fur, oil, and debris. If you decide to wash them, once or twice a year is enough. By washing your cat frequently, you are doing them no favours. 

11. Blowing In Their Face

People seem amused or surprised when cats nap at them when they blow in their faces. That's a great way to make your cat hate you. Cats are wonderful creatures but if you have cats, by giving them a little space and the care they need, they will return their love to you.

12. Less Than Fresh Food

When it comes to dinner time, your cat wants nothing less than fresh food. If you let your cat's food sit out in the dish for some time, your furkid may turn their nose up at it, viewing it as past its prime. If your cat does not consume their meal in a timely fashion, it may be that you are feeding them too much or too frequently. Make sure to reduce their portion size or the frequency of their meals, and you should no longer see this problem.

13. Crading Them Like a Baby

Cats are so cute that people want to pick them up and cradle them like a baby but remember when you pick up a cat and cradle them like a baby, they may feel vulnerable and want to find a place to get back where they feel they are in control of their surroundings. Here is the real problem though, if you cradle a cat when it does not want to be held, you may injure them by squeezing them too hard or dropping them when they try to scramble away.

14. Vet clinics

The sounds and intense smell of vet clinics make them a sure bet when it comes to stressing out felines. Every day many animals come through the doors of vet clinics and the cat's nose is so sensitive that it can pick up traces of everyone. The sound of barking dogs and other screeching cats may add to their anxiety even more as your pet prepares to defend herself against the new threats and predators. Cats are very attached to their home territory and do not prefer interacting with strangers or traveling away from their home environment. 

15. Arguing In Front of Them

Perhaps you are in an argument with your spouse and the conversation gets loud or someone begins to cry, it's easy to forget that you have a witness watching the fight unfold and it does create stress in your cat. Cats are very sensitive to loud noises and yelling can get them really scared. A hostile environment is not good for you and is certainly not good for your pets.

16. Belly Rubs

A cat's stomach is a very sensitive part of the body as this region protects the most vital organs. When a cat exposes their underside to you, it means they are completely relaxed and full of love for you. However, it is not an invitation to rub them on their stomach. While they are showing you their trust in a vulnerable position, if you pet them on their stomach, they can get defensive. 

17. High Pitched Sounds

While cats hear low-pitched noises about as well as we do, they can pick up high-pitched sounds much better than humans. Their range goes even beyond that of dogs. High-pitched noises to cats can come in ways you would not expect. Ambulance sirens, loud music, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, or even your phone's ringtone are some of the high-pitched sounds that cats hate. This is another reason that we should never shout out kitties as this only causes stress and anxiety.

18. Low Temperatures

Cats like temperatures of 20 degrees higher than the human ideal temperature. In fact, a cat's coat is not made to protect against low temperatures. On the contrary, their coat protects their delicate skin from extreme heat.

19. You give up

Owning a pet is a responsibility to be taken seriously. If your cat is demonstrating behavior problems, consult with your vet or cat behaviorist and remember many unwanted behaviors such as scratching, nightmare activities or going potty inside can be better with training and age. A cat who has lost its owner will undergo bouts of depression. They may pace and search unsuccessfully for their formal owner. They often hide or cover in fear until they get acclimated to their new environment.