Our cats augment our lives so much, but, there is a minor language barrier between the human species and that of cats. Thus, there are certain things we may unintentionally do that these furry friends don’t like.
Does your cat seem anxious or upset? Does it show certain negative body signals or is it learning inapt bathroom habits?
What is bothering your kitty could be something that also bothers you. From spoiled food to dirty bathrooms to overly loud music, humans and cats share more pet irritations than you may imagine.
Believe it or not, you may be making certain mistakes as a human, unsuspectedly doing things that cats don’t like or can’t stand.
Don’t panic, we have got your back covered; below is a list of 11 things that cats don’t like and how to remedy them.
1. Not providing them with a comfortable spot to relieve themselves
We are all aware of the fact that kitties are picky and selective creatures, and this also extends to the type of litter boxes they are in. As a common rule, there should be at least one litter box for each kitty in the house, plus an additional one.
Ensure the litter boxes are cleaned daily, however, your cat may prefer that it is cleaned more often than that. In case your kitty is avoiding a litter box, and you are not sure why, perhaps it's about time you made some new changes.
2. Making loud sounds
With their strong and resilient sense, kitties can be skittish, particularly when it comes to overly loud noises. Banging, slamming, or shouting – even if it isn’t directed at them – are some of the things that cats don’t like,and can definitely send your cat into a tailspin.
From arguments to thunderstorms to fireworks, commotion and lots of loud sounds can seriously stress your kitty out. And long-lasting stress from loud sounds can cause severe health and behavioral issues, including aggression, skittishness, hair loss, over-grooming, depression, and lack of appetite.
It can be challenging, but try to reduce your kitty’s exposure to loud sounds. Always keep it in a safe and quiet space whenever guests are around or during thunderstorms and bad weather, and also avoid playing overly loud music or turning up the volume of your TV.
3. Punishing them
While you may wish o train your kitty to do or not do a particular thing, punishing her, forcing her, or yelling at her to do something won’t work. Punishing kitties only leave them feeling scared and confused. Try rewarding good behaviors and gentle guidance, instead.
4. Overlooking odd behavior
Cats naturally disguise their pain, so it is up to us to always detect whenever something isn’t right. No one else knows your cat like you do, thus; in case you notice any awkward behavior, like frequent/infrequent litter box trips, persistent scratching, or lack of training, ensure to have her properly checked out by a vet.
5. Giving them unpleasant medicine
Whenever you are feeling lousy, the last thing you can ever think of doing is taking some unpleasant or yucky-tasting medicine. The same thing goes for your cat. When taking meds, many kitties hold the pill within their esophagus, foam at the mouth, or just spit it out.
Whether your kitty needs medication for an infection or cold or has a long-lasting condition that needs regular administration of medication, it is important to always make the experience a little bit pleasant for the cat.
First and foremost, train your kitty to be comfortable having its mouth and face handled; relate the sensations with something more positive by further providing it with a small good treat. Then, create a medication schedule, so your kitty knows what to expect and when to expect it.
6. Feeding your cat with spoiled food
Perhaps you don’t want to dig into a big bowl of spoiled and disgusting food – and amazed! – Neither does your kitty. Not only does spoiled or stale food taste bad, but it could also make your kitty sick.
Bacteria like Staphylococcus and Salmonella can develop in food that has been exposed for a long time, specifically during warmer months.
One of those things that cats don’t like is serving them with spoiled food. When serving up your cat’s meals, always check the expiration dates on both dry and wet food. Your vet can assist you in deciding based on your cat’s activity levels, age, and breed.
7. Giving them a water basin they hate to use
It is essential that all creatures remain hydrated; however, your cat may be discouraged from drinking his water in case he does not like his basin or bowl.
While it is okay to give your cat some sips from the valve, he should always be able to have access to a water source that he is comfortable using.
8. Declawing them
This method, which is merely a convenience for pet owners, can cause havoc on your kitty as it is something cats don't like. Animal admirers have become more aware that having a pet declawed is an actual bone amputation and not just a removal of the claws.
Declawing your cat can cause long-term pain, and leave her feeling more vulnerable and defenseless. This could lead to increased aggression, and it poses a major problem for kitties who step outside with no form of defense.
9. Getting them dressed up
Kitties have strong instincts which give them lots of resemblances to their wildcat descendants – it is one of those features we love about them! That is why putting a “nice” outfit on your cat will most definitely get her upset.
Clothing can make kitties feel under pressure and can also hinder their level of agility, plus they dislike being laughed or ogled at.
10. Disregarding their grooming needs
While your kitty does a good job in training herself, most times she also needs your help. She may not like nail trims, getting brushed, or baths (or perhaps she loves it!), however, what she doesn’t like even more is being messy.
Tangled hair can cause agonizing mats, long nails can hitch, and ticks and fleas are no fun for anyone! Pet grooming is one exemption where it is worth doing something cats may not like for the benefit of their general wellbeing.
11. Ignoring to give them attention
In contrast to popular beliefs, cats are not antisocial animals! It is true that you can leave a cat alone for a longer time than you could a dog, however, cats also crave attention, love, and companionship just like every other furry friend.
If left isolated for a long period of time, it can start developing feelings of lethargy, sadness, and even depression. In case you have a busy schedule, always try setting aside a few minutes every day to spend some time with your cat. Even 20 minutes of playtime every few hours will make it healthy and happy. You can also adopt another cat, for a full-time companionship.
Conclusion
With the points mentioned above, whenever your cat is prepared for affection, ensure you receive her with open arms, and always try to avoid those things cats don’t like. While they may have a character of being independent, kitties need love and they also need the right treatment.
Always avoid loud noises, spoiled foods, pet clothing, yucky medicine and every other thing you think your cat may not like, in order to build a long-lasting relationship with your furry friend.