The Most Common Things Cats Absolutely Hate

Cats are mysterious creatures with a long list of things they aren't keen on. From loud noises to changes in their environment, cats can be very particular about their preferences. They are known to be temperamental, and their dislikes often contrast with what their human companions like. For example, while cats may dislike noisy slot machines, their owners might enjoy trying their luck at a casino. Understanding a cat's dislikes can help owners provide a comfortable environment for their feline friends and avoid behavioural problems.

Pungent odours, loud noises, and changes to their routine

Cats are sensitive creatures, and their powerful sense of smell—14 to 40 times stronger than a human's—means they can be easily overwhelmed by pungent odours.

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, are widely disliked by cats. The oils from these fruits are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Similarly, the smell of vinegar, a common household cleaner, is off-putting to cats.

Essential oils should be avoided, as they can be toxic to cats. These include eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint. The scent of peppermint, in particular, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea in cats. Other essential oils to steer clear of include lavender and rosemary, which are also mildly toxic and can cause excess salivation and depression in cats.

Spicy foods are also a no-go for cats. The compound capsaicin, found in chilli peppers, is associated with toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which act as scent-based clues telling cats to stay away.

Loud noises are another source of stress for cats. In nature, loud noises can signal the presence of a dangerous predator, activating the fight, flight, or freeze response in a cat's brain. This can lead to increased aggression, skittish behaviour, loss of appetite, and litter box issues.

Finally, cats are creatures of habit and do not respond well to changes in their routine. This can include small changes, such as a new litter box, or larger disruptions like moving to a new home. Changes in their environment can cause stress, which can manifest as inappropriate elimination, increased aggression, changes in appetite, and over-grooming.

Understanding what cats hate can help owners create a comfortable and stress-free environment for their feline friends.

Dirty litter boxes

Cats are known to be temperamental, with a long list of things they are not keen on. One of the things that cats hate the most is a dirty litter box.

The Health Risks of a Dirty Litter Box

Leaving a dirty litter box unchanged can lead to some serious illnesses, not just for your cat but for you as well.

Urinary Tract Infections and Other Bladder Problems

Cats are very clean animals who like their surroundings to be clean as well. If their litter box is full and dirty, they may not want to go inside to relieve themselves, even if they need to. They might either find another place to do their business or hold it in until the box is cleaned. Holding it in can lead to serious issues such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder infection, or kidney problems.

Overexposure to Ammonia

As urine and faeces accumulate in a dirty litter box, it produces ammonia—a toxic gas that can cause mild problems like headaches and nausea, as well as more serious issues like pneumonia.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections such as cat scratch fever (bartonellosis) can be passed from cats to humans through dirty litter boxes. This can result in fatigue, headaches, body aches, and fever.

Parasite Transfer

Parasites can also be passed on to humans from dirty litter boxes. One of the scariest is Toxoplasma gondii, which has been linked to increased suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Parasites can also infect cats, making them sick.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most serious dangers of a dirty litter box. Cats can harbour the toxoplasma gondii parasite and excrete it in their faeces. If you touch the faeces while cleaning a full litter box, you could become infected. While most people show no symptoms, it can cause flu-like symptoms and even lead to miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.

Keeping a Clean Litter Box

To avoid the health risks associated with a dirty litter box, it is important to clean it regularly. Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter at least twice a week. Wash the box with soap and warm water weekly, or use a mixture of vinegar and water for a more earth-friendly cleaning option.

Keeping the litter box clean not only protects your health and that of your cat, but it also helps to prevent accidents around the house. Cats will not want to use a dirty litter box, so they may find other places to relieve themselves, such as your bed, laundry hamper, or couch. Regular cleaning of the litter box will also help to control unpleasant odours and keep your house smelling fresh.

Petting their stomachs

Cats are known for their strong opinions and distinct personalities, and it's no secret that they dislike having their stomachs touched or rubbed. This is likely because the hair follicles on their bellies and tail areas are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating. Additionally, cats are protective of their stomachs as they instinctively know that this is a vulnerable area, and an unprompted belly rub may result in them lashing out with their claws.

While it can be tempting to reach out and rub their soft, fluffy bellies when they roll onto their backs, this is often not an invitation for a belly rub. Instead, they might be relaxing, stretching, or even feeling threatened and preparing to defend themselves. When a cat is on its back, its pointy sides are up, which means it can easily bite or scratch if it feels uncomfortable.

If your cat is hesitant about being touched on the stomach, you can use positive reinforcement to make them more comfortable. This involves rewarding your cat with a treat each time you touch their belly. Start with a quick touch, followed by an immediate reward, and gradually increase the duration of belly rubs over time. This technique can also be helpful in getting your cat to accept nail trims or a full-body exam at the vet.

It's important to respect your cat's boundaries and preferences. Cats have different likes and dislikes, just like humans, and they will let you know when they need love and affection. If your cat shows its belly to you, it's likely relaxing or stretching rather than asking to be touched. Instead of going for the belly rub, try petting and scratching them on the head, specifically under the chin and cheeks, where they have scent glands.

Taking medicine

Cats are notoriously fickle when it comes to taking medication, and it can be a stressful experience for both owner and cat. However, there are several strategies that can be employed to make the process easier.

Firstly, preparation is key. If you have a kitten, train them to be comfortable with you handling their head, face, and mouth. This can be achieved through gentle petting and praise. Similarly, if you accustom your kitten to having their teeth brushed, they will be more accepting of you working around their mouth. It is also beneficial to feed your cat meals twice a day, rather than allowing them to graze throughout the day. This ensures that your cat is hungry at mealtimes and can be tempted with treats or food containing hidden medication.

When it comes to administering medication, there are several approaches you can take. One popular method is to hide the medicine in food. This can be done by mixing it with a small amount of wet food or wrapping it in a tasty treat. It is important to ensure your cat consumes the entire portion of food to receive the full dose of medication. Another approach is to use a syringe to deliver liquid medication directly into your cat's mouth. This can be done by positioning the cat so they face away from you and are tucked into your arm, then gently tilting their head back and inserting the syringe at the side of the mouth. It is important to squirt the medication slowly onto the back of the tongue to avoid gagging or choking.

If your cat is particularly difficult to medicate, there are additional measures you can take. Try to medicate your cat while they are sleeping, as they are less likely to resist. You can also wrap your cat in a towel or blanket, exposing only the head, to restrict their movement and make it easier to administer the medication. It is important to act quickly and calmly during the process, as cats can sense your anxiety and may become more agitated.

Remember, it is normal for cats to resist taking medication, and it may take some time and practice for both you and your cat to become comfortable with the process. Don't be discouraged if you don't see perfect results right away. With patience and persistence, you can successfully provide your cat with the medication they need while minimising stress for both of you.

Other cats

Cats are known to be temperamental, with a long list of things they aren't keen on. One of the things they hate the most is the presence of other cats.

Competition for Resources

Cats are competitive by nature, and they do not take kindly to the presence of another feline on their turf. This can lead to aggressive behaviour and even result in fights as they establish dominance and protect their resources. The introduction of a new cat into the household, for example, can be a significant source of stress for the resident cat, leading to various behavioural issues.

Territorial Behaviour

Cats are highly territorial creatures, and they will defend their territory vigorously. They use scent markers in their urine to mark their territory and keep other cats away. When another cat enters their territory, it can trigger a strong sense of protection and aggression. This behaviour is more commonly seen in outdoor cats, but even indoor cats can become riled up by spotting another cat through a window.

Social Dynamics

Cats form tight social groups, and they can become stressed and agitated when a strange cat enters their territory. This can lead to increased aggression towards other cats or people in the household, excessive meowing or howling, overgrooming, loss of appetite, or litter box issues. The stress of encountering another cat can be mitigated by using calming pheromone sprays or remote devices that deter cats from entering your yard.

Health Risks

The presence of other cats can also pose health risks, especially if the cats are unvaccinated or carry diseases. Cats that roam outdoors are more likely to come into contact with infectious agents, increasing the risk of transmitting illnesses to other cats in the household. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), for example, can be transmitted through close contact or fighting with infected cats.

In summary, while cats may enjoy the company of other cats in some cases, the presence of other cats is generally something they dislike. This dislike stems from their competitive and territorial nature, their strong social bonds, and the potential health risks associated with close contact.

Frequently asked questions