20 Top Things Cats Hate You Should Avoid

As someone who has owned a cat and lived with them for many years, I perfectly understand things that cats based on my experience living with cats.

So in this post, I’ll be discussing some of the most common things cats hate you should know and keep away from your cat.

There are just too many things cats hate, but I will discuss the most common ones to keep this post short and straight to the point.

Keep reading to find out more…

Things Cats Hate

In my opinion as a cat owner, here are some common things cats hate a lot you should avoid:

1. Loud noises like fireworks, thunder, or vacuum cleaners

Cats have incredibly sensitive hearing, and this is why most cats dislike loud noises because it makes them uncomfortable.

To better understand why cats hate loud noises, you should just imagine how overwhelming it must be for them when fireworks explode in the sky or thunder rumbles through the air.

These sudden and intense sounds can startle and stress them out. Vacuum cleaners, with their loud motor noises, can also be a major source of anxiety for most cats who are not used to the sound.

These noises can disrupt their sense of security and make them feel threatened.

So, if you want to keep your cat to be happy and calm, it’s best to avoid subjecting them to these loud noises as much as possible.

2. Using dirty litter boxes

Cats are known for their cleanliness, and most cats do take their bathroom habits very seriously.

Using a dirty litter box is a major no-no for most cats, some cats might even reject it.

It’s like asking us to use a dirty, smelly restroom – not a pleasant experience, right?

Cats have a keen sense of smell, and a dirty litter box can be overwhelming and repulsive to them.

If their litter box isn’t kept clean, they may start avoiding it altogether and find alternative spots to relieve themselves.

So, to keep your cat happy and maintain a good relationship with your pet, make sure to scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly.

3. Being held for too long

While some cats may enjoy being held and cuddled, most cats prefer their independence.

Cats are natural explorers and love to have the freedom to roam around and investigate their surroundings.

Being held for too long can make them feel trapped and anxious, most cats might try to bite to get away from being held.

It’s important to respect their boundaries and give them the space they need.

If your cat wants to be held, they’ll let you know by approaching you and rubbing against your legs.

But if they squirm or struggle when you pick them up, it’s a sign that they’d rather be on their own.

4. Being left alone for extended periods

Cats are social animals and crave companionship, even though they have an independent streak.

Leaving them alone for extended periods can make cats feel lonely and bored.

They may become anxious and exhibit destructive behaviors, such as scratching furniture or chewing on things they shouldn’t.

If you have to be away for long periods, consider providing them with toys, scratching posts, and interactive puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated.

Additionally, having a second cat as a companion can help alleviate their loneliness and provide them with much-needed social interaction.

5. Overwhelming and too much attention

Although cats appreciate love and attention, however, cats are natural predators and have a strong need for personal space.

Constantly overwhelming them with attention, such as petting them too roughly or invading their personal space, can make them feel stressed and anxious.

It’s important to respect their cues for wanting to be left alone and give them the space they need.

Pay attention to their body language, such as flattened ears or a flicking tail, which may indicate that they’ve had enough.

Remember, a balanced approach to affection and attention is key to maintaining a harmonious relationship with your feline companion.

6. Taking medicine and may resist or become aggressive

Based on my years of experience with cats, I can tell you that cats don’t particularly enjoy taking medicine.

It’s not surprising that they might resist or become aggressive when it’s time for their medication.

The taste or texture of the medication may be unpleasant for them, or they may simply dislike the sensation of being restrained.

Cats value their independence, and being forced to take medicine can feel like a violation of their personal space.

It’s important to approach medication administration with patience and care, using techniques like hiding the medication in treats or using a gentle approach to minimize stress and resistance.

7. Excessive and aggressive petting

While many cats appreciate a good petting session, it’s essential to be mindful of their boundaries.

Some cats may become overwhelmed or uncomfortable with excessive or aggressive petting.

They have sensitive nerve endings and may find rough petting painful or irritating.

It’s best to observe their body language and listen to their cues. If your cat starts twitching their tail, flattening their ears, or moving away, it’s a sign that they’ve had enough.

Opt for gentle and soothing strokes, and let your cat guide the interaction.

You should always remember, it’s all about creating a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your feline friend.

8. Peeling oranges around them

You might be surprised to learn that cats generally dislike the smell of citrus fruits like oranges.

The strong aroma of oranges can be overwhelming for their sensitive noses. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and the scent of citrus can be off-putting to them.

Peeling oranges around cats or using citrus-scented cleaning products near them may cause them to avoid the area or exhibit signs of discomfort.

It’s best to avoid exposing your cat to strong citrus smells if you want to keep them calm and content.

9. Changes in their daily routine

Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, they are known for their love of stability and predictability.

Any sudden changes in their daily routine can cause stress and anxiety. These changes can include things like moving to a new house, rearranging furniture, or even altering their feeding schedule.

Cats prefer a familiar environment and a consistent schedule. If you need to make changes, try to do so gradually and provide them with plenty of reassurance and comfort during the transition period.

This will help them adjust more easily and minimize any potential stress.

10. Being ignored by their owners

Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but they still crave attention and affection from their owners.

Based on my experience, I can tell you that being ignored by their humans can make most cats feel neglected and lonely.

Cats form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending quality time together. They may become aloof or exhibit attention-seeking behaviors if they feel ignored.

Taking the time to engage with your cat through playtime, grooming, or simply sitting together can strengthen your bond and make your feline friend feel loved and valued.

11. Strong scents

Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and strong scents can be overwhelming for cats.

While certain scents may be pleasant to us, they can be irritating or even repulsive to cats.

Perfumes, strong cleaning products, or even certain essential oils can cause discomfort and stress for our feline friends.

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell for communication and navigation, and strong scents can disrupt their natural instincts.

To keep your cat happy, I advise it is best you avoid using strong scents around them and opt for more subtle or cat-friendly fragrances.

12. Balloons

Based on my experience with my cat Max, I can tell you that cats hate balloons, even though balloons may seem harmless to us, but they can be a source of fear and anxiety for cats.

I believe this is due to the sudden movements and unpredictable noises that balloons make can startle and stress them out.

Cats are naturally cautious creatures and prefer familiar and predictable environments.

The sudden burst of a balloon can mimic a loud noise or even resemble an approaching predator, triggering their fight-or-flight response.

To create a calm and stress-free environment for your cat, I strongly recommend you should keep balloons out of their reach and ensure they have a safe space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

13. Cucumbers

You might have seen those viral videos of cats leaping in surprise when confronted with cucumbers I can tell you from experience with Max that this is true.

While it may seem amusing, it’s important to understand why cats react this way and they hate cucumbers.

Cats are naturally curious and vigilant creatures, and sudden unexpected objects can trigger their instinctual fear response.

When a cucumber is placed behind a cat without their knowledge, they see it as an unexpected threat.

This sudden surprise can cause fear and anxiety, leading to their dramatic reaction.

It’s crucial to respect your cat’s boundaries and avoid intentionally startling them with cucumbers or any other objects.

From what I observed with my cat Max, I believe cats hate cucumbers because of the size and shape of cucumbers.

14. Forced interaction by their owners

Cats are known for their independent nature, and not all cats enjoy being constantly handled or forced into interaction.

While some cats may enjoy cuddling or being held, others prefer more limited contact.

Forcing interaction can make your cat feel trapped and stressed. It’s important to pay attention to their body language and respect their boundaries.

If your cat shows signs of discomfort or tries to escape, it’s best to give them the space they need.

Always remember that each cat has their own preferences, and it’s essential to let them guide the level of interaction they’re comfortable with.

15. Being confined for too long

Cats are naturally agile and curious creatures, and being confined for extended periods can be frustrating and detrimental to their well-being.

Cats require mental and physical stimulation to thrive, therefore, being confined to a small space for too long can lead to boredom, restlessness, and even behavioral issues.

I advise you should provide ample opportunities for exercise, play, and exploration.

You should create an enriching environment with scratching posts, toys, and perches, and allow your cat supervised access to safe outdoor spaces, if possible.

Allowing your cat to roam and explore within safe limits can help fulfill their natural instincts and keep them happy and healthy.

16. Total darkness around them

Cats have excellent night vision and rely on their ability to see in low light conditions, and total darkness can be disorienting and unsettling for them.

Cats are naturally cautious and prefer to have a clear view of their surroundings to feel safe and secure.

When they are surrounded by darkness, their other senses become heightened, making them more alert and potentially anxious.

I advise you should provide some ambient light or nightlights in areas where your cat spends time to ensure they feel comfortable and can navigate their environment with ease.

17. Low temperatures and High Temperatures

Cats are known for their love of warmth and comfort, and while most cats can tolerate a range of temperatures, extreme cold or heat can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for them.

Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, and colder temperatures can cause them to feel chilly and seek warm spots to snuggle up.

On the other hand, high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and discomfort.

I strongly recommend you should provide your cat with a comfortable environment, with access to warm areas during colder seasons and cool areas during hot weather.

You should also ensure that your cat have access to fresh water and provide appropriate shelter if they spend time outdoors.

18. Having strangers around them

Cats are territorial creatures and often take time to warm up to new people.

Having strangers around can be stressful for them, especially if they invade their personal space or make loud noises.

Cats thrive on familiarity and prefer a calm and predictable environment.

When unfamiliar people are present, it can disrupt their sense of security and trigger anxiety.

It’s important to give your cat the option to retreat to a quiet and safe space when strangers are around and allow them to approach and interact with new people at their own pace.

19. Sudden or unexpected movements

Cats are natural predators and have finely tuned reflexes, so sudden or unexpected movements can trigger their instinctual prey drive, causing them to become startled or even aggressive.

Quick movements can be perceived as a threat or trigger their chase response.

It’s important to move slowly and avoid making sudden gestures or movements around cats, especially if they are already anxious or on edge.

By being mindful of their sensitivity to sudden movements, you can help create a calmer and more relaxed environment for your cat.

20. Invasion of their personal space

Cats value their personal space and independence. Invading their personal space without their consent can make them feel threatened or anxious.

Cats have different comfort levels when it comes to physical contact and being touched.

While some cats enjoy being petted and cuddled, others may prefer more limited interaction.

It’s important to respect their boundaries and observe their body language.

If your cat shows signs of discomfort, such as moving away, flattening their ears, or flicking their tail, it’s best to give them space and allow them to approach you on their own terms.

Related: Things cats like.