It is a truth universally known that cats are totally adorable! However, it’s also a fact that those little cute cat-noses can turn upward when something is wrong.
Cats are incredibly opinionated. They don’t speak our language, but it doesn’t take a cat enthusiast to figure out all their clear ways of showing their displeasure.
If you’ve found yourself facing the flicking tail and glare of your feline friend, don’t worry! I can help you stay in your cat’s good graces.
Take a look at what common mistakes you may be making that drive them up the wall.
1. Interrupting Their Naps
Look, it takes a lot of effort and hard work to look that cute! Cats spend most of their day asleep. Disturbing their beauty naps is a cardinal sin! How would you feel if someone poked your tummy constantly while you rested?
Jokes aside, cats need the downtime to recharge. If you’re constantly waking them up, they are sure to just start hiding to avoid you. Some may even try to run away!
2. Over-Petting Them
Sure, cats enjoy affection. Who doesn’t? But this affection has to come on their terms! Cross the invisible line of “too much petting” and you will get a cat slap to your face. Maybe even a warning nip!
Our feline friends can become easily overstimulated. What starts as a wholesome belly rub session can turn into a sensory nightmare. My advice: learn to read their body language for clues! It will make both your lives easier.
3. Ignoring The Litter Box
Imagine you had a roommate who never helped you clean. Frustrating, right? Consider this analogy when you think of cats: they are very clean, and a dirty litter box is making you look like that useless roommate.
You will definitely notice if they hate you over this: cats start protesting by doing their business anywhere outside the litter box. On purpose. So scoop daily, or brace yourself to experience what put your kittie through!
4. Dressing Them Up
I get it. You’ve seen an adorable costume in the store. Now, all you want to do is dress your cat up! It might be worth a quick picture. But for your cat? That’s just pure torture.
Like the scene in The Hunchback of Notre Dame when Quasimodo gets dressed up, but he just becomes the joke of the party? That’s kind of the energy here. The restrictive outfit will make them experience sensory overload.
So, if you really wanna dress up a pet, save it for a willing dog instead.
5. Playing Too Rough
Cats adore playtime just as much as any pet. Don’t forget, though, there’s a fine line between fun, pain, and frustration. Don’t tug on their tails or wrestle with their paws. This is almost a guarantee they will get mad! You may get a scratch too!
They associate rough play with aggression. Their bodies are tiny compared to yours, so of course they will feel threatened. You could hurt them! Keep it light and respectful.
6. Moving Their Favorite Stuff
I really feel this one. Imagine that you just got used to an area, or that you grew comfortable somewhere. And then, without warning, it gets moved or changed! Infuriating!
Cats get attached to their favorite toys and napping spots. Sometimes even random cardboard boxes! The routine makes them feel safe. When their favorite safe spot or comfort toy disappears, they’ll be in utter distress!
Help them by familiarizing them with each spot you move their toys to!
7. Using Strong-Smelling Products
Have you ever walked by someone, and their perfume is super-strong? Now imagine your nose is ten times more sensitive, and that you’re stuck in a room with someone like that.
Cats have very sensitive noses, so strong odors like citrus sprays, cleaners, or perfumes can be too much to handle. They might get really offended by these scents! So stick to neutral, pet-safe products.
8. Invading Their Personal Space
Sometimes, you just wanna sit down and snuggle your cat. The thing is, cats love their personal space above all else. They dislike being cuddled excessively or followed around. It creeps them out!
Try to respect their independence. Remind yourself: just because they have boundaries, it doesn’t mean they don’t love me. It will be beneficial to your bond!