The bond between cat and human is one based on mutual love. When you bring a kitty into your home, you want nothing more than to care for it–and the purring, head-rubbing affection that’s returned makes everything worth it.
Cats are smart, particular, and sometimes peculiar creatures, and their quirky nature means that there are some things that we humans do that they really don’t like.
Here are 10 things that cats prefer their humans don’t do, because there’s no reason why felines and humans can’t live in purrfect harmony.
1. Ignore them.
Sure they’re self-sufficient, but that doesn’t mean kitties don’t like receiving–and giving–some gentle affection! Cuddles, soft pats, and head-rubs are some of your cat’s favorite things.
2. Don’t clean their litter boxes often enough.
Cats are very clean animals, and a smelly litter box does not fit into their tidy lifestyle! If a box is too dirty, your kitty may find an alternative place to relieve herself.
Related: 8 Best Self Cleaning Litter Boxes for Cats
3. Pat them aggressively
Dogs may love a vigorous ear scratch, but cats prefer gentler head pets and strokes. They just love being treated like the precious princes and princesses that they are!
4. Dress them up.
Cats hate being unnaturally restrained by clothing, and certainly do not appreciate being made into a costumed spectacle.
5. Take them for car rides.
For most felines, this experience includes everything that they hate: uncertainty, anxiety, confusion, and motion sickness. Of course some rides are necessary, so talk to your vet about how to make these instances more comfortable for both you and your cat. Check out 6 Ways To Keep Your Cat Calm During Travel for more helpful tips.
6. Make them pose for photos.
You know that your cat does things on his own terms, and making him pose for a picture is probably not going to work your favor. Trying to get a family portrait? You’re better off setting up the picture around him!
7. Make loud noises.
Big, unexpected sounds, crowded spaces, and too much commotion will send your cat sprinting to her top-secret hiding spot.
8. Put jingling collars on them.
Cats are naturally graceful and sly, and won’t appreciate a noisy collar that is sure to blow their cover.
9. Ignore their particular eating habits.
Between the type of food, dish, and placement of the container, cats are notoriously finicky with their eating habits. You may have to try a few different recipes/bowls/locations; but once you’ve found the purrfect combination, your kitty will thank you.
10. Interrupt them from their beauty slumber.
Felines love their sleep (why else do you think “cat naps” were named after them?). If a human disturbs them from one of their favorite activities, they’re bound to get rather–er–catty.
