WHAT OBJECTS DO CATS HATE? 21 THINGS THEY DESPISE

What objects do cats hate? Cats are very particular when it comes to liking or disliking objects. You can see they show their appreciation or hate for some things, but what are the things they really can’t have around them?

In general, cats hate noisy items, sudden loud sounds, water, vacuum cleaners, cucumbers, bananas, dirty litter boxes, humans invading their space, other cats in their territory, excessive love demonstrations, changes, and lack of attention.

But it is not all. Cats hate many other things. Some cats are easy-going; others are picky and only want to have things as they please. So let’s see what objects they hate the most are.

WHAT OBJECTS DO CATS HATE?

Let’s try to know a little bit better about what scares our little friends. Some of the things that cats hate are known by most people. For example, everyone knows that cats hate water. But, there are also many other things cats do not like.

Keep in mind that most cats love habits and have a calm environment. They also like their territory to be respected and receive affection (on their terms, of course!). As a cat owner, you should know the boundaries and what your cat most probably will not like.

Here are some of the most common things cats hate the most:

1. DRESSES

Did you say dresses? Yes! I did. Cats hate to wear clothing and even collars. They do not like to be confined into things; cats are “free beings” even if domesticated, cats still have a predator instinct.

Additionally, they already have a lot of furs, so they are already dressed!

I know they look cute when wearing nice clothing, but cats usually do not like to be taken and forced to be like a doll.

2. VACUUM CLEANER

As soon as I take the vacuum cleaner out of the closet, my cat starts hissing at it, even if it is just in my hands and still switched off. Then, he starts following me and tries to attack the vacuum cleaner.

As soon as I start cleaning, he runs lowered to the ground under the bed in the far corner, as if he was under bombing in World War II!

Really funny to see. I thought my cat was just silly until I got a second cat who did just the same.

So vacuum cleaners are a no-no for cats.

2. CITRUS (orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit)

Citrus is on the list of objects that cats hate. Therefore, it is better to keep this scent away from cats. Cats may eat some citrus-scented food, even if they do not like it, but they may cause stomach trouble.

Citrus, in general, is toxic for cats, although you see that many cats’ products contain citrus scents, such as repellents for cat scratching or products against mosquitos. Try to find products that do not have citrus.

3. LAVENDER

Cats do not like lavender; not only is lavender disliked, but it can also be toxic for cats, so it is better to keep the environment free from it. However, if you like lavender-scented items, maybe you can keep them in places that your cat can’t access.

4. DIRTY LITTER BOX

Have you ever heard that cats are spotless animals? In fact, every time I look at my cat, I find him licking himself. He does that all day. They also pretend you to clean around for them!

One day I found him staring at the litter box, then looking at me, he started to meow really loudly. I looked at him and realized he was talking to me, demanding I clean the litter box.

I cleaned the litter box, and he immediately went to the bathroom. He was delighted, and after he completed his business, he left the room, not even looking at me.

Well, happy to serve his majesty!

Cats may not use the litter box if it is dirty and may decide to pee and poo around the house. Or they will use the litter box, but they will be unhappy and stressed about it.

5. CUCUMBER

It is commonly believed cats are afraid of cucumbers. However, I think they are scared mainly of the prank people do when suddenly pulling the cucumber up.

Unlike the banana, which cats do not like, the cucumber dislikes it is due to the sudden movements of people approaching them with it in their hands.

The taste or scent has nothing to do with it.

6. CAT CARRIERS

What does your cat do when you start taking out the carrier? First, they start looking at you very suspiciously, and then when you move toward them, they finally understand it is time to run!

Cat carriers are connected to bad memories, like visiting the vet, traveling in cars, or noisy places. It is also too little space for them; it certainly scares them.

7. COLLARS

Sometimes I wonder how other people do to put collars on their cats. So I tried, and it lasted for 30 seconds. Cats particularly hate especially jingling collars.

Cats are predators; how the fluff are they supposed to hunt if they make noises when they move?

But the sound is not the only problem. Cats do not like the feel of something around their neck. If you manage to get a cat used to a collar when they are kittens, there are some possibilities they get used to it. Later, when they are grown up, it is more complicated.

8. CHANGES

Cats are creatures of habit. If there is a thing they hate is a change. They do not like to change house, to change food, that humans move their beds, or favorite hiding places, and so on.

The best is to make sure they do not experience many changes. Otherwise, they can become stressed and act strangely.

9. BEING IGNORED

Some cats are not the cuddling type; however, what happens if you try to pretend they are not there. Inevitably they will come to you. For example, one of my cats doesn’t like to cuddle, doesn’t like being close to humans, and is scared.

However, when I am sleeping in or minding my own business, he comes around, and he starts pocking me with his paw until I start petting him; five seconds later, he is gone!

Cats are just making sure you are not ignoring them. It is hilarious to look at them while they come near shyly, trying to get attention.

Cats need daily attention from their humans to feel good and be happy. So make sure you give it to them.

10. TOO MUCH ATTENTION

Wait for a second, didn’t you just say that they do not like to be ignored?

Well, yes. Cats are very contradictory “people.” They like to get attention when they want it. If they did not “authorize” you to pet them or cuddle them, you are in trouble.

If you try to pet them too much, pick them up or enforce love, cats can think you are aggressive, and because of this, cats can get stressed.

11. BELLY RUBS

Cats definitively do not like belly rubs, or at least in certain moments. Have you tried to touch your cat belly only to get scratched?

Cats consider the belly as their weakest point. They have to trust you to be allowed to touch their bellies. Therefore, it is best to scratch them under the chin or heads. If they show you the belly, try to see how they react if you shyly try to touch it.

Good Luck with that!

12. STRANGERS (HUMANS AND OTHER PETS)

Some cats are amiable and let humans come close and interact with them. However, as soon as they see a stranger, most cats usually hide.

When they finally come out of the hiding place, they go near the stranger very slowly, smelling them very carefully and testing them to see if they are dangerous. Finally, if they pass the test, they are an acceptable human in their environment.

13. WATER

Water is the most commonly known as THE thing cats hate the most. Aside from playing with water when it flows from the tap or out of the water fountain, cats do not like getting involved with it.

In some rare cases, if cats get used to taking a bath at a young age, they may have a more friendly relationship with water, but it is uncommon.

14. BEING PICKED UP

Most cats do not like being picked up and held like a baby. Some cats will allow you to pick them up for a few minutes, but in general, they want you to put them down or will try to get off of you. Trying to pick you a cat too often can create stress and dislike for the owner.

15. BEING DISTURBED WHILE SLEEPING

Cats enjoy their sleep, and they also need to sleep a lot. So when they do, it is better not to disturb them or wake them up; they do not like it. So often, they will move to another place away from you or the disturbing person.

Waking up cats too often may create a sense of stress and make them insecure and anxious.

16. GOING IN A CAR RIDE

Most cats hate cars, their sound, and the view of things moving fast. It is not a pleasant moment for them. Indeed, you have to bring them to the vet or travel with them from time to time. In general, they get really scared to be in the car.

Sometimes, you can find a cat that enjoys travels and adventures, but it is not common.

17. CAT LEASH

Although some cats can get used to walking on a leash, it is not common. Many cats hate it and will not allow their owner to put a leash on them. If you want to bring your cat out, you should train him to walk on a leash at a young age.

18. TOUCH THEIR PAWS

Cat’s paws are very sensible. Cats do not like any contact of human hands with their paws, especially underneath them. So if you try to touch a paw, your cat will move it away, in the best cases, or he will try to hit you or scratch you.

19. CLOSED DOORS

Cats go crazy on a closed door. If they have access to the entire house, you can trigger a lot of meows and complaints when you close a door. Cats can try to scratch the door and open it, or they will come to you demanding to open the door.

If you are behind the door, it is even worse. Cats will meow and aggressively try to get you out of the room, or at least until you let them in. Cats can’t stay far from their owners for too long. They want to stay in the same room, even if you go temporarily to the bathroom.

20. TOUCH OR PULL THEIR TAIL

It isn’t kind to pull a cat tail, and most cats do not like even that someone toches it. Cats’ tails are sensitive body parts for cats. Even the lighter touch can send strong signals to the body. So avoid touching or pulling it if you want your cat to be happy.

21. OLD FOOD

Some cats may not eat food after 1 or 2 hours it is out. Also, some cats will not eat food if their bowl is dirty. In my experience, I have to wash the cat bowl after every meal and before placing the new food. Otherwise, my cat is not going to eat.

He walks away without eating if he smells the previous food because I did not wash the food bowl.

WHAT SMELLS DO CATS ABSOLUTELY HATE?

Cats have a sensitive nose and can smell much better than any human. For these reasons, strong smells can stress them, or even a light fragrance of scents they do not like or are even toxic for them.

Here is a list of smells cats hate:

Read Also: DO CATS CALM DOWN WITH AGE?

WHAT CAN YOU SPRAY ON FURNITURE TO KEEP CATS OFF?

You could try a natural spray with a non-toxic scent or train your cat. There are other cats repellents on the market. Make sure they are not poisoning your cat. At DorkyCats, we like to recommend natural products that are not harming your cat.

Here are the top 5 products people use and what we think you may want for your cat:

SCRATCHING REPELLENT SPRAYS

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