12 Things cats don't like their owners doing

Cats are unique creatures. While each has their own personality, it’s safe to say they can all have their individual quirks.

However, it’s clear there are some things owners do that cats really don’t like. Here’s our list, in no particular order of preference.

What smells do cats dislike? It may surprise you that – while humans find them relaxing – the scent of many essential oils will have the opposite effect on your cat.

While many of these are toxic to cats – and should therefore be kept away – the smell of certain essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and anything citrusy will be off-putting for your cat.

Avoid using air fresheners in the home, scented cat litter or scented disinfectant to clean your cat’s things, for the same reason.

There are also some plants cats dislike the smell of, including mint, thyme and eucalyptus, plus the smell of mustard, too.

Though necessary, the majority of cats will make it very clear that they do not enjoy vet visits. The carrier, the journey, the strange smells – all of these combine to make most cats feel unsettled.

To help calm a nervous cat when heading to the vets, you can pop a familiar-smelling blanket in the carrier, sit with them in the backseat on the journey over, and keep treats nearby to offer if they are not too stressed.

It’s worth spending time getting your cat gradually used to cat carriers by leaving one around the house with a blanket inside which smells of your cat, and another on top to make it feel like a cosy den. This is then one less stressor for both them and you!

Again, while a necessary part of cat ownership, giving your cat medicine can all too often be stressful for you and your cat.

Most cats dislike being held against their will (see our next tip) and will struggle against having something that tastes odd being put into their mouth. This is why medicines with cats in mind, such as those with the Easy to Give™ ISFM Approved Licensing Scheme, is a fantastic step forward for cat welfare and for helping owners.

When medicating your cat, approach calmly and ask someone else to help keep your cat still. You can find more tips on how to give your cat medicine in our article.

If your cat still finds medicating really stressful, discuss this with your vet – along with the different treatment options to see which may be more suitable

While cats are known for their independence, they still enjoy affection – it just has to be on their terms. When you consider that natural interactions for cats are frequent-but-brief encounters – a bit like a casual wave rather than a big hug – and that people are the exact opposite, you can see how things can easily go awry.

Try offering a hand for them to sniff and see if they’re interested in being stroked. Most cats prefer to be touched on the head, so avoid sensitive areas such as their tummy and paws when you stroke them. Give the ‘three-second rule’ a go by stroking them for three seconds, then stop and see if they ask for more fuss. If they don’t, you’ll know you’ve not accidentally pushed their boundaries, so it’s a good place to stop interactions for the time being.

If you give your cat too much attention, it’s likely they’ll become overstimulated. Some cats may give you a warning twitch of their tail, turn their ears to the side or look away, while others might escalate to a bite if they’re used to their early signals being ignored. Keep an eye out for the warning signs and be ready to back off when they’ve had enough.

One minute, your cat’s off on adventures, the next, they’re jumping on your lap and demanding to be stroked.

It’s not always easy to gauge a cat’s mood, but if they are rubbing around your ankles, it’s generally a clear sign that they are ready for some attention. Just be mindful that some cats prefer you to ‘pet’ them with your eyes (or voice) only!

Cats are happiest in clean environments. Just like us, they hate to eat or drink from dirty bowls – and pet bowls are one of the most bacteria-ridden places in your home.

You should give your cat a clean food bowl every day by either washing it in between meals or by having spare bowls on hand. You should also change their water every day and swap out the bowl every two days – at least. If you don’t, bacteria can begin to grow in them, infecting the food and water that they ingest.

If your cat uses a litter tray, make sure you clean it regularly (and use unscented cleaning products to do so). Your cat may go to the toilet in another area of your home if there’s something not right about their litter tray. Check out this litter tray checklist for more information.

While they enjoy drinking from a clean water bowl, most cats don’t like being in water as a general rule of thumb.

However, some breeds – such as the Turkish Van cats – love water and even need to have access to water to swim in, to meet their needs. Baths may also be useful for older cats who find it hard to clean themselves.

Find tips on bathing your cat in our article.

While some cats can be more sociable than others, most are happy with their own company.

Pairing with a sibling tends to work best for pairs – although it’s not a guarantee. Cats go through social maturity when they are between 18-months and four-years old, so this is a time when cats can naturally just grow apart. In some cases, they can even fall out with one another.

Providing enough resources or ‘cat stuff’ with the golden rule of one resource per cat – plus one extra – can help to reduce any potential tensions.

Cats are creatures of habit, so they feel much safer with a predictable routine. Be sure to introduce any changes gradually, so as not to cause them any stress.

Predictability, choice, consistency and feeling a sense of control matter most to your cat.

Even though cats seem to spend most of their lives asleep, they still need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy.

Be sure to stock up on a range of toys for your cat and rotate these regularly to maintain their novelty. Give them access to a tall, sturdy scratching post (ideally with vertical thread on it) to provide an outlet for their natural scratching behaviour – and to hopefully discourage them from sharpening their claws on your furniture.

Find more ideas on how to keep a cat entertained here.

Like most animals, cats naturally associate loud noise with danger, which is why they often dart out of the room when hearing a sudden bang.

If you expect your home to be noisy – such as if you’re having multiple guests over or building work done – keep your cat in a separate sanctuary room. Be sure to provide food, water, places to hide (such as within cardboard boxes), elevated perches, such as an accessible clear window sill, and a cosy place to sleep.

If there are fireworks or thunder, ensure there is somewhere dark and quiet for your cat to take refuge for the duration.