How Humans Unintentionally Hurt Their Feline Friends

Cats have long been associated with independence and aloofness, often portrayed as indifferent to their human companions. However, according to Anna Chaney, an animal behavior expert and associate curator at Memphis Zoo specializing in felines, this common perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Chaney asserts that cats do experience emotions, and just like humans, their feelings can be hurt.

Source: BBC/YouTube

In an interview with Newsweek, Chaney explains, “We evolved emotions to help us communicate, reproduce, and survive. Why should we assume animals are any different in that regard?” It is essential to recognize that cats are sentient beings with their own emotional experiences. Actions that evoke negative emotions in cats can indeed “hurt their feelings.”

Unfortunately, many cat owners remain unaware of the ways they unintentionally upset their pets and continue engaging in activities that distress them. Cats, in general, are more sensitive than dogs and can be easily overwhelmed, lacking the same resilience when faced with negative experiences, as Chaney points out.

Here are some common ways owners inadvertently hurt their cat’s feelings, along with suggestions for making amends:

1. Wearing or Using Strong Scents — Cats possess an incredibly acute sense of smell, with over 200 million odor receptors in their noses compared to the 5 million found in humans. Strong smells, such as perfume and scented candles, can irritate their delicate noses.
2. Not Paying Enough Attention to Them— Although cats are often perceived as independent creatures, a 2019 study by Oregon State University reveals that cats form an “offspring-caretaker” bond with their owners, akin to the bond between parents and children. Neglecting to provide sufficient attention undoubtedly upsets cats. “Ignoring them all the time, particularly when not busy, and not meeting their socialization needs, will obviously upset your cat,” advises Chaney.
3. Grooming Them Too Much –While certain breeds may require more grooming, most cats are better left to groom themselves. Cats can be overstimulated by excessive brushing, and interfering with their meticulously arranged fur can make them unhappy. Cats are generally fastidious and clean themselves constantly to remain undetected in the wild.
4. Putting Clothes on Them — While it may be amusing to dress cats in costumes or outfits, most felines do not enjoy this experience. Cats do not understand clothes, and wearing them can feel restrictive, impeding their natural flight response if they were to feel threatened.
5. Not Cleaning Up Their Litter Box — Dirty litter boxes are not only unappealing to humans but also offensive to cats for evolutionary reasons. In the wild, small felines, including domestic cats, have an instinct to bury their excrement to avoid alerting potential predators of their presence. When the litter box becomes dirty, cats become anxious because the strong odor acts as a billboard signaling their presence.
6. Loud or Alarming Noises — Cat’s sensitive hearing makes them more susceptible to being overwhelmed by loud noises. Cats can hear frequencies up to 65 kHz, more than three times the range of humans. Additionally, cats possess 32 muscles in their ears, enabling them to rotate them in all directions, making it challenging for them to escape loud noises.
7. Petting Them Incorrectly or Holding Them Wrong — Cats are not only sensitive to their surroundings but also to touch. While petting them in the right spots can elicit purring and contentment, touching them in the wrong place or unexpectedly picking them up can cause anxiety and irritation. Some cats simply do not enjoy being touched, while others may feel threatened, mistaking it for a predator’s grasp. The sensitivity to touch varies among individual cats, depending on their personality and past experiences.

If you realize you’ve unintentionally hurt your cat’s feelings, it’s essential to apologize and work toward strengthening your bond. Understanding your cat’s body language beyond moments of perceived anger is crucial. Instead, focus on creating an environment that makes your cat feel safe and secure. This becomes especially important in unavoidable situations such as vet visits. Play with them, pet them in the way they enjoy, or offer them a special treat. Investing time and effort into understanding your cat’s preferences will lead to a deeper bond between you and your feline companion.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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