Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Long Does a Cat Hold a Grudge? Vet-Reviewed Information

owner petting a hissing angry tabby cat

Your cat doesn’t hate you. Thankfully, humans are the only species that write vengeful songs about our exes and actively harbor bitterness. Although cats don’t technically hold grudges, that argument might be a tough one to prove at times when your cat seethes at you from their favorite armchair.

A cat does not have the emotional or intellectual capacity to hold a grudge. They can, however, be conditioned from their experiences to not appear comfortable around you. Read on to learn more about grudges and your cat.

divider 3 paws

How Long Do Cats Hold Grudges?

A grudge, or resentment, is a complex, multifaceted negative emotion that occurs in response to mistreatment. No studies involving feline emotion and cognition have established that a cat can hold a grudge in the way that we humans do.

However, felines can definitely respond unfavorably to what they perceive as a negative experience, and depending on its extent, they can definitely show signs that they’re displeased when this experience repeats itself.

For instance, some cats are not appreciative of baths, especially if their first experience with the activity was not pleasant. If they see you grabbing their bathtub again, they will be able to piece together that they might be exposed to the same uncomfortable experience once more, and as a result, they may show signs of displeasure, anger, aggression, or avoidance.

Scottish fold cat very angry and aggressive
Image Credit: Anatoliy Cherkas, Shutterstock

Similarly, if a cat has had negative experiences with humans in general (for example, physical abuse), they may be conditioned to respond negatively when approached. Ultimately, a cat’s brain will switch into “survival” mode whenever necessary. This is a fundamental, primal, instinctive response in many species.

Signs That Your Cat Is Peeved at You

While a cat may not possess the mental capacity to hold a grudge, every cat parent knows they can become intensely angry at you. Encroaching their space, bringing home a new animal, or rearranging the furniture are only a few possible missteps humans can make to annoy their feline companions.

Here are signs that your cat is warning you to modify your behavior accordingly:
  • Flattened ears
  • Low, rapidly squishing tail
  • Hissing
  • Growling
  • Swatting at you with their paws
  • Deep vocalizations
  • Avoiding you (hiding or running away)
  • Refusing to eat or drink
  • Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places

If you witness any of these signs, you should stop what you’re doing and try to rectify the situation. However, a highly vexed cat may lash out when approached and even resort to biting or scratching you because their emotions are so heightened. As such, your first response to an agitated cat should not be to approach them. Rather, you should try, if possible, to remove the stimulus that’s upsetting them and let them calm down at their own pace.

In the worst-case scenario, you could contribute to a long-term memory that could plague your relationship with your cat.

angry cat pixabay
Image Credit: Pixabay

How to Win Your Cat Back

Before you think poorly of your cat, we should reiterate that your cat doesn’t dislike you (except in extreme cases where they have a history of being abused by humans). They especially do not want to damage the relationship because you’re their source of food and shelter. Try to make peace with your cat as soon as possible to keep the bond strong.

The best way to ask your cat for forgiveness (after they’ve calmed down) is to figure out their love language and treat them with it. Some cats tweak their ears to the sound of a can of wet food cracking open. Others want nothing more than a good head bunt on your lap. Maybe your cat embraces the hygge lifestyle and soothes themselves by nestling down into warm, fuzzy blankets.

You know your cat best. If you’ve made a mistake, spoil them with a treat, a cuddle, a freshly washed blanket, or whatever it takes to make things right again. They’ll be quick to forgive you and show you love in return.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

There’s no need to sleep with the light on tonight or place locks on the knife drawer. Despite the glowering look on their faces, cats don’t hold active grudges. Unless they’ve committed the event to long-term memory, their brains only retain short-term memories for brief periods of time. That said, unpleasurable experiences can definitely be recalled by your cat.

Your cat will usually be quick to forgive you, though, especially if you already enjoy a happy relationship with them. If they need a little prompting, you can try spoiling them with their love language to make the process go faster. Maybe they’ll even commit your reconciliatory actions to long-term memory and have a more positive association with you.

Related Reads: 

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Anna Kraynova, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Long Do Cats Remember People? Feline Memory Explained

Imagine this: you are preparing to spend your summer vacation in another country to visit your family. You pack everything you need, and...

cream norwegian forest cat outdoors

Can a Cat Remember Abuse? Everything You’ll Want to Know (Vet Answer)

Cats are fantastic creatures and great companions. They purr, provide us with hours of entertaining internet videos, add warmth to our homes, and...

owner calming his cat

How to Pick Up a Cat the Right Way: Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

Not all cats enjoy being picked up; however, there are times when it is necessary. If you need to pick up your cat...

person holding a gray cat with collar

What Is Fear Free Certification: What It Is & How Long Does It Take (Vet-Verified)

When applying for jobs in the pet industry, it’s common to hear the term “Fear Free” thrown around. Fear Free refers to a...

Medical student in library

More related

Black cat with paw on a girl's hand

Why Does My Cat Hold My Hand? 4 Common Reasons (Vet-Verified)

A pet holding your hand is a sign of love, affection, and playfulness, and it is usually associated with dogs. But cats can...

cat resting with owner on sofa at home

Do Cats Have Good Memory? Vet Approved Feline Memory Facts

Living with a cat is sure to create many fond memories. While we can recall these fun and enjoyable memories, it’s not clear...

I haven't destroyed the poster behind me because I like Miles Davis.

Is Disciplining a Cat Useful or Effective? Olga Says No!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. Cats fill our lives with...

neutering cat on a vet's operating table

How Long Does It Take to Neuter a Cat? All You Need to Know (With Vet-Approved Information)

Any surgical procedure done to your pet can seem like it lasts forever. After all, most people hate being away from their pets,...

Keep reading

How to Take Care of a Cat: Vet-Approved Beginner’s Guide

Here are much-needed tips on cats and how you can give a kitty the best life possible. It can be difficult to be sure if you’re ready to take on the responsibility of owning an animal, so let’s get some...

Domestic-cat-lying-on-owners-lap

Are Air Purifiers Safe for Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Tips

Air purifiers may sound too good to be true: a machine that can clean the air in your home? But a high-quality unit can remove air pollutants, making your home’s air healthier for you and whomever you share your home...

Catster_Are Air Purifiers Safe for Cats

Why Do Cats Roll in Catnip? 5 Common Reasons

Most cats love catnip. There might be nothing more adorable than the concentrated energy cats bring to every interaction involving this powerful plant. But after watching your cat enjoy losing themselves in a good catnip high, you might be curious...

cat smelling catnip

Are There Birth Control Pills for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Alternatives

Most pet parents of female cats, unless they are intending to breed them, are keen to prevent their cats from having kittens and unwanted pregnancies. While women have several different contraceptive options available to them, felines have very little. This...

woman giving pill to a tabby cat

Do Cats Like When You Sing to Them? Fun Facts

Even the shyest among us can feel confident belting out our favorite tunes in the comfort of home, and it’s even better when our cats are there to listen. As a perfect audience for our shameless rehearsals, cats listen on...

cute cat on owner's arms

Are All White Cats With Blue Eyes Deaf? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

At some point, you’ve likely heard someone say that all white cats are deaf—particularly those with blue eyes. But is this factual? Not entirely! While white cats with blue eyes certainly are more prone to hereditary deafness—white cats, in general,...

turkish cat with blue eyes_love pattern_shutterstock

Acana vs. Orijen Cat Food: Our 2025 In-Depth Comparison

If you take your cat’s health seriously, you may have thought about investing in a premium cat food brand to feed to them. However, it seems like there are just as many choices to make on the high end as...

Acana VS Orijen

Can Cats Eat Chicken Noodle Soup? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Risks

Simple to digest and soothing to the throat, chicken noodle soup has been touted as the remedy for a variety of ailments in humans. Cats naturally love chicken, so they may be drawn to the soup regardless of its supposed...

Can Cats Eat Chicken Noodle Soup