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Do you feel like your kitty doesn’t reciprocate your affection? It happens even to longtime cat parents, especially if you own an independent cat. However, even if your kitty seems more maniacal than cuddly, don’t beat yourself too much about it. It takes a lot to win them over!
Cats are certainly not upfront communicators like dogs, but they have a strong sense of intuition. So, if you feel like your kitty has it in for you, you are probably contributing to it.
The 8 Signs That Your Cat Doesn’t Like You
1. Walks Away When You Come Around
A cat that leaves the room when you enter and avoids eye contact is trying to tell you they’re not interested in you or are unhappy with you.
2. Hides From You
You might notice that your cat hides under the sofa or in the closet when you are around. They could be doing so to make it impossible for you to find them.
3. Friendly to Everyone Else Except You
If your cat is the cutest and cuddliest furball to guests and other family members but refuses to engage you, they have it in for you.
4. Hisses at You
Being hissed at is terrifying, and a cat that hisses is upset. It’s a surefire signal that your cat will strike because they feel threatened or are generally unhappy.
5. Its Tail is Horizontal
A cat lowers their tail for balance but also uses it as a channel to express its emotions. A dropped horizontal tail is a surefire sign that the kitty is fearful, aggressive, and hostile.
6. Staring at You
A stare isn’t always as innocent. Staring is a telltale sign of agitation and a response to something you did. Touching, punishing, or comforting them will bother them even more.
7. They Don’t Use the Litter Box
Your kitty knows you hate when it poops or pees in any other place other than the litter box.
8. Rolling on Its Back
Rolling on their back is not an invitation to pet them but a sign that they are uncomfortable, and you should keep a distance. If you do anything that agitates them more, their claws are ready to attack.
The 5 Things You Might Be Doing to Make Your Cat Hate You
1. Not Giving Your Cat Space
Unfortunately, some cats don’t like too much attention or enjoy cuddles, no matter how you approach them. Therefore, you can agitate the cat if you obsess over them too much.
Kitties also feel overwhelmed, and they need a safe space, such as a closet or under the bed, to retreat.
2. Punishing the Cat for Undesirable Behavior
Yes, just like humans, cats are capable of holding a grudge. They don’t respond to punishment the same way a dog would. If you punish them, it upsets them, and they can scratch or bite.
3. Leaving it Alone for Too Long
Though kitties have a reputation for being aloof loners, they are social creatures and crave human company. You can leave them alone for hours, but if left alone for too long, it can drive them to act out.
4. Treating Cats Like Small Humans
Halloween costumes can be fun, but they annoy your cat if you try to dress them up. Clothes are uncomfortable and restrict movement, making cats act out on you.
5. Your Scent is Unfriendly
Kitties have a keen sense of smell and might hate scents like perfumes or other animals. So, if you are wearing a perfume that irritates them or hanging around another cat they hate, your kitty may avoid you.
The 5 Effective Ways to Make Your Cat Like You
1. Proceed Slowly to Change
A cat can hate you for bringing a threat into their home. Therefore, introduce your cat to strangers and other animals gradually without making them feel left out. It is also true for dietary changes, welcoming a newborn, or moving to a new house.
2. Avoid Punishing
Kitties hate when you yell at them or punish them for behaviors they perceive as perfectly normal. Instead of striking a cat or spraying water as punishment, build your cat’s trust by redirecting them to a desirable alternative.
3. Give it Little Treats
Rewards and tasty treats are a way of luring your cat from hideouts and an excellent way to repair trust as you bond with your kitty.
4. Interactive Play Time
Kitties love the chase, even when they seem to love solitude. They’ll see you as their friend if you use laser pointers or lace their favorite toys with catnip.
5. Read Their Body Language
Remember, you have to act like a cat to understand a cat. Therefore, monitor their attitude and body language to avoid getting on the wrong side of them when they’re in a bad mood.
If you ever feel like you are at the end of your rope, the easiest thing you can do is to call a behaviorist or your veterinarian and ask for some advice.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Final Thoughts
It’s not the hate that hurts but the disappointment that you didn’t win over your cat’s heart, right? Well, if you feel hatred from your kitty, it’s up to you to understand your feline well enough to recognize your faults.
However, some things are unavoidable and make it hard to eliminate everything your cat hates. Still, you can do your best to help them warm up to you.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
