5 Things Humans Do That Drive Cats Crazy

As much as we’d like to think we’re perfect in our cat’s eyes, it’s hard to live up to that expectation. There are bound to be things that we do that drive cats crazy. Of course, they may hide it or simply walk away if we’re being bothersome. However, we should try to do as much as we can to try to keep our feline friends happy. If you’re curious about what you could be doing that irritates your cat, The Refined Feline has got answers.

#1: Breaking Routines

You may not know it, but cats love routine. This set schedule of events throughout the day lowers your cat’s overall stress levels, leaving them happier and even healthier. It’s reported that cats who experience environmental changes are twice as likely to become sick than cats who have a set routine. Cats prefer routines overall, but also do better health-wise when you’re sticking to a schedule. Feeding your cat at the same time every day helps to feed into this routine. Coming home around the same time, and even cleaning their litter box at the same time is also helpful. We know this can become difficult at times to maintain, but if your cat doesn’t seem happy this could be one reason why. Sticking to routines can help ensure that you’re not driving your cat crazy. 

#2: Cranking Up The Music & TV

Cats have an extraordinary sense of hearing, picking up on the tiniest of sounds. A cat’s ear has about thirty muscles, as opposed to a human’s ear which only has about six. They can even hear better than dogs! With this increased sense of hearing, all the noises and sounds we make are more amplified for them. It can drive your cat crazy! If you decide to crank up that music while you’re cleaning, your cat may hide if it’s simply too loud. Depending on how loud you have it, the music may hurt your cat’s ears as well. This is a top pet peeve for cats as we often forget this big difference between felines and humans. So, if you plan on turning up the volume, make sure your cat has their own space to go & get away from all the noise.

#3: Moving During Sleep With Your Cat

It’s true that cats already sleep at least half of the day, if not more. When it comes to your bedtime though, many cats enjoy snuggling up then too. If you’re constantly tossing and turning throughout the night, this may drive your cat crazy. They may find it hard to sleep after readjusting every time you move. Your cat may decide to go elsewhere for the night but would have preferred your company. For a more comfortable sleep for both you and your cat, try sleeping on your back. You can also use some form of white noise, such as a sound machine or fan, to help keep you asleep. Keeping the bedroom’s temperature well regulated can also improve your sleep, resisting the need to readjust. Not only will your cat thank you for more sleep, but you can also reap the benefits of better rest.

Related: How to Share Your Bed With Your Cat and Still Sleep Well

#4: Snuggling Your Cat Against Their Will

This may be the hardest activity to break, but it’s an important one. Cats are very boundary-driven, and going outside of their rules can drive your cat crazy. So when the boundary of personal space is broken, they’re not going to be very happy. When you’ve been away all day though, it can be hard not to run over and hug your cats! However, respecting their boundaries will go a long way to building better trust with your cat. When cats are constantly put into positions to do things that they don’t want, they can regress in their relationships. They may slowly want less and less attention from you or others and become less of a social butterfly. Overa, forced affection does more harm than good. So, be sure to give your cat attention when they want it and not just on your terms. This can build a deeper trust with your cat as they know you’re paying attention to their needs.

#5: The Dreaded Cat Carrier

Every cat owner knows that most cats aren’t fans of the carrier or the crate. Cats need to travel sometimes though, especially for vet visits. Most cats know that the cat carrier means a trip to the vet though which means a stressful event. Although this pet peeve of cats can’t simply be avoided, there are ways that you can make it less stressful. Getting cats used to the carrier will help so it’s not associated with a trip to the vet or a big move. Leaving the cat carrier out all the time can help cats get comfortable with it. Place a super soft blanket inside so they can nap inside during the day. Putting some treats inside or some toys can entice them to explore it. This will help them get comfortable with the carrier outside of the usual traveling stresses. It can make loading them into the carrier much easier and less fear-inducing for them, too. Your cat may even come to appreciate the carrier over time!

Try To Avoid These Pet Peeves

Hopefully, avoiding this list of pet peeves can help you build a stronger relationship with your cat. You can instead work on spending more quality time with your cat. This can help lower the chances of being guilty of one or more of these pet peeves!