Cats might have mastered the art of mystery, but their feelings are not entirely indecipherable to us. So if you ever feel that your feline is treating you like a nuisance, you may not be imagining it after all.
Our fur-babies have their own unique way of communicating how they are feeling about certain people or situations, and it is more subtle than you may think, but not impossible to understand.
Newsweek spoke to Marc Smith, veterinarian for Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, Nashville, Tennessee, to learn more about feline behavior and how to read between their meows.
What Are The Signs That Your Cat Hates You?
Smith told Newsweek that while cats are not exactly capable of feeling complex emotions like hate in the same way humans do, they can experience primary emotions like fear, discomfort, anxiety, and frustration, which are rooted in their survival instincts.
“So rather than your cat ‘hating’ you, it is much more likely that your cat is feeling stressed, anxious, or threatened,” he said.
But how can you tell when something or someone, including yourself, is making your cat uncomfortable? These are the signs to look for:
Hiding
According to Smith, when your cat is feeling uncomfortable, they may try to hide from whatever they think is endangering them. This instinctual behavior, inherited from their wild ancestors, makes them feel safe when their anxiety takes over.
If your cat is hiding and you can’t find them, Pet MD explains that the most common hiding places chosen by felines usually include closets, beds, chairs, boxes, drawers, or any dark, warm, and well-closed-off spot.
Hissing
Another common sign, according to Smith, is hissing at you while their pupils are dilated.
“These are signs of fear and a way for your cat to warn you to get away. Sometimes the cat might swat at you with its paw or even try to bite you.” he said.
Urinating On Your Belongings
While this behavior is usually associated with marking their territory, in some cases it can also stem from stress, anxiety, or a defensive reaction to something in the environment, or an aspect of the relationship, Smith explained.
“If your cat feels threatened, insecure, or is trying to reassert a sense of safety or control, they may choose these personal items because they are strongly associated with you. It is a way of mingling scents as a coping mechanism,” he said.
How to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Cat
It’s essential that your cat feels safe around you for their physical and mental health. There’s no better way to strengthen your bond than playing with them, within the limits of their boundaries.
Play With Them
Smith explains that playtime is a fantastic way to bond with your cat because it allows them to see that you are fun and can be trusted.
To make the experience even more pleasant for your feline, he suggests accompanying playtime with treats.
Give Them A Consistent Schedule
As creatures of habit, cats thrive on consistency, so giving your cat a consistent schedule and a solid routine will help them be more comfortable and live a relatively stress-free life.
Respect Their Boundaries
Cats are sensitive creatures, and according to the British animal charity Battersea, the way people interact with them can make them anxious and frustrated.
That is why, according to Smith, one of the best ways to bond with your cat and make them feel safe and confident is through respect.
“There are many times where your cat just simply does not want to be touched. Learning your cat’s body language helps both you and your cat form a bond and a healthier relationship.”
However, every cat has a different personality, and while some cats may love being super friendly around their owners or other people, others simply don’t.
“Don’t take it personal!” Smith said, “Bonding with your cat is something that can take years and years. It all just depends on your cat, so be patient and consistent and you should see great results.”
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