It’s no secret that cats are emotional creatures. Just think about how your cat reacts when you come home from work – they’re usually overjoyed to see you! But what about when you kick them out of the room? Do they get sad? Surprisingly, the answer is yes – cats do get sad when they’re kicked out of a room. We’ll look at some of the other things we may be doing that can hurt your feline friend.
Several studies have shown that cats form a social bond with humans. You won’t hurt your cat’s feelings by kicking them out of the room, however, there are other things you can be doing that are hurting their feelings.
Researchers found that when kittens were separated from their human companions, the kittens were less stressed when reunited with their owners. Another study has shown that human emotions transfer between cats and people.
This doesn’t mean that your cat will respond to the same feelings as you do. Chances are kicking your cat out of your room will make you sadder than your cat.
However, cats are very social creatures and have a range of seriously complex emotions, which means they can have their feelings hurt as well. Like us, cats can be happy, excited, and disappointed.
Obviously, you never want to hurt your cat’s feelings. Unfortunately, it will happen at some point, but knowing how to control your actions will ensure you’re not causing your cat any undue emotional stress.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that can cause their feelings to be hurt.
#1 Kicking Your Cat Out of Your Room or Constantly Pushing Them Away
As mentioned above, your cat won’t get sad if you kick them out of your bedroom once or twice. However, if you’re constantly pushing them away or ignoring them, they may feel hurt and upset by this.
This is especially true if you’re not paying any attention to them at all while they’re trying to get your attention – it’s as though their feelings aren’t important enough for you to acknowledge.
This doesn’t mean that cats don’t like being alone; in fact, quite the opposite is true. Cats often enjoy spending time by themselves, but that doesn’t mean they like being ignored by their owners.
If you’re constantly kicking your cat out of the room, they may start to feel sad and neglected.
#2 Leaving Them Alone
It’s true that cats aren’t as needy as dogs, but this doesn’t mean they enjoy being alone 24/7. Cats are social creatures and need interaction with their owners in order to feel happy and content.
If you’re always leaving them alone, they may start to feel lonely and sad. This can lead to a number of negative behaviors, such as meowing excessively or scratching furniture.
The best way to avoid this is by making sure you spend time with your cat every day. This doesn’t have to be a long session – even five or ten minutes can make a big difference.
Alternatively, you could try leaving a radio on for them while you’re gone or getting another pet that they can interact with. If you have a busy life, consider hiring a pet sitter to come and spend time with your cat while you’re away.
No matter what, it’s important to remember that cats need attention and interaction from their owners in order to feel content.
#3 Making Loud Noises
Cats can hear sounds that are too low or high for us to hear, and they don’t like loud noises. Felines can hear high-pitched sounds of up to 1.6 octaves above the human range.
Loud noises can startle them and make them feel scared or anxious. This is especially true if the noise is something new to them, such as a vacuum cleaner or thunderstorm.
If your cat is always hiding under the bed during a thunderstorm, it’s because they’re scared – not because they’re trying to be naughty.
It’s important to remember this when you’re making loud noises around your cat. Try to keep the noise down if you can and never scare them unnecessarily. If you’re constantly making too much noise, chances are your cat will spend less time with you and more time hiding.
#4 Not Cleaning The Litter Box
Cats love using a freshly cleaned litter box. If the litter box is dirty, they may start to use other areas of your home as a toilet. This can lead to some nasty smells and stains that are difficult to remove.
Imagine leaving your toilet unflushed for a week – that’s the equivalent of not cleaning your cat’s litter box. It would make you feel disgusted and uncomfortable, right?
It’s the same for your cat. Not cleaning the litter box can cause them to feel sad and disgusted, leading to a host of negative behaviors.
A clean litter box makes your cat feel happy and comfortable, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Aim to clean the litter box at least once a day – more if needed.
If you’re not able to clean the litter box yourself, ask a friend or family member to help out. Alternatively, you could consider getting a self-cleaning litter box that does all the work for you.
#5 Not Providing Mental Stimulation
A bored cat means a sad cat. Cats need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they’re bored, they may start meowing excessively or scratching furniture in an attempt to get your attention.
Try playing with them more often or providing some toys that will keep them entertained while you’re away at work (for example, a puzzle feeder). If your cat is active and playful, they’re less likely to get bored.
If you live in a small apartment, consider getting a second cat so they can keep each other entertained. Cats are social animals and love having companionship.
#6 Neglecting Your Cats Needs (Food or Water)
Cats require fresh food and clean water on a daily basis. Forcing your cat to eat old food and drink from a dirty water bowl, will cause her to feel upset, anxious, and stressed.
If a cat doesn’t feel safe in her environment, it’s likely she’ll run away at the first chance she gets.
#7 Hitting, Kicking or Hurting Your Cat
Kicking, hitting, punching, or physically harming your cat is inhumane and morally wrong. It will instill fear and anxiety in your cat, leading to a number of negative behaviors.
If you feel like kicking or hitting your cat is the only way to discipline them, it’s time for some self-reflection. You should never physically harm an animal under any circumstances – no matter what they’ve done wrong. If a friend or family member hits or kicks your cat, be sure to speak up and put a stop to it.
There are plenty of other ways to discipline your cat without resorting to violence. Try using a water spray bottle, throwing a toy at them when they do something bad, or making a loud noise. If you’re still struggling, consider seeking professional help from a cat behaviorist.
Final Word
Like us, cats can get their feelings hurt. Unlike us, your cat tells you they are upset or hurt. Instead. They show their feelings by purring or hissing, which are similar to human happiness and anger.
Cats are more than just furry friends; they’re social creatures who have a range of emotions that can be hurt. So it’s important to understand why your cat might be feeling hurt and what you can do to help them feel better.
If you’re worried that your cat may be depressed, it’s important to seek help from a veterinarian or other animal expert. They’ll be able to conduct a thorough examination of your feline friend and make recommendations for treatment if needed. Once you understand what’s causing the depression, it will be easier to treat them and improve their quality of life.
Related Articles
- Is It Cruel To Lock A Cat In A Room At Night?
- Why Does Your Cat Meow At Your Bedroom Door In The Morning?
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401521/
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)31086-3#relatedArticles