It’s important to acknowledge that not every cat will warm up to every human, just as not every person gets along with every other person.
Cats, like people, have individual personalities that can influence their relationships with humans.
If you’re reading this because you feel your cat doesn’t like you, it might be the opposite – your cat may desire less attention than you’d like to give. Some cats are less sociable and won’t become more affectionate, no matter how much you try.
It’s frustrating when there’s a mismatch between a pet and owner’s attention needs. It’s even more irritating when your cat seems to favor others who don’t give as much attention as you would like. Cats can be like humans in some ways, preferring what they can’t have. How Can I Tell If My Cat Doesn’t Like Me? It’s hard to say a cat dislikes you if it doesn’t show more affection to anyone else. If your cat is not sociable, it’s more likely a trait of the cat than a sign of disliking you. If your cat seeks attention from others in ways it never does with you, it might prefer that person. This doesn’t mean your cat dislikes you; it might just have different needs fulfilled by different people. For example, my cat Avery used to prefer sleeping with me over my husband, Thomas, because Thomas didn’t sit still enough. Recently, Avery has become okay with some movement and now sleeps between us. Avery didn’t dislike Thomas; he just had a preference for less movement while napping. Cats may prefer certain behaviors from different people, such as being petted a certain way, not being picked up, or having someone sit still for cuddling. You may never know the exact reason.If you suspect your cat dislikes you, it’s not crucial to determine if it’s true. What matters is that you feel this way because you’re not getting what you want from the relationship with your pet. Even if your cat doesn’t dislike you, your feelings might not change as the relationship may still seem less than ideal. If you think your cat may dislike you, here’s some advice.
What to Do If You Think Your Cat Doesn’t like You 1. Try to encourage your cat to like you better with these techniques. You can do several things to make your cat like you more. For example, if possible, be the only one to feed your cat (not a machine or another person). Play with your cat frequently and spoil it with treats, catnip, and other favorites regularly so it associates you with happy things. I’ve written some articles with more tips, like training your cat to be more cuddly or to stop running away from you. If your cat seems stressed, anxious, hissing, and disliking everything, it may not be that it dislikes you. It’s more likely anxious or stressed due to a recent environmental change or illness. Relevant articles include those about a cat that seems to hate rather than dislike you due to hissing or aggression, a personality change after getting a second cat, or after an illness. 2. Try adopting a new cat if things aren’t working out. There comes a point when you have to give up on making your current cat like you. You’ll know when this time comes as you’ll feel there’s little hope left. If your emotional needs aren’t met by your current pet, look for a closer relationship with a new cat.When considering adopting a new cat, it’s crucial to establish a bond before bringing the furry friend home. Engage with fosterers who can help you find a cat that matches your preferences. Visit the kittens regularly to form a connection with a potential new pet.
Even if not every cat forms a perfect relationship with you, having at least one cat with whom you share a special bond can alleviate feelings of resentment or frustration. A new cat can positively impact both you and your existing pets. Neglecting to address these emotional connections can lead to household stress, potentially affecting your pet’s well-being. Ensuring a close relationship with at least one pet in your home can prevent such issues. Do you have thoughts on cats disliking humans? Share your opinions on whether some cats may never genuinely like a human, regardless of how well they are treated. Have you experienced or known someone in such a situation? Many pet owners have stronger bonds with certain cats. This is natural and not something to be ashamed of. As long as all pets’ needs are met, having favorites is acceptable. Have you noticed differences in how cats like you? If you’ve experienced a cat disliking you more than others, did it bother you? What do you think of my advice on adopting a second, pre-bonded cat? Do you have any tips for those who feel their cats dislike them? I’d love to hear your stories and opinions in the comments below!
