For those who consider cats as family members, it is almost inconceivable that some people dislike cats or actually may even hate them. But even though we may not understand why some people may dislike the traits that most cats share, there are still
For those who consider cats as family members, it is almost inconceivable that some people dislike cats or actually may even hate them. But even though we may not understand why some people may dislike the traits that most cats share, there are still some logical reasons for cat avoidance.
01 of 05
It is understandable why people with allergies to cats refuse to be anywhere near them. They may not "hate" cats per se, but they may justifiably hate the way cat dander triggers their mild to severe allergy symptoms.
Cat hair and other pet hair is actually not the culprit; the triggers people react to are the coat-protective proteins secreted by the cat's skin. People with cat allergies may also be reacting to protein molecules that are secreted into the cat's saliva or urine.
Unfortunately, there is a widespread belief that cat allergy stems simply from floating "physical dust and hair." The general public lacks awareness of the true cause: a reaction that is chemical in nature, capable of inducing very strong reactions. Cat allergy can be so severe that it causes anaphylactic reaction much like the life-threatening allergies to nuts and other foods. It can cause the closing off of airways, requiring emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a cat allergy may include:
- Swollen, itchy, and watery eyes, nose, and throat
- Spastic coughing and sneezing
- Asthmatic reaction
- Hives or rash
- Onset of symptoms can range anywhere from one minute to a few hours after exposure.
02 of 05
Given the chance, most cats will opt to defecate outside in rich and deep garden soil, even if that soil is in a neighbor's yard. Outside dwelling cats will leave their droppings uncovered as a territorial marking to relay information to other cats in the area. Nearby households will not be spared as cats do not understand property lines or other yard boundaries.
Cats will also prolifically spray urine against outside walls and doors of other dwellings in the neighborhood to mark their outside territories, especially if cats are known to be dwelling inside. This causes two separate problems when the indoor cats either observe the cat outside through a window or smell the acrid odor of the urine spray:
- Redirected Aggression: When a house cat sees a stranger in its yard, it may reflexively act aggressively toward the closest available cat, maybe one of its innocent housemates.
- Territorial Spraying: By the same token, if a strange cat is bold enough to spray the outside of a door, the cat who lives there will instinctively mark the inside of the same door.
03 of 05
National groups such as the Alley Cats Allies and Alley Cat Rescue have established protocols to support feral cat colonies in managed care. The cats are trapped, neutered or spayed, and then released back into their colonies.
A vital part of all managed care for feral cats is feeding the cats, which precludes their need to kill wild birds for food. Alley Cat Rescue goes a step further in setting aside the kittens and partially tame young adults in their adoption center.
But cat owners can also do their part. Songbirds and brightly colored wild birds bring both audible and visual joy to cat owners' lives, and many will go to any lengths to protect them from their cats. Think about adding birdhouses and bird nesting material to your exterior surroundings, while at the same time providing more activities for the cats to engage in other than the wildlife. Cats do enjoy watching bird feeders through the window.
04 of 05
Cats are able and willing to communicate both their likes and dislikes. They often communicate quite vocally, and sometimes even physically, with a swift swat of outstretched claws when too much petting overstimulates them.
Aggressive scratching and biting behaviors are learned very early in a cat's life during kittenhood. Cats that are taught that human's hands are playtoys will often bite their owners' hands when they become adults.
It may be that people who dislike cats had a bad experience with a young cat when they were young children themselves; an adult should always be present to teach both child and kitten about the safe limits of play. Many young families even give up their first cat because of this misunderstood juvenile scratching or biting behavior.
When you teach your cats that scratching and biting behaviors are not allowed, it may just serve as an example to your wary visitors that cats can be re-taught how to not scratch and bite at any age.Continue to 5 of 5 below.
05 of 05
Tricky Relationships With Humans
Some people dislike cats because they are fickle and aloof when it comes to relationships with their human housemates. If someone makes a cat uncomfortable or frightened, a cat will be sure to make it known with a hiss or a swat.
In comparison to subordinate and fun-loving dogs, cats may seem unappreciative. In nature though, cats and dogs evolved very different lifestyles. Dogs evolved to live in family packs, as teamwork was needed to hunt large prey. Wild cats eat smaller prey and evolved to be lone hunters and fishers. And yet it is that very same independent nature of cats that make them very adaptable to our changing environments and changing daily routines.
As long as cats are socialized to humans as kittens, cats can