Long-time readers of Animal Scene know I’m a proud Cat daddy of three feline companions who rule our home: Simba, a short-haired tabby with gourmet tastes; Ezio, a fluffy black assassin; and Mikan, our resident kitsune cleverly disguised as a sweet feline princess.
Over the years, my partner and I have learned each Cat’s distinct quirks, especially the stuff they can’t stand — at least, most of the time.
Just like people, Cats have unique personalities and preferences. Still, there are certain things that consistently get on our furry family members’ nerves.
Here’s my good-natured gripe about seven things my Cats hate…sometimes — yours might, too.
LOUD NOISES
Sudden loud noises turn our normally peaceful home into feline chaos — for Ezio and Mikan, anyway. They bolt at the first crack of fireworks or thunder, diving under the couch until calm returns.
But Simba? He’s our oddball. He adores fireworks, calmly sitting by the window during New Year’s Eve as explosions light up the sky.
Apparently, some Cats enjoy the show while others run for cover.
CERTAIN SMELLS
Cats have famously sensitive noses, and our Cats make sure we know it. Simba and Mikan can’t stand strong fragrances or spicy foods. Simba will sometimes inspect our food and wrinkle his nose and grunt at anything too spicy.
Ezio, though, weirdly loves strong smells — even though they can give him nasty rashes. Despite his allergy, he sticks his face into fresh laundry or strong perfumes, like a fragrance fiend who keeps coming back to the source.
INTERRUPTIONS DURING NAP TIME
Cats take napping seriously, and ours are no exception. Ezio particularly dislikes being disturbed and will move just out of arm’s reach, giving us side-eye until we give up.
But Simba and Mikan are another story. The normally skittish Simba suddenly becomes a pliant, jiggly bowl of pudding, and Mikan will happily tolerate kisses and hugs even if it interrupts her nap.
They both seem content to exchange sleep for a bit of affection.
BEING IGNORED
Our Cats might value independence, but they also hate feeling ignored, especially Simba. He’s the loudest, most vocal Cat when it’s food time or when he thinks we’ve forgotten him. As a half-Bengal, he’s our chattiest Cat.
Mikan has her own method: dramatic belly exposure and insistent meowing if we lavish too much attention on her brothers or forget playtime.
But Ezio doesn’t mess around — if we ignore mealtime for too long, he begins gnawing on cables and wires, so we’ve learned to feed them strictly according to schedule. The fate of our devices depends on it.
BATHS
The only thing our trio universally agrees on is their dislike of baths.
Even Simba, our cuddly, tolerant boy, becomes a frantic escape artist in water. Ezio cries like we’re committing some terrible injustice, and Mikan gives us pitiful looks throughout the whole process.
I’ve been told that there’s a mythical Cat somewhere who loves baths, but it’s definitely not one of ours.
Bath time remains our greatest feline struggle.
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
Living in the tropics, our furry companions loathe the heat. They sprawl across cool tiles or strategically position themselves near air conditioners, looking thoroughly displeased until things cool down.
But cold weather isn’t their favorite either. When the nights turn chilly, our Cats huddle together, forming a furry pile of warmth. Simba will often nap in a sunbeam when it’s cold. Sometimes the Cats even sneak under our blankets, making it impossible for us to move… but who’s complaining?
STRANGERS
Strangers entering our home also provoke very different reactions. Simba immediately dives under the couch when the doorbell rings, but Ezio greets every guest with friendly curiosity.
Mikan’s reaction depends on her mood— sometimes playful and mischievous, sometimes aloof and regal.
LESSON LEARNED
I tried making a simple list of things all my Cats universally hate but quickly realized how impossible that was. Every Cat is an individual, full of contradictions and unique quirks.
This whole exercise has taught me that the best way to bond with our feline companions is by respecting and celebrating their individuality — quirks, contradictions, and all. The real secret of living with Cats is being fully present with them in the moment, just the way they live life.
Every Cat is an individual, full of contradictions and unique quirks.
