Cats are afraid of water
The bottomless eyes of Puss in Boots from the well-known “Shrek” were probably copied from a cat who realized that he was in danger of having a bath. At least for the majority of mustaches, when they see a bathtub, basin or other “domestic pond,” the pupils dilate in horror and the appearance becomes absolutely pitiful.
Why are cats most afraid of water? It's all about their nature again. The cat's undercoat, which creates an air cushion, plays a huge role in the animal's thermoregulation. It helps cats, especially those living on the street and deprived of the comfort of home, to survive both cold and heat.
However, as soon as the cat gets wet, the natural protection disappears, and this threatens illness or, worse, death. This is why the vast majority of cats, which are actually excellent swimmers, try to avoid swimming by all means, and if their coat does get wet, they do their best to shake it off and lick it so that it becomes dry as quickly as possible.
In addition, the cat’s subconscious mind tells her that the smell of wet fur can scare away prey, but, on the contrary, make her herself a victim of stronger hunters. And wet fur gets dirty and tangled much faster. Clean cats don't like this very much!
Size doesn't matter
Did you know that cats do not perceive the height and size of living creatures with which they interact?
Reality TV for cats
They really don’t care what size the person they want to play with is. There are special individuals who are friends with a real bear and even a lion. Relatives after all.
But this is a completely fearless cat:
Cats are afraid of noise
Your pet just fearlessly jumped out of the closet and stole something delicious from the table right in front of the whole family. At the same time, not a shadow of fear or embarrassment appeared on his impudent muzzle. And now, hearing the noise of the vacuum cleaner turned on, he, with his ears flattened, rushes as fast as he can to the shelter.
What happened? Why does a brave hero suddenly turn into a pitiful animal, shaking like a leaf? There are two understandable reasons for this. Firstly, this is a normal reaction of any predator to a sudden sound - almost always a sign of danger. Secondly, the cat’s sensitive hearing, which allows it to distinguish the steps of its beloved owner when he has not yet entered the house, amplifies any sound for the animal many times over. What is the noise of a vacuum cleaner for us is the roar of a jet engine for a cat. Therefore, noise and sudden loud sounds are what cats are afraid of.
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What are cats afraid of? Pets, June 28, 2013, 08:13, Photo: Legion-Media.ru
“Come out, you vile coward!” — I just want to exclaim after the cartoon mice when my Siamese cat, hearing the noise of the microwave, gallops out of the kitchen to hide somewhere under the cabinet. The cat, of course, is not timid, but even when the microwave turns off, he does not immediately return to the kitchen. He sneaks around, looking around warily, but at the same time, as if with all his appearance, he says: “I’m not a coward, but I’m afraid...” Surprisingly, cats, these independent and proud creatures, are afraid of a lot in our world. Owners should treat cat phobias with respect, because they do not arise out of nowhere. Read about the most common cat fears and their causes in this article on lady.mail.ru. As practice shows, cats, lovers of comfort, coziness and tranquility, cannot stand sudden loud sounds, unpleasant noises, or sharp rumbles. This is a typical acousticophobia or phonophobia. Many cats perceive a thunderstorm with clap of thunder, festive fireworks and explosions of firecrackers, the sound of a jackhammer or the “squeals” of an electric drill as an apocalypse. Some of them, during an everyday “cannonade,” may rush around the room in panic, looking for a secluded place where they can survive all this horror. Every day, cats encounter many other sounds - tools, household appliances and technology - that make them nervous. Some cats are afraid of a vacuum cleaner, others cannot stand a hairdryer turned on, others cannot stand a mixer... If, in fear, a cat hides under a closet or behind a sofa, you should not try to lure it out of its “shelter” - let it calmly sit out the commotion there. The cat has every right to do this! Her ears have incredible sensitivity: for a cat, a working vacuum cleaner, drill or hair dryer is like for us an airplane flying just a few meters from the house. How could it not be scary? Some experts believe that cats are afraid not so much of loud sounds as of the objects themselves that make them, so sometimes they may not run away from “monsters”, but, on the contrary, bravely attack them.
No alcohol law
A very common fear among cats is hydrophobia - the fear of water. And this despite the fact that cats swim well. But, be that as it may, some cats perceive the owner’s attempt to drag the pet into the bathtub for water treatments as a declaration of war, and therefore immediately use their teeth and claws.
The cat may not break out during washing and stoically endure the procedure, but this does not mean that she likes it. She knows what awaits her after this... Unlike a dog, which can happily run through the water, shake itself off and dry quickly, a wet cat will take a long time to dry, look poor and unhappy, tremble and diligently lick itself. It's all about the special structure of cat fur, the high thermal insulation of which is provided by hairs that can hold air, forming a protective layer. Water falling on the wool displaces the air “layer” and deprives the fur of its warming function. A wet cat quickly freezes, and then cannot warm up for a long time - until it dries completely. This is a good reason why cats are afraid of water.
It smells like kerosene
Not only water, but also the smells of shampoos with various perfume additives make cats fear the bath day. From the point of view of cats, hygiene products that smell fragrant with aromas simply smell disgusting. They are not for their sensitive sense of smell! Most cats cannot stand the smell of paints, varnishes, glues and other chemicals. Many of them are terribly afraid of the smell of citrus fruits - lemon, grapefruit, lime, orange. Such pungent odors irritate the cat's nasal canals, which the cat takes great care of - after all, having lost the ability to smell, she may die. Most cats cannot tolerate the smells of vinegar, alcohol, alcohol, and medications (except, perhaps, valerian).
It is interesting that, according to one hypothesis, cats’ premonition of certain cataclysms, such as cyclones and volcanic eruptions, is associated precisely with the structure of its nose. It is believed that the cat is able to distinguish the smells of the smallest particles of dust and volcanic ash that have not yet escaped into the open air.
Scary and terrible... Aibolit
Cats experience antipathy and fear not only towards medications, but also towards those who prescribe them - veterinarians. Going to a veterinary hospital becomes a real stress for many of them. While waiting for the reception, the pussy continually tries to sneak out of the container for transportation, and when you try to get it out of there, on the contrary, having huddled in a corner, it begins to resist. The fear of a doctor in a white coat, and even more of his hands in rubber gloves, sometimes causes inappropriate behavior, even aggression, in cats, even seemingly meek and docile ones. And it’s good if during such a violent reaction only Aibolit’s gloves suffer...
How to calm your pet in such a situation? First of all, the owner himself must stop worrying. The animal senses his mood, and if the owner is not nervous and anxious, then the cat will behave calmer. And, of course, during the examination or procedure you need to help the doctor hold the pet. In its own hands, the cat will feel much less in danger.
No entrance for unauthorized people
You can make TV series about how cats communicate with people, no worse than the Mexican ones. But one thing is clear: strangers, unknown people, are always suspicious figures from whom one should not expect anything good. Their visits may well frighten the animal.
Hearing unfamiliar voices and seeing unidentified objects on the threshold of the apartment, the cat will hasten to retreat and hide in the far corner. There is no point in dragging her by force to the viewing. It is better to take things slowly, gradually accustoming your cat to new people. For example, to begin with, you can choose a place for her from which she can watch both you and strangers, and at the same time feel safe, as if no one is watching her. An excellent option would be a place on the closet where the cat can keep an eye on what is happening from above. This will give her the opportunity to study the guests on her own. It is also worth keeping in mind that fear at the sight of a stranger can sometimes turn into aggression, and then a coward with a tucked tail and flattened ears will in the blink of an eye turn into an angry fury with raised fur, ready not only to defend itself, but also to attack, using its teeth and claws.
In addition, according to the famous American veterinarian Michael William Fox, there are cats that simply do not like to be in close contact with people. The reason for such unsociability is innate temperament. And there is no way out: the owners will simply have to come to terms with the cat’s misanthropy. It is also interesting that congenital shyness or wildness only appears when the cat outgrows childhood. Therefore, if your kitten is friendly and sociable, you should not rush to conclusions about his philanthropy - everything can still change.
A stranger among his own
It's not just strangers that can instill fear in a cat. It happens that some cats do not have good relationships with one of their family members. And this is a rather serious problem, since, being under the same roof with the “enemy”, the cat will be constantly nervous and afraid. As a rule, the reason for fear of a person from the home environment can be rough play or cruel punishment for some offense.
A slap with a slipper or a tug by the scruff of the neck - cats cannot forget and forgive such offensive punishments for a long time. Fear can instill in a proud animal if the owner often forces the cat into contact and forces it to endure caresses for which it is not inclined. In addition, a cat can often be frightened by children who, while playing, begin to hold it in certain places (in chests of drawers, tables, boxes, etc.), tie rattles to it, etc. Such an incorrect attitude on the part of some household members can not only increase the feeling of fear of them, but also cause psychological trauma to the cat, which will cause it to become severely depressed. It will be difficult to establish friendly relations with the animal later.
But, of course, you can stop being the Scarecrow in the eyes of your pet. The first thing to do is to refuse any punishment. Secondly, do not force the cat into contact. Thirdly, you should talk to her more often in a calm and gentle voice, give her food and treats. In addition, a family member who instills fear in a cat should not do things that are scary from the cat's point of view, such as vacuuming the carpet. It is better to shift this responsibility to another family member for some time. And, of course, it’s worth trying to play her favorite games with your cat. For her, playing is the best therapy, thanks to which associations with unpleasant incidents will gradually be forgotten and the feeling of fear will go away.
What is your cat afraid of? Author: Tatyana Berezovskaya
Cats are afraid of smells
One inexperienced owner of a mustachioed tabby decided to somehow use expensive eau de toilette based on lemon verbena in the toilet instead of an air freshener. This aroma did not “sound” very well on the girl, but it filled the apartment with a very pleasant aroma, from the owner’s point of view.
But the cat’s view on this issue turned out to be diametrically opposed. The animal, which had never been seen in any kind of trouble, was extremely docile and intelligent, suddenly shitted directly on its owner’s bed several times in a row. It almost came to a “divorce” - not everyone will tolerate this.
An experienced friend helped me solve the problem and advised me to give up the “freshener” at least for a while. And - oh, miracle! — everything immediately fell into place. The cat began to go to his litter box again, and to treat his master’s bed with the same respect and even love. It turned out that particles of the fragrant substance, getting into the litter in the tray, made this place unbearably stinking for the cat. And the poor animal simply did not find another way to inform the mistress about her misfortune.
Yes, cats really don’t like many strong aromas - this applies to both natural odors, especially citrus, and chemical ones. This phobia is again based on the predatory nature of felines. How much have you hunted when instead of the subtle “aroma” of a passing mouse, an unbearable smell hits your nose!
Smells that cats don't like
Let's highlight odors that can repel cats.
Perfumes and alcohol
The smell of perfume contains substances and compounds that can not only frighten, but also cause poisoning, so it is not recommended to use this product as a repeller. The emphasis here is on harshness, and strong smells are effective at repelling cats, but can also be dangerous and harmful to your pet's health.
Citrus scents and essential oils
Citrus scents are natural “repellents”: they have a sharp and concentrated aroma that cat receptors cannot tolerate. Use citrus fruits carefully:
- The peel of any citrus fruit can be left in a place that attracts animals, and the cat is guaranteed not to go there.
- Orange and lemon juice should be mixed with water and put into a spray bottle, from which you can spray the areas that your pet “attacks”. The juice cannot be used in its pure form: the strong smell can harm the pet.
Cats don't like citrus fruits because of their strong smell.
Esters of lavender, cinnamon, mint and citronella cause a sense of danger in cats, which is why they avoid places where such aromas are concentrated. You can spread out the branches of these plants, or you can mix oil with water and treat the affected area.
Onions and garlic
Not all people like the smell of onions and garlic, not to mention cats, who have 15 times more developed receptors and detect odors at very long distances. The phytoncides released by these products irritate cats. To repel, it is effective to use onion or garlic peels, as well as gruel, which can be placed in small quantities in the right places. You will also have to endure the specific smell of these products, so assess in advance how prepared you are for this method.
Seasonings and spices
Spices also repel cats with their harshness and specific aromas. This is especially true for black pepper, whose smell causes disgust in cats. It is enough to mix the seasoning with a glass of hot water and spray the area, and your pet will begin to avoid the treated areas.
Spices, such as rosemary or saffron, can keep your pet away for a long time
Cats are afraid of dogs
It is generally accepted that the most common and beloved pets - cats and dogs - are two eternally warring armies. But not everyone knows the answer to the question why the former dislike the latter so much. In fact, everything is quite simple: these animals express their emotions in exactly the opposite way, which is why cats are afraid of dogs. For example, a dog, rejoicing, stands on its hind legs and barks loudly. The cat visually increases its height by arching its back and hisses when preparing to attack. A dog, expressing its friendliness, wags its tail, and a cat does this when it is irritated and nervous. So a dog who is in the mood for a pleasant acquaintance, rushing as fast as he can to the cat with a loud bark, is unlikely to meet with the mustachioed mutual understanding. As zoologists say, cats are more afraid of unnecessary relationships with strange creatures than they are of dogs themselves.
The cat is afraid of strangers
Very often you hear from owners: “my cat is afraid of strangers.” Indeed, not every mustachioed cat welcomes strangers in his home. Strangers coming to the house bring with them strange smells and cause anxiety - what to expect from this visit? Some cats experience these emotions very strongly. After all, she rules over her territory, and guests are simply malicious border violators. Therefore, many cats are not only not happy with strangers, but also try to hide while strangers are in the house, and when trying to get to know each other better, they use their claws and teeth. Of course, this does not apply to all animals; for many, natural curiosity prevails over mistrust. But still, most cats prefer. Especially if the animal has had negative experiences with people - be it a veterinarian who was “guilty” with an injection or any other person who offended him.
The main reasons for cats’ fear of people and methods for correcting behavior
What to do if your cat is afraid of people and even you? What if an animal attacks your children or guests? Does it bother other animals in the house? First, you need to figure out what causes your pet’s stress. The first thing to exclude:
Rough behavior, physical punishment, intentional intimidation
Do you scream, spank, swing or stomp on your pet? This is rude, aggressive and threatening behavior, if after such gestures the cat begins to be afraid and attack you - do not be surprised, you deserve it! If you want to correct the situation, start with yourself; it is not your pet’s fault that he is forced to defend himself and fear for his life.
Negative experience
Usually, in this case, cats are afraid of certain people, for example, veterinarians after undergoing surgery. Also included in this category are animals that have experienced rough treatment or bullying by their former owners. Animals that have experienced the horrors of existence in municipal shelters are usually also afraid of people who resemble former caretakers.
