Cats have a reputation for being fiercely independent, but that doesn’t mean they don’t depend on small details in your home to cater to their tastes. There are some things that could be stressing them out without you even realising, including these 20 problematic things.
Not Enough Hiding Spots
Cats are naturally shy animals, and sometimes they just need a quiet space to disappear for a while, so if your home doesn’t have cosy hideaways, like tucked-away corners, covered beds, or even empty boxes, your cat might feel exposed and vulnerable. A lack of safe spaces to retreat to can leave them feeling constantly on edge.
Overwhelming Smells
Small changes like switching to a natural cleaner or burning fewer candles can make your home much more calming for your feline friend because they have an incredibly strong sense of smell.
What seems like a pleasant fragrance to you might be completely overwhelming for them, like scented candles or essential oils.
Inaccessible Litter Trays
How easy is it for your pet cat to reach their litter tray? A clean, easily accessible litter tray is one of the most important things for a happy cat, yet it’s something many people overlook. Therefore, a litter tray that is tucked in a noisy utility room or behind a closed door may leave your cat feeling too uncomfortable to use it.
Sudden Loud Noises
As naturally jumpy creatures, loud, unexpected sounds can send kittens darting for cover in a split second, and this includes everyday noises like slamming doors or even the vacuum cleaner, which can feel like chaos to a sensitive cat. TVs blaring at full volume or music played too loudly might add to their discomfort without you even noticing.
Lack of Vertical Space
Think about creating vertical pathways, like adding wall-mounted shelves, tall cat trees, or even making room on sturdy bookshelves where your cat can perch. By giving your cat these elevated spots, you’re improving their physical environment as well as providing them with a sense of security and control over their space.
Ignoring Scratching Needs
Scratching is an instinctive behaviour for cats because it helps them stretch their muscles, shed old claw sheaths, and mark their territory. But if there aren’t any scratching posts or pads around, your cat might resort to shredding the furniture, carpets, or curtains, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.
As such, to keep both your cat and your furniture happy, offer a variety of scratching surfaces for them.
Overcrowded Food Areas
Create a clean, calm, and spacious feeding area, ideally away from noisy appliances or busy areas of the home, as separating their water bowl and food dishes, even by a metre or two, can make a big difference to your cat’s comfort and encourage them to eat and drink more happily.
Not Cleaning Enough
While your pet might not seem bothered by a little mess in your home, they are very particular about their own spaces, particularly if a preferred sleeping spot has gone unwashed. They’re naturally clean creatures, and anything that feels dirty or unhygienic can cause them to avoid these areas completely.
Ignoring Temperature Preferences
In summer, offer shaded areas, cool tiles, or a fan to help them stay comfortable because giving your cat a range of temperature options will help them feel more at ease and prevent them from feeling like they’re stuck in an environment that doesn’t suit their needs.
These felines are sensitive to temperature and will often seek out the warmest or coolest spots in the house, depending on the season.
Overcrowding the Space
Even tidying up small areas or making space under furniture can give your cat a sense of freedom and calm—remember, a tidy home isn’t just more pleasant for you, it can make a huge difference to your pet’s wellbeing too, despite whether you yourself thrive in cluttered chaos or not.
Skipping Playtime
If you don’t set aside time for interactive play each day, your cat—who is a natural hunter—might start acting out in other ways, such as scratching furniture or meowing excessively. Using wand toys, laser pointers, or even simple items like crinkly paper can make life easier for the both of you.
Changing Furniture Too Often
While you might enjoy switching up your décor or rearranging your furniture, frequent changes can make your cat feel uneasy because it will rely on scent-marking and familiarity to get around its territory, so moving their favourite chair or replacing a beloved scratching post can leave them disoriented. If you’re planning a big change, introduce it gradually.
Blocking Windows
Make an effort to keep at least one window accessible for your pet, and consider adding a comfy spot like a cushion or a cat tree nearby. The mental stimulation and entertainment from watching the world outside can keep your kitty happy for hours, as it will love watching the outside world.
Using Harsh Cleaning Products
You should aim to swap out harsh cleaners for pet-safe, natural alternatives, and always rinse surfaces thoroughly to avoid lingering chemicals; by doing so, you’ll create a safer and more comfortable environment for your feline friend. This is because cats are especially sensitive to residues left on floors, furniture or even their own food.
Poor Lighting
If you’re active both at dawn and dusk, it means you’re crepuscular, and that’s precisely what kind of animal cats are, meaning bright lighting can interfere with their natural instincts. In turn this makes it harder for them to relax; similarly, overly dim spaces with no natural light can feel confining.
Allowing Strangers to Invade Their Space
When you have guests, make sure your cat has a quiet room or space where they can retreat if they don’t want to interact, and let them approach new people on their own terms while always respecting their boundaries.
Cats are territorial creatures and may feel stressed when unfamiliar people enter their home—especially if they’re not given time to adjust.
Overhandling or Ignoring Their Boundaries
It’s easy to miss the signs that they’ve had enough attention, but cats depend on body language communication with you. Overhandling or picking them up when they don’t want to be held can lead to stress and even aggressive behaviour. Therefore, pay attention to their cues, such as tail flicking or attempts to pull away.
Not Taking Care of Grooming
If they have long fur that tangles easily or nails that grow too long, your feline friend will need help grooming, despite the fact they’re naturally very good at it. If you’re skipping regular grooming sessions this can lead to discomfort, matting, or even health issues, which is not what you want for your pet.
Failing to Address Stress Triggers
Do you maybe have a cat who is naturally more sensitive than others? Some are, and stressors like a noisy appliance or even a new scent in the house can cause ongoing anxiety, therefore if your cat is behaving differently, take the time to identify potential triggers and work to minimise their stress.
Offering Only One Type of Toy
Lastly, because cats crave variety in their playtime, offering them the same toy day after day can quickly lead to boredom, while interactive toys—feather wands, and puzzle feeders—are some of the best options for keeping them mentally stimulated. Balls and crinkly objects let them practise their hunting skills, too.