You think your pet thinks you're the best thing after McDonald's. After all, you feed them, play with them, and love them unconditionally, right? Yeah, but guess what? Many things that you do consciously or subconsciously actually drive your pets crazy.
From over-the-top affection to some human quirks, there are many things you do that leave your furry friend in quiet frustration. So before you give that belly rub, take a minute to learn the 20 things your pet secretly hates—and yes, you're probably guilty of a few.
Electronic Pet Toys
We get it—those fancy automated laser pointers or motorized mice are a genius way to keep your pets entertained while you watch TikTok. The sad news is, while you're having a field day, your pet is enlisted in a never-ending natter with a demon toy that just wouldn't be caught.
The toy's unpredictable movements can frustrate instead of excite them. So while you’re laughing at your cat’s failed attempts to outsmart the robot, they're planning ways to get rid of the evil robot. You're better off with the good old cardboard box or string.
Overzealous Vacuuming
Picture this scenario: Fluffy is logging peacefully dreaming of chasing squirrels, then you fire up that thunderous vacuum cleaner. To you, it's just a machine for cleaning. But for Fluffy, it's the last trumpet just before the apocalypse.
So, while you're happily vaccuming away, your pet is paralyzed by the thought that a monstrous beast has invaded their space. Here's a good idea to keep everyone at peace: vacuum when your pet is out or use a quieter vacuum because no one deserves to face the roar of doom during their nap time.
Strange Scents
If you enjoy changing up scents every now and then, you're unknowingly pissing your pet off. Your pet loves familiar smells, so imagine the horror they have to endure when you spritz yourself with a new, exotic perfume. For you, it spells “elegance.” For your pet, it's more like “alien invasion.”
After you've started your new aroma, you may often notice your pet following you about wrinkling their noses in confusion. To make their existence less of an enigma, stick to familiar fragrances.
Long Work Hours
You leave for work, thinking you’re just going to earn a paycheck, but your pet sees it as the start of their own solo show. Each hour seems like an eternity where they're the star in a drama called “Where Did My Human Go...Again?”
While you're gone having a great time at work, that little guy is probably going through separation anxiety. They try to sleep but decide it's better to wait for you at the door, practicing the saddest puppy or kitten eyes to flash when you return. The solution? Ease their starring role in this ongoing movie by arranging playdates or hiring a pet nanny.
New Furniture or Equipment
Did you know that your pet rues the day that you bring in new furniture or equipment? Sure, it's an exciting day for you, but not for Fluffy! For your pet, the world as he knows it is ending and now feels like an alien landscape.
Understand this: every piece of new furniture or equipment is a monster in your pet's eyes. The change may impact them so much that they become withdrawn and avoid the area altogether. So, make things easier for your furry friend by introducing new furniture gradually.
Skipping Walks
Skipping a walk here and there won't hurt, right? Wrong! While it may not mean so much to you, walks mean everything to your pet. Missing them is like missing their daily dose of excitement and adventure. The effect is pent-up energy released as frustrations and mischief.
If you skip walks regularly, when you come, expect a frantic greeting and some chaotic “zoomies.” If you're too busy, you can hire someone to help you walk your pets; also, ensure to provide plenty of indoor playtime to help channel their energy.
Ignoring Their Cues
You know it—the gentle nudges, those soulful eyes, the privacy invasion—these little actions are not just your pet being cute; they're communicating. It's their only way of asking for your attention. Ignoring these cues can turn your cute angel into a little demon with anger issues.
So keep your furry friend content by paying attention to them and giving them the belly rubs that are due them. This way, you'd keep the line of communication open and happy.
Changing Their Routine
Your pets are most likely more disciplined than you. You heard that right. They pattern their lives after routines, and when you switch things up without warning, you throw them into a chaotic existence. Their once predictable and orderly day becomes a symphony of confusion.
Your pets strongly believe that “there's a time for everything,” from feeding to walks to sleep. So, if you want to make any changes, introduce the change gradually and maintain some elements of their routine to keep them feeling safe.
Frequent Guests
Every time a guest visits your home, your pet’s brain goes into a rampage trying to figure out if they're friend or foe. Their uncertainty and anxiety are made worse when you're entertaining more than 2 guests. They may feel like they're now at a circus where nothing is “sure” anymore.
Understandably, your pet may react with everything from curiosity to anxiety to defensive behavior. To help them adjust, try to introduce guests slowly. Also, arrange a comfortable place where they can catch a break if things get too much for them.
Aggressive Play
You may think your pet is tapping into their wild side and enjoying the aggressive play session, but they're not. What you see as playful wrestling is like an intense battle filled with chaos and danger to them. Therefore, they may react defensively and may even injure you during the process.
To keep playtime enjoyable for all parties, aim for gentler and more controlled games. This way, your pet can enjoy the bonding experience instead of trying to protect themselves from a rogue owner.
Different Brands of Food
For you, switching food brands every now and then may seem like a harmless change, but for your pet, it's an alarming change for their delicate digestive system. These abrupt changes can upset their stomach and make them wary of mealtime.
Many times, you may end up with a food bowl full of uneaten kibble and a pet giving you a look of disappointment. You're better off sticking to familiar brands when possible. If you have to change, introduce the new food slowly so they can ease into it.
Ignoring Their Space
Just like you, your pet needs a spot they can call their own—a sort of sanctuary if you will. If you disrupt their cozy corner or ignore their personal space, they may feel like their territory has been invaded. This may cause them to retreat and become anxious.
Aim to keep your buddy comfortable by respecting their designated resting areas. Everything in the area has its scent, so avoid moving their things around too often.
New Pets
Bringing a new pet to join your already-established pack could turn your existing pet’s world upside down. Instead of seeing a friend, they'll view the new guy as an intruder coming to invade their territory to take not just their space but their humans too.
Your original pet, in response, could attack the new one or retreat and become a shadow of their former self. So, to avoid making them feel like their position in the family is under siege, introduce a new pet gradually and ensure they still get plenty of love and attention.
Inconsistent Training
Inconsistent or contradictory training is one thing that really ticks your pets off. One day, you're rewarding them for an action or trick; the next day, they're reprimanded for the same thing. So, now they have to walk on eggshells because they don't know what you expect.
This sort of thing not only leads to frustration but may cause your furry one to exhibit problematic behavior. To keep your pet confident and feeling secure, ensure consistency in training commands and rewards.
Frequent Travel
Like we have tried to establish throughout this article, pets love routine. So, if you're always on the road, you're tampering with the delicate balance of their lives. They're left to figure out if they're starring in a new adventure or a chaotic sitcom.
You may find them gazing out the window with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment while giving you the “Seriously?” look. Try to make their journey more enjoyable by making it less frequent if possible and taking comfort items from home for a sense of security.
Neglecting Grooming
Skipping grooming sessions is never a good idea. You may think it's no big deal, but for your pet, it's like ignoring a growing pile of laundry. A neglected coat will leave them with itches, tangles, and general discomfort.
You may find your pet itching incessantly, or they may smell funny. To keep them looking and feeling their best, try to stick to the grooming routine. If you're the busy type, you can delegate this responsibility to a grooming company.
Sharing Food
Ignoring the puppy or kitten eyes is a herculean task indeed. But sharing your tasty treats with your pet is not a sweet move. They may convince you with that cute little look to share your juicy morsel with them, but don't!
They'll gobble it down with enthusiastic abandon, only to leave you confused later when they're experiencing digestive distress. If you really want to give your furry friend treats, stick to pet-friendly snacks and keep your human food to yourself.
Loud TV or music
You're enjoying your favorite action movie or rock music with speakers blasting at the highest. While you're having the time of your life, your pet feels like they've been violently thrust into an audio apocalypse where their once peaceful world is turned into a chaotic, booming bass.
They’ll frantically try to find a quiet spot, maybe even attempting to “tune out” by hiding under the couch. Protect their sensitive eardrums—and their nerves—by lowering the volume or using headphones.
Fighting Them for Their Food
Teasing your pet for their dinner may seem to be all fun and games to you, but to your pet, you've declared war. Their feeding time is a sacred event where no one is invited. So, when you start wrestling for their bowl, you enter a high-stakes contest you didn't sign up for.
They'll give you a look of annoyance and irritation, wondering why their food has become your obsession. Know this and know peace: your pet wants you to share your food, but they never want to share theirs. So keep their mealtime stress-free by letting them eat without a fight.