There are several reasons why your cat hates your boyfriend or significant other. The reasons why your feline friend is distant might surprise you. While most fingers tend to point to jealousy, there could be many reasons that answer the question, “Why does my cat hate my friends?”
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Territory
Cats love their space and it’s their space. When they rub against the chair, the lamp, and you, they are marking it as their own. Your cat has likely gone to great lengths to mark their space and when you bring someone new into their space, they might not welcome the guest simply because it’s a stranger in their territory.
Habits
Your cat may have habits and routine they like. When you bring someone new into the mix, it messes with a cat’s habits and routine. Conversely, your boyfriend or significant other may have habits your furry friend doesn’t like. So, when you mix two new worlds, routines, and habits together, it will likely take time to adjust.
Smell
While you may love your boyfriend’s cologne, your cat may hate it. It’s like a new smell that your cuddly cat hasn’t familiarized himself with. So, when your smelly new stranger starts hanging around, your cat may not be a fan until they become used to the new scent. Don’t forget that animals tend to have a more sensitive snout, so even just the smell of a body wash or a person’s natural scent can be an annoyance to your cat.
Related: Why Does Your Cat Meow? 5 Possible Reasons
Jealousy
It could be that green-eyed monster. Maybe you and your significant other are cuddled up on the sofa together when your cat wants to be cuddled in your arms. Jealousy will rear its ugly head here.
Basically, the short answer as to why your cat hates your significant other is because they might view them as a smelly disruption to their perfect little world. But, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in single-hood just because you have a cat. Give him time and space. As your feline gets used to the presence of a new person, the habits will jive, the smell will become familiar, and the territory will eventually expand. Don’t force the bond between your boyfriend and your cat, but try to include kitty in some playtime with your significant other.
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When I dated my ex husband I had a sweet little cat that never took to him…. when the time came for him to move in she still hated him and when I was gone at work one day he gave her away … thinking back… I should have listened to her… animals have an uncanny sense about people.
When I dated my ex husband I had a sweet little cat that never took to him…. when the time came for him to move in she still hated him and when I was gone at work one day he gave her away … thinking back… I should have listened to her… animals have an uncanny sense about people.
I’m not a cat person so this was super educational for me. I had no idea that when a cat rubs on things it’s marking the as their territory. That is great to know.
I’m not a cat person so this was super educational for me. I had no idea that when a cat rubs on things it’s marking the as their territory. That is great to know.
Great post and good information for those who want their cats and humans to get along! Fortunately we don’t have that problem here, with our 8 cats! My hubby has this “animal kavorka” and all animals seem to love him! And I’m the one who feeds them and cleans their litter boxes, and spends all day with them – so we get along just fine, too!
Great post and good information for those who want their cats and humans to get along! Fortunately we don’t have that problem here, with our 8 cats! My hubby has this “animal kavorka” and all animals seem to love him! And I’m the one who feeds them and cleans their litter boxes, and spends all day with them – so we get along just fine, too!
Thank you for the information. Maybe it is the same thing with dogs too? Our dog does not want to be petted after my husband comes home from the barber. I guess it is the scent that makes him distance himself.
His barber has to clean using appropriate germicidal after each customer. He may happen to use the same disinfectant your cat’s Vet uses to clean their clinic instruments and wash their hands. Tell your boyfriend to wash his hands and maybe change his shirt. It may not be necessary for long, just until your cat has made his mind up that your boyfriend is a friend or part of your life. My Mika doesn’t like men with big boots. They mean I am. Going to the hospital again. It’s been a rough year. When I come home she comes out and sniffs all over me. Then comes up on my chest and sniffs my face and kisses me. It was especially noticeable this time. I was on infection precautions so I smelled of disinfectant. It took her longer to get used to it, but she did. Cats have very keen smelling senses, they rely on them when sight and sound are possible to fool them.
Thank you for the information. Maybe it is the same thing with dogs too? Our dog does not want to be petted after my husband comes home from the barber. I guess it is the scent that makes him distance himself.
His barber has to clean using appropriate germicidal after each customer. He may happen to use the same disinfectant your cat’s Vet uses to clean their clinic instruments and wash their hands. Tell your boyfriend to wash his hands and maybe change his shirt. It may not be necessary for long, just until your cat has made his mind up that your boyfriend is a friend or part of your life. My Mika doesn’t like men with big boots. They mean I am. Going to the hospital again. It’s been a rough year. When I come home she comes out and sniffs all over me. Then comes up on my chest and sniffs my face and kisses me. It was especially noticeable this time. I was on infection precautions so I smelled of disinfectant. It took her longer to get used to it, but she did. Cats have very keen smelling senses, they rely on them when sight and sound are possible to fool them.
Really neat post. Very informative. I had a friend that had a male cat that didn’t like my sister and my friend said that he doesn’t like new people that much either, well he loved me. He fell asleep at my feet the first time I met him.
Really neat post. Very informative. I had a friend that had a male cat that didn’t like my sister and my friend said that he doesn’t like new people that much either, well he loved me. He fell asleep at my feet the first time I met him.
Animals on a whole have instincts that helped them to survive and like humans do not like their space invaded. We do have to show them who is the boss in the relationship as with children. No comparison but I have been taught that otherwise they will be our boss. I am not much of a cat person but they like to hang around cause I will feed them :). Great post.
Animals on a whole have instincts that helped them to survive and like humans do not like their space invaded. We do have to show them who is the boss in the relationship as with children. No comparison but I have been taught that otherwise they will be our boss. I am not much of a cat person but they like to hang around cause I will feed them :). Great post.