Cats hate several things, especially certain smells, noises, and physical interactions. They particularly dislike strong and weird smells such as citrus (lemons, oranges, grapefruit), rosemary, thyme, banana, mustard, lavender, eucalyptus, menthol, spicy odors like cayenne pepper, and many essential oils which can be toxic to them. Cats also hate too much attention or over- aggressive petting, as they are independent creatures and prefer respecting their boundaries. They dislike spoiled food, competition with other cats, loud noises (such as vacuum cleaners, fireworks, and yelling), tummy rubs since their belly is a vulnerable area, baths, being stared at for too long (which they see as a threat), low temperatures, and being cradled like a baby since it makes them feel trapped.

In summary, the top things cats hate include:

• Certain strong smells (citrus, menthol, lavender, eucalyptus, spicy scents)
• Overly aggressive or forced affection
• Loud noises and sudden sounds
• Spoiled or warm food
• Competition with other cats
• Being stared at intently
• Tummy rubs and being held in restrictive ways
• Baths
• Cold temperatures

Knowing these dislikes can help pet owners create a more comfortable environment for their feline friends and avoid stress triggers.