Is your cat annoyed with you? Our feline friends get irritable just like we humans do, but sometimes they can be tricky to read.
Cats are the queens of mixed messages, so while you may think that a meow or a purr are two signs of a happy cat, that's not always the case.
In fact sometimes, despite your best efforts, these may be subtle signs your cat isn't getting what it needs to be happy.
So how do you know if you're inadvertently annoying your kitty companion?
Well, according to the cat experts at Tuft + Paw, your beloved bundle of fluff will give off plenty of clues — you just have to be able to pick up on them.
To help you do just that, they've put together a handy TikTok video where they share the five most common signs that your cat is mad at you. Let's take a look!
@tuftandpaw ♬ Curiosity - Danilo Stankovic
1. Invading their personal space too often: "If you're constantly picking your cat up and touching your cat when not invited to, this can actually lead your cat to become stressed."
2. Meowing and tail flicking: "Cats are known to use vocalization and body language to communicate what they want," explain the crew at Tuft + Paw, "and as their owner, it's important for you to pick up on this and leave if you're uninvited."
3. Biting when petting: "Cats are known to get overstimulated when being pet and they can get overwhelmed really quickly." Biting is often your cat's way of telling you that they've had enough physical touch for the time being.
4. Hissing: "This is a pretty clear sign that your cat is not interested and it's really important to take a step back and let them have space."
5. You're always initiating playtime and pets: "Sometimes, allow your cat to come to you," says the team at Tuft + Paw. "This is really great because they'll feel more comfortable when they're initiating the fun times."
So there you have it — a useful cheat sheet that will help you spot when your feline friend is feeling annoyed and in need of some alone time.
That being said, it's always important to remember that every cat is unique and the way one cat shows their annoyed may not necessarily be the same for another cat.
Always speak with your vet or a qualified behaviorist if you're concerned about your cat's health and wellbeing.
