When you live with someone, certain things are bound to bother you about them at some point, and your cat is no exception. While you may feel frustrated when your furry family member makes a mess of the litter box or scratches your couch, your cat can feel equally annoyed with their pet parents. However, because cats communicate differently, many people don’t pick up on the subtle signs of irritation in their feline friends. To help you understand your cat better, we’ve gathered 6 things that secretly annoy cats, according to experts. Knowing these common cat annoyances can help you reduce stress, improve your cat’s behavior, and strengthen the bond with your furry companion.

That doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t love you, of course. But you may be unintentionally doing certain things that upset them. “Knowing these triggers helps owners respect a cat’s boundaries and reduces stress,” says Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. Though, since every very cat is unique, what bothers one feline, might not upset another one as much. But there are certain shared dislikes that cats in general have, raising the odds your furbaby will be upset if you engage in a particular action.

To find out what they are, read one. You may be shocked to see what things cats hate that you might be doing or that they may have to deal with in your home. From common behaviors that annoy cats to triggers that cause stress and anxiety, these insights from experts will help you recognize what frustrates your feline friend.

Related: 10 Signs Your Cat Is Happy & Feels Safe, According to a Vet

6 Things That Annoy Cats, According to Vets

There are many common things that annoy your cat, even if they seem harmless to humans. Understanding the most common things that annoy cats can help improve your cat’s mood and overall well-being so your cat feels more like part of your family.

1. Experiencing big changes

Cats thrive on routine and predictability, according to Warner, and even small disruptions can be stressful for them. “Things that shake up these routines or introduce something new can make cats feel like their boundaries have been crossed,” she explains. While these changes may seem insignificant to humans, they can be a major source of stress for cats. Your cat may show signs of stress, such as acting withdrawn, anxious, or behaving differently, when facing big changes like moving to a new home, welcoming new people, or even rearranging furniture. “It’s important to recognize that these reactions are caused by stress, not stubbornness or bad behavior,” Warner says

2. Wearing pet clothing

Pet clothing may look cute, but dressing up your cat can be uncomfortable and stressful for many felines. “Many cats prefer not having clothes on because clothing can restrict movement, interfere with balance, and affect how they navigate their surroundings,” Warner says. While some cats may tolerate wearing clothes for short periods, that doesn’t mean they enjoy it. For many cats, clothing can trigger stress, anxiety, or defensive behavior—making it one of the more common things that annoy cats, according to experts.

3. Touching sticky surfaces

One more thing that anoys cats? Having to touch or walk across areas that are sticky. Cats are naturally fastidious and prefer to keep their paws clean, making sticky surfaces a major source of frustration. “They do not like to walk on surfaces that dirty their paws, including sticky materials, which are difficult to clean off,” Hunt explains. “The inability to remove something from their paws can provoke anxiety and stress, so most cats will avoid sticky surfaces whenever possible.” Some cat owners even use this behavior strategically, placing sticky tape in areas they want their cats to stay away from, though it’s important to understand that this triggers stress for the cat.

4. Having their tail pet

Many cats find it upsetting when their tail is touched, as it’s a sensitive area packed with nerves. “The tail is an extension of the spine and a key way cats express emotions like excitement, fear, or irritation,” Warner explains. “When someone suddenly grabs or strokes the tail, it can feel threatening, causing cats to retreat or lash out.” Touching a cat’s tail is a common trigger for stress and agitation, making it one of the behaviors that annoy cats most.

Related: 10 Sweet & Funny Signs Your Cat Loves You, Says a Vet

5. Being around loud noises

When it comes to things that annoy cats, loud noises is one. “Cats have very sensitive ears, which are helpful for alerting them to predators and for assisting them in finding and stalking prey,” explains Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance. “Noises that sound loud to humans are especially loud to a cat’s sensitive ears and may startle a cat or overwhelm its sensitive ears.” Most cats will try to avoid loud noises by looking for a quieter place whenever possible, like hiding under a bed when there’s a thunderstorm, Hunt says.

6. Getting exposed to strong smells

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, making strong scents overwhelming for them. So, if you’re a cat parent, keep that in mind. “Cats’ noses detect odors and pheromones far more subtly than humans can,” Hunt explains. “Scents that seem strong to us can be intensely strong—and often offensive—to a cat.” As a result, many cats will avoid areas with strong smells, including fragrant cleaning products, scented litter, or heavily perfumed spaces. Exposure to these odors can trigger stress and irritation, making strong smells one of the common things that annoy cats.

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.