Who among us doesn’t love cats? They’re cute, they’re cuddly, and they make great companions. But one thing that all cat owners know is that cats can also be fiercely independent creatures with minds of their own. One minute your feline friend is purring contentedly in your lap, and the next, she’s giving you the cold shoulder for no apparent reason. So, the question is: how long does a cat hold a grudge?
How long does a cat hold a grudge?
The answer, unfortunately, is that there’s no easy answer. Cats are complex creatures, and their emotions can be just as complicated. While it’s true that cats can hold grudges, the length of time they stay mad at you can vary depending on the severity of the offence and the personality of the cat. Some cats may forgive and forget quickly, while others may sulk for days or even weeks.
Age also plays an important factor in holding a grudge. Kittens have shorter memory in comparison to adult cats. So, there is a high chance kittens tend to forget about their ” Cat Grudge ” easily.
How long does it take a cat to forgive?
On average, a cat will hold a grudge for about 16 hours. If the perceived offence is particularly severe, a cat may hold a grudge for up to two days.
What makes Cat Hold a Grudge? Easily Forgivable Accidents.
Cats are unpredictable, but certainly, we all know that cats can be moody, aloof creatures. They may ungratefully turn up their noses at the food you’ve painstakingly prepared for them or give you a withering stare when you try to pet them. But did you know that cats can actually hold grudges? I bet you already do now. Here are the top 8 common reasons why your feline friend may be giving you the cold shoulder.
- You Haven’t Respected Their Territory:
Cats are very territorial creatures and will often see your home as their turf. If you don’t respect their boundaries, they may start to hold a grudge. For instance, if you move their food bowl or litter box to a new location, they may become resentful. It’s important to always keep their things in the same place, so they feel comfortable and secure in their own home.
- You Disrupted Their Schedule:
Cats are creatures of habit, and they like predictability in their lives. If you disrupt their usual routine, they may start to hold a grudge against you. For example, if you usually let them out in the morning but one day you don’t, they may scratch at the door or meow angrily to show their displeasure. If you want to avoid your cat’s wrath, it’s best to stick to their regular schedule as much as possible.
- You Ignored Them:
Cats crave attention and can become very needy if they feel like they’re being ignored. If you neglect them for too long, they may start to hold a grudge. Make sure to spend enough time with your cat every day, playing with them and petting them, so they feel loved and valued. Otherwise, they may decide to take revenge by peeing on your favorite shoes or scratching up your furniture.
- You Didn’t Give Them Enough toys:
When cats are bored, they can become destructive out of sheer frustration. If you don’t provide them with enough toys and stimulation, they may start to hold a grudge against you. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys to play with so they stay amused and don’t get too frustrated. Otherwise, they could start scratching up your furniture or urinating outside of the litter box.
- Overwhelming and Forced Attention:
Now there comes confusion. Yeah, I know exactly what you’re thinking (lol!). Either they are mad when you don’t give them attention, or your cat hold a grudge when you give them attention. (Facepalm!). But just like us, humans, cats also have their breaking point. If you’re constantly showering them with attention and they’re just not into it, they may start to resent you. It’s important to respect your cat’s space and only give them as much attention as they want. Otherwise, they may start to avoid you or even lash out at you in anger.
- Lifting your Cats:
Sometimes we just can’t help but want to pick up our cats and give them a big hug. But many cats don’t enjoy being picked up and may start to hold a grudge against you if you do it too often. It’s important to only pick up your cat when they’re okay with it. Otherwise, they may become anxious or even scared. If you want to pick up your cat, make sure to do it slowly and gently, so they don’t feel threatened.
- You moved their food bowl:
Cats are very particular about their food, and they like to know exactly where their bowl is at all times. If you move their food bowl to a new location, they may start to hold a grudge against you. They may meow angrily or scratch the floor to show their displeasure. It’s important to always keep their food bowl in the same place, so they know where to find it.
- You hit your cat unintentionally:
Though it’s not a biggie if you unemotionally hit your cat. They can forgive you easily about it because they know it wasn’t intended. However, sometimes they might get mad at you for a couple of hours.
Terrible Things Cats are not likely to Forget and Forgive for Days:
There are some traumatic events for cats that they don’t easily forget and forgive. Just like humans, when cats go through something traumatic, it can leave them feeling scared and resentful. If you do any of the following things to your cat, they may hold a grudge against you for days or even weeks:
- You punished them:
Cats are very sensitive creatures, and they don’t respond well to punishment. If you scold them or clap a lot of times when they’ve done something wrong, they may start to hold a grudge against you.
Punishing your cat physically, whether it’s with a swat or a spray of water, will only serve to scare and confuse them. Cats don’t understand punishment the way humans do, so physical punishment will only make them afraid of you and more likely to misbehave in the future.
If you need to correct your cat’s behavior, try using positive reinforcement instead by rewarding them when they do something good. It’s important to never punish your cat, as it will only make them scared of you and less likely to trust you. Instead, try using positive reinforcement to train them, such as treats or praise.
- Stepping on their Tail:
Cats are very sensitive about their tails, and they don’t take kindly to having them stepped on. If you accidentally step on your cat’s tail, they may start to hold a grudge against you. They may hiss or growl at you in anger or even lash out with their claws.
It’s important to be careful around your cat’s tail and to never step on it intentionally. If you do accidentally step on their tail, apologize and try to make it up to them with a treat or some extra attention.
Even though they know, it wasn’t intentional, but they still feel threatened and scared. It might take a couple of days for them to recover and feel better.
- Recurring Abuse:
Cats are very forgiving creatures, but even they have their limits. If you abuse your cat on a regular basis, they may start to hold a grudge against you. The abuse doesn’t always mean hitting your cat or something similar.
Sometimes your negative impressions, loud voice or claps can play a huge role in association with punishment for them.
They may start to hiss or growl at you when you come near them, or they may try to avoid you altogether. If you abuse your cat regularly, they will eventually start to see you as a threat and will become scared of you.
It’s important to never abuse your cat in any way, as it will only serve to damage your relationship with them. (Please never abuse them in any form)
How Do I Know if My Cat is Holding a Grudge?
A lot of people think that cats are aloof and indifferent creatures that couldn’t care less about their humans. It makes people sometimes wonder, ” Do cats hold grudges even? ” But the truth is, cats are just as capable of feeling emotions like love, joy, and anger as we are. So, it’s not surprising to learn that cats can also hold grudges. But how can you tell if your cat is holding a grudge against you? Here are some signs to look for.
Signs Your Cat is Holding a Grudge:
Here are some of the common signs that are easily noticeable for any pet owner:
- They start avoiding you:
If your cat used to be all over you – following you around the house, sleeping on your lap, etc. – but now they seem to go out of their way to avoid you, it could be a sign that they’re holding a grudge. Cats like routine and predictability, so any sudden changes in their behavior should be cause for concern.
- They give you the silent treatment:
Cats are very vocal creatures, so if your cat has suddenly stopped meowing or making any other noise when you’re around, it’s possible they’re trying to give you the silent treatment. Of course, it could also be a sign of a medical issue, so if your cat starts giving you the silent treatment, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
- They hiss or swat at you:
Hissing and swatting are both signs that your cat is angry or afraid – which could definitely indicate that they’re holding a grudge against you. If your cat has never acted aggressively towards you before and suddenly starts doing so, there’s a good chance they’re trying to tell you something (namely, that they’re not happy).
- They start making Mess everywhere:
Cats are very clean creatures, so if your cat suddenly starts urinating or defecating outside of their litter box, it’s definitely a sign that something is wrong. It could be a medical issue, or it could be that your cat is trying to send you a message – i.e., they’re not happy with you, and they want you to know it.
- They stop eating:
If your cat suddenly stops eating or only picks at their food, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Cats can go on hunger strikes for all sorts of reasons – including if they’re holding a grudge against you. If your cat stops eating, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
- The Signature Look:
The signature look of a cat holding a grudge is called “the stink eye.” If your cat is giving you a hard, direct stare – especially if they’re also hissing or swatting at you – it’s a pretty clear sign that they’re not happy with you.
Subtle Signs if your cat is holding a grudge against you:
The above signs are pretty easily noticeable, and every cat owner can identify them. But there are some subtle signs too which your cat is giving about their grudges but are hard to identify for anyone.
These subtle signs are:
- Yawning:
Cats yawn for all sorts of reasons, including when they’re feeling stressed or threatened. So, if your cat starts yawning a lot when you’re around, it could be a sign that they’re holding a grudge against you.
- Flicking their Tail:
A cat’s tail is full of meanings. And one of the things it can mean is that they’re feeling agitated or annoyed. You may find it cute but sometimes if your cat starts flicking their tail a lot when you’re around, it’s possible they’re holding a grudge against you.
- Ear Twitching:
Like a cat’s tail, their ears can also convey a lot of meaning. And one of the things it can mean is that they’re feeling angry or defensive. So, if your cat’s ears start twitching a lot when you’re around, it could be a sign that they’re holding a grudge against you.
- Fluffier and Bigger:
Mostly when we see a cat become fluffier, people are likely to film it and think it’s a cute act. However, sometimes when a cat is feeling threatened or scared, their fur will often stand on end in order to make them look bigger and more intimidating. So, if you notice that your cat’s fur is looking extra fluffy or standing on end when you’re around, it could be a sign that they’re holding a grudge against you.
How can I get my cat to forgive me?
We’ve all been there. You’ve had a long day at work, and the only thing you want to do is relax with your furry friend. But your furry friend is mad at you for some reason, and she gives you the cold shoulder for the rest of the night. But don’t worry; there is hope for reconciliation! With a little time and effort, you can get your cat to forgive you and be back to snuggling in no time.
- Give Them Some Space:
Space is just as important for cats as it is for humans, so give them some time and room to calm down after an argument. Once they’ve had time to cool off, they’ll be more receptive to making up with you and rebuilding the trust that was lost. Additionally, avoid forcing yourself on them during this time; let them come to you when they’re ready.
- Acknowledge That You Were in the Wrong:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to start off on the right foot by admitting that whatever it is you did was wrong. Whether you accidentally stepped on their tail or forgot to refill their food bowl, taking responsibility for your actions is key in getting your cat to see that you’re sincere about wanting to make things right. You can try approaching her and offering an apology. A simple “I’m sorry” will usually suffice.
- Make Amends with a Special Treat or Toy:
Cats are notoriously finicky, so you’ll need to tread lightly when it comes to winning back their affections. Start off by offering them a small token of your apologies, such as their favorite treat or a new toy. This will show them that you’re willing to go out of your way to make things right and hopefully help them begin to see you in a better light. Once she starts accepting treats from you again, that’s usually a good sign that she has forgiven you and is ready to move on.
Showing your cat that you’re capable of violence will only lead to mistrust and further estrangement. Honor your feline friend by making a promise never to hurt them again—and then stick to it!
Conclusion:
While it’s perfectly normal for cats to have bad days here and there (just like us!). If your feline friend seems to be deliberately avoiding you or acting aggressively towards you for no apparent reason, it’s possible they could be holding a grudge. If this is the case, the best thing to do is try to figure out what might have upset them and see if there’s anything you can do to make things right again. After all, life is too short to hold a grudge – even if you are a cat!