Just like humans, cats have their own preferences and dislikes. But why might a cat dislike someone, particularly someone who lives in the same household?
Whether it's a family member, friend, or occasional visitor, there are several reasons a cat might not warm up to someone.
In this video, we will talk about what it means if a cat doesn’t like someone, and more importantly, how this can be changed and fixed.









Doing Too Much
One of the main reasons a cat might not like someone is because they're doing too much. Cats prefer things to be chill and relaxed. If you're constantly giving them physical attention, invading their personal space, or always trying to touch or pick them up, they might start avoiding you or develop a dislike toward you. Being too clingy can make cats retreat and even see you as a threat. This is often the case if you have a new cat. So relax and let them come to you at their own pace.
Your Scent
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and sometimes your scent can be offputting to them. Whether it's the smell of your clothes, cologne, or soap, some cats may be turned off by the way you smell.
Even your natural scent might not sit well with a cat, and unfortunately, this could simply be a matter of bad luck, as the reasons behind these preferences often remain a mystery.
Additionally, if you have been near a new dog, cuddled another cat, or smell different for any reason, all of these factors could cause a cat to avoid you.
Being Too Loud
Another reason a cat might dislike you could be because you're too loud. Your voice, footsteps, or overall presence might be too much for a cat that is used to a calmer environment. Some cats feel threatened by the big and bold. Although being outgoing and charismatic may benefit you in other areas of your life, it can sometimes backfire when trying to build trust with a feline. According to a one study, cats prefer the quietest person in the house. They tend to show the greatest fondness for female owners. Females generally have softer and gentler voices, which cats prefer. Male voices tend to be deeper and more imposing, which can make cats feel pressured.
General Demeanor
Sometimes, it's not about being loud or having a strong scent. It could just be something about your general demeanor that the cat finds unsettling. You’re just giving out bad vibes to the cat. Something about you doesn’t feel right to the cat. Even the way you move could be offputting the animal.
Have you ever met someone and instantly disliked them for no apparent reason? Cats can have the same inexplicable reactions.
Feline Favorites
Some cats are naturally more reserved and only fare well with their owners or people who live in the same household. They might be standoffish or fearful of outsiders. During gatherings, your cat might not warm up to anyone simply because they are used to seeing the same familiar faces every day.
Keep in mind that it's normal for cats to have better chemistry or closer bonds with some people rather than with others. Cats are notorious for playing favorites, and some felines are just cooler than others, never warming up to any new person.
Negative Past Experiences
If your cat has had previous owners or lived in a different environment, their tendencies to dismiss certain people could be due to negative past experiences. A cat may avoid a person because there may be aspects of the person's behavior or appearance that trigger memories of unpleasant experiences for your cat. For example, if a cat was abused by a previous owner who wore hats, the cat might become wary around anyone wearing hats.
Your scent, the way you move, the way you speak, all of that could remind the cat of an unpleasant memory, even if you don't know what it is. A cat's memory is so complex that it can retain such information for its entire life.


What To Do if a Cat Doesn’t Like You?
Now that we have identified why a cat might not like someone, let’s talk about how you can change that.