Random Things You're Doing to Your Pet That They Actually Hate (17 items)

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  (#1) Hugging Your Dog

  As affectionate and loyal as dogs are, many don't like being hugged, even if they will tolerate hugs from humans they trust. Some dogs feel threatened when large arms are wrapped around them. If your dog stiffens up, licks their lips, yawns, or averts their eyes when you hug them, they probably do not like it. 
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  (#2) Not Cleaning Your Cat's Litter Box Enough

  Cats are notoriously clean and finicky creatures with a taste for revenge. If you don't keep their litter box clean enough for them, or even use a litter they don't like, it's very likely that they will use your bathtub or shoes.

  Neither of you really wants to go through that. Be sure to clean your cat's litter often. 
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  (#3) Feeding Your Cat Food They Hate

  So many cat owners do this and can't figure out why their kitty is such a finicky eater. Some cats prefer wet food to dry food or vice versa, and may even dislike certain brands entirely. It is important to figure out what your cat likes so they can get the nutrition they need. 
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  (#4) Not Taking Your Dog's Energy Level Into Account

  This is such a simple thing that so many first-time dog owners overlook. If you are a couch potato, a high-energy greyhound puppy is going to go nuts trapped in the house marathoning Game of Thrones with you. Likewise, if you are looking for a dog to run with you for miles every morning, your best bet is probably not a stumpy basset hound.

  Make sure you get a dog that matches your lifestyle. 
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  (#5) Expecting Your Dog To Communicate The Way A Person Would

  Here's a seemingly simple fact that nonetheless can be hard to remember: dogs can't understand us because they don't speak our language. When you yell at them out of frustration and ignore their body language cues, they can tell that you are upset, but don't understand why. This can make them anxious or aggressive because they want to please you but don't know how. 
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  (#6) Being Inconsistent

  If you set rules for your pet, make sure that everyone else you live with enforces them. Whether you don't want your cat to jump in specific places, or you don't want your dog to lick faces, make sure everyone knows these rules.

  Otherwise, they will send your pet mixed messages, confuse them, and ensure that they are stressed out and hard to handle.  
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  (#7) Putting Your Cat's Litter Box In An Inconvenient Place

  How would you feel if the only bathroom you had access to was far away or you were always locked out of it? If you hide away your cat's litter box you are making them feel the exact same way.

  Make sure your cat's litter box is easily accessible to them so they are happy and healthy. 
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  (#8) Punishing Your Pet After The Fact

  The fact of the matter is most animals are not geniuses. If you come home and scream or physically punish them for something they did hours ago, they will not necessarily connect your anger with the action and learn to fear you rather than fix their behavior.

  Instead of using physical punishments, command them with a firm "no" at the time. 
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  (#9) Being Too Nice

  While pets need affection, they also need you to be able to put your foot down, even if it seems mean. Some animals will eat until they are sick if they aren't carefully watched, and it's up to you to monitor them and not give them everything they want.

  Dogs also require strict discipline and structure so they don't become unruly, unhappy, and anxious.  
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  (#10) Giving Them A Too-Small Cage

  Whether you are crate training a dog or getting a rat or guinea pig, a cramped cage does not give animals enough room to be comfortable or happy. Rodents and other caged animals need a lot of room to explore, exercise, and play in order to be happy and healthy.

  They can quickly become sick and depressed in cramped quarters.  
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  (#11) Forcing Them To Be Lonely

  While dogs and cats can often bond with their owners very happily, guinea pigs, rats, and other such animals really need a buddy of their own kind. They need someone their size to play and snuggle with during the long hours they spend in their cage.

  Make sure to keep your little friends happy and healthy by giving them a companion or two. 
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  (#12) Making Wild Animals Solitary 'Pets'

  Surprisingly, commonly kept pets like lizards, goldfish, or hermit crabs do not do well in captivity. Even if you do your best for them, keeping them in a cage, tank, or bowl at all times deprives them of being able to be social with their own kind naturally. This can cause them horrible stress and boredom.

  While you might think it's cool to have a lone goldfish in a tiny bowl on your desk, they don't actually like it.
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  (#13) Rubbing Your Cat Wrong

  Cats greet those they like by showing their bellies, and you rubbing their belly is actually breaking their trust. This is why they appear to be asking for belly rubs, but then scratch at your skin.

  Cats prefer soft head pats as a hello.
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  (#14) Petting Your Cat Too Aggressively And Too Often

  While cats like to pretend they are apex predators, they are actually big marshmallows who can become overstimulated quite easily. You might think shrieking with delight and cuddling them enthusiastically all the time is a great way to show love, but cats appreciate a lighter touch.
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  (#15) Assuming Your Cat Always Wants To Be Ignored

  Cats are just like people. They need a balance of alone time and interactive play time to be happy. Just because cats are generally more aloof than dogs doesn't mean they need no love or playtime at all. Be sure to play with your cat regularly. 
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  (#16) Your Body Spray Addiction

  If you've ever walked through the perfume department in a large store and found yourself wanting to plug your nose, remember that your dog's sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more sensitive than yours. If you are a Febreze fanatic, obsessed with scented candles, or like to wear a whole bottle of Chanel No. 5, you might want to tone it down to keep your pup happy.
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  (#17) Trying To Fix Your Dog's Separation Anxiety With Another Dog

  If your dog tries to follow you from room to room desperately, destroys things when you leave the house, or starts having accidents despite being house trained, they may have separation anxiety. They often experience this due to traumatic events or drastic changes in the house, and not because they are lonely.

  Introducing another huge change in the form of a strange dog will not make them feel any better. 

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