Why Does My Cat Hate My Roommate?

If your cat hates your roommate, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.

So, why does my cat hate my roommate? Likely explanation why your cat hates your roommate are that she is not used to having them in her living environment, your roommate’s body language intimidates her or that she has learned that the behavior is rewarded.

There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat does it and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.

Why does my cat hate my roommate?

Below are common reasons why your cat hates your roommate and what would make them more likeable.

Your cat is not used to your roommate

Cat’s tend to become protective of the area that they live in. If your cat has been living in your dorm room a lot and your roommate is not always there, it would be likely that your cat is trying to protect her living area from an intruder. In this case, your cat should become more comfortable as she gets used to having your roommate be around more often.

Your cat gets intimidated by your roommate’s body language

It might also be the case that your cat has been getting intimidated by your roommate’s body language or behavior. This would be more likely if your cat tends to get aggressive when your roommate approaches her or when your roommate talks.

Encouraging the behavior

It could also be the case that your cat has learned that the behavior is rewarded. If you tend to give your cat things such as toys, treats or extra attention, when she hisses at your roommate, she will likely do it more in order to get more rewards and because she thinks that it is justified in thinking your roommate is a threat.

Nature

It could also be the case that your cat is naturally distrusting of people that she does not know. This would be more likely if your cat hisses at people on walks as well. Again, in this case, your cat should start to behave more as it becomes more comfortable.

How to get my cat to be nicer to my roommate?

Below are some options you have when dealing with this type of feline behavior.

Avoid rewarding the behavior

As mentioned above, it might be the case that your cat has learned that the behavior is rewarded. Instead, it would help to avoid giving her rewards when she hisses at your roommate, to reward her when she is well behaved and, if possible, to give her a “time out” when she starts hissing at your roommate.

Redirect its focus

Another option would be to try to redirect your cat’s focus and to give her distractions so that it is less likely to be hostile towards your roommate. Ways to do so could include giving her toys or bones to be occupied with.

Get it to stay at home

If your cat has been very unwelcoming of your roommate and you cannot get it to stop, another option would be to get your cat to stay at home and let family members look after her.

Why is my cat scared of my roommate?

Likely reasons why your cat is scared of your roommate are that your cat feels threatened by their body language or that your cat is not used to having someone else be in her living space. It would help to reward your cat when she does not show signs of being scared, to give her things to be occupied with and to try to avoid rewarding her when she does show signs of being scared.