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Vet warns cat owners to stop accidentally 'swearing at them'

May 28, 2024 - 12.33am

A pet charity has revealed that words containing the letter 's' can seem aggressive to cats.

Mimicking the sound of hissing, using these words, is "like swearing at them".

PDSA vet nurse Gemma Renwick told The Sun: "Cats pick up on certain sounds and tend to prefer fewer 's' sounds. The 's' noise is similar to a cat hissing, which is almost like swearing at them every time you want their attention.

Siamese cat stock — Using words that contain the letter S can sound like hissing. Getty Images/iStockphoto

"Consider speaking their language and meowing at them.

"Unlike hissing, adult cats don't really meow at one another but do use meows to communicate with us humans."

Renwick went on to warn cat owners of some other common mistakes that can leave felines feeling unhappy.

The vet said: "Hugging and other approaches we may consider signs of affection can actually be detrimental.

CAT STOCK — Hugging a cat isn't always as affectionate as many think. Getty Images/iStockphoto

"If a cat runs away as you come towards them or they dash off as soon as you let go, it's a good sign they don't want to be touched or have their personal space invaded.

"Always let your cat come to you, and you'll reap the rewards of consensual kitty cuddles," she added.

Renwick says that whilst heartwarming to stare into a cat's eyes, it can come across as "quite threatening," instead advising slow blinking.

Milly, a 13-week-old kitten waits to be re-homed at The Society for Abandoned Animals sanctuary in Sale, Manchester which is facing an urgent cash crisis and is facing closure on July 27, 2010 in Manchester, England. The Society for Abandoned Animals exists entirely on public support and unless it can raise GBP 50,000 in the next couple of months it will have to close down. The registered charity started in 1967 and in the last five years alone the charity has rescued and found homes for more th — Cats can find eye-contact threatening. Getty

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