Do Cats Hold a Grudge?

Many cat owners tend to assign human traits to their cats, and fully believe that their cats are a lot like humans. But is it true that cats think and feel as we do? Is it possible that cats can hold a grudge? Cat owners would be correct in thinking that their cats have a long memory when it comes to some life changing events such as the introduction of a new cat to the household, moving house or undergoing some form of surgery.

Surgery

If you have had to take your cat to the vet for a surgical procedure such as spaying, neutering or some other necessary form of surgery, then you can tell a lot by your cat's reaction afterwards. Within a day or two of surgery when the pain has subsided and your cat has recovered from the anaesthesia, how does your cat react towards you?

If your once affectionate cat has suddenly started to avoid you in favour of your spouse or other family member, then your cat could well be nursing a grudge against you for taking them to the vet and subjecting them to the surgery. Some cats even turn on their owner by becoming aggressive and only show an interest in their owner when they want to scratch, hiss or bite them. While it is not feasible to reason with a cat and explain that surgery was necessary, some cats will still hold a grudge against their owner for taking them to the vet.

New Cat

Established cats can react very badly to the addition of a new cat to the household and take out their frustration of the "invader" by showing open hostility to the new cat as well as towards their owner. Cat owners who find themselves in this position will notice that their first cat will even show signs of jealousy if you then proceed to lavish attention on the new cat.

Punishment

Do you sometimes punish your cat only to find the cat trying to attack you for it? Cats do not always see why they are being punished, even if it obvious to you that they have just spilled a carton of milk all over the kitchen floor.