16 Cat Owner Dilemmas You’ll Never Want to Hear About

Evrymmnt/Getty Images

Being a cat owner is like playing charades every day. Cat owners come home to weird things, from cats chewing on human food to their fur being dyed strange colors because they got into something they shouldn't have. Some cat personality traits may come from their people, so you may be partially to blame for those interesting habits (joking, of course).

All of this makes dealing with outside pressure even harder. Folks who don't have cats don't understand how finicky they can be — or how deeply we love them. This leads to comments from outsiders that can read as passive-aggressive or even rude, whether intentionally or not. We at Cuteness have experienced this in spades, so our writers and editors came together to create a comprehensive and relatable list of phrases that cat owners never want to hear, from doubts about your pet-parenting skills to woes about cat smells. 

1. 'I'm not really a cat person'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

This is a fair statement, but it usually comes unprompted. That's okay, though; we have enough love for cats for all of us.

2. 'Is it friendly?'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

Are you friendly all the time? Our kitties have their moments like the rest of us, but who could deny those sweet, precious eyes, anyway?

3. 'You're such a cat lady'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

So what if we are? Cats are some of the most lovable companions, and we'll wear this title like a badge of honor.

4. 'Do you think your cat likes you?'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

We sure hope so. We feed and pamper this cat, so it better respect us at least a little bit!

5. 'Cats are so mean'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

We're also mean before our morning cup o' joe, so we understand why cats can be temperamental sometimes!

6. 'I'm more of a dog person'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

This is up there with "I'm not really a cat person"; it always comes out of nowhere. We appreciate dogs, too, but it doesn't change the fact that we have a cat!

7. 'Your cat is too clingy'

Jessica Desrosiers / Static Media

8. 'Do you smell that?'

Jessica Desrosiers / Static Media

This is one of the most dreaded questions a cat owner can get. We try so hard to cover up any smells that may come from the litter box, but at the end of the day, we're only human!

9. 'Why do you have so much cat stuff?'

Harrison Branham / Static Media

Our cats are our children, and they deserve a lot of toys! And it doesn't hurt that so many are themed after our favorite IPs. If you see a lot of "Star Wars"-themed cat toys and accessories in our home, please mind your business.

10. 'Do I smell cat pee?'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

Similar to the litter box case, folks sometimes say this when they're nowhere near the cat's relief area. No, there's no cat pee, but we will give our fur baby a bath just to be safe.

11. 'Cats are too aloof'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

Honestly, cats are what we should strive for. We should all yearn to be sunbathers who sleep and eat at our every whim.

12. 'Is your cat supposed to be in the sink?'

Jessica Desrosiers / Static Media

Whether it's supposed to and whether it does are two different questions. No, it probably shouldn't be in the sink or on the stove, the counter, or any other kitchen surface, but sometimes the cat rules the roost.

13. 'You have how many cats?!'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

... as many as we need to feel fulfilled! Plus, these adorable kitties deserve a full belly and a roof over their heads, so it's not hurting anyone.

14. 'Your cat only likes you because you give it food'

Preston Danvers / Static Media

To be fair, we also love anyone who gives us free food. That's started many an important bond in our days.

15. 'Well, I'm allergic to cats'

Cat Box/Shutterstock

This one makes sense when inviting someone over, but otherwise, it's like telling someone you're allergic to blueberries when they're drinking a smoothie. Cats do tend to get all up in folks' business, though.

16. 'Cats could never be as affectionate as dogs'

Jessica Desrosiers / Static Media

Clearly, anyone who thinks this hasn't had a cat lie in their lap, give them sweet licks (kisses), and purr happily while it basks in their warmth and love.