Can Cats Hold Grudges to Begin with? Not Exactly, as It Turns Out. “Cats Do Have a Good Memory, and They Can Form Associations Between Positive and Negative Experiences, ” Says Dr. Alex Crow, Mrcvs and Veterinary Contributor to Pet Health Guru. “However, They Don’t Experience Emotions in the Same Way That Humans Do, So They Don’t Hold Grudges in the Same Way That We Do. ”

How to Tell If Your Cat Is ‘Holding a Grudge’

Cats Don’t Hold Grudges, per Se, but There Are a Few Ways to Tell If She’s Changing Her Behavior Due to a Past Negative Experience. If She’s Exhibiting One of the Following, She May Be Dealing with a Remembered Stressor, Says Dr. Crow.

“This Is the Most Common Sign That a Cat Is Holding a Grudge, ” He Says. “They May Avoid You, Certain Rooms in the House, or Even Specific Objects. ”

“If Your Cat Is Tense or on Edge When You’re Around, It May Be a Sign That They’re Not Happy with You. ” Other Signs Include Fur That Stands on End, Flattened Ears or Tail Tucked Between Their Legs.

If Your Cat Is Reacting to a Negative Memory or Association, She May Hiss, Grow or Meow Aggressively.

“Some Cats May Become More Destructive or Aggressive If They’re Feeling Angry, ” Notes Dr. Crow. That Said, If Your Cat Is Acting out of Character or Seems to Be Feeling Stressed, It’s a Good Idea to Consult a Veterinarian to Ensure She Isn’t Dealing with an Underlying Medical Issue.

What Causes Grumpy Cat Behavior

There Are a Variety of Potential Scenarios That May Prompt Your Cat to “Hold a Grudge” — Or, More Accurately, to Act Differently Toward Situations or People. (Click Through to See Why Cats Knocks Things Over.)

1. Changes in Routine

If You’ve Changed Something Major About Your Cat’s Day-to-Day Life — Maybe You Rearranged Furniture or Fed Her at a Different Time Than Normal — She May Be Upset. “Cats Are Creatures of Habit, So Changes in Their Daily Routine or Environment Can Be Stressful and Lead to Avoidance Behaviors, ” Says Dr. Crow.

2. Negative Experiences

If Your Cat Starts to Act Avoidant, Fearful or Angry at the Vet’s Office, Groomer or Another Place She’s Been Before, It Might Indicate That She’s Had a Bad Experience There in the Past. “This Could Involve Being Restrained, Being Given Painful Injections or Being in a Noisy or Crowded Environment, ” Says Dr. Crow. Your Cat May Also Avoid People Who Have Hurt or Scared Her, Even If It Was Accidental.

3. Too-Quick Introductions

Did You Get a New Pet or Bring a New Friend to Your House for the First Time? If You Didn’t Ease Your Cat into These Situations, She May Be Grumpy. “Being Introduced to New People or Animals Too Quickly Can Cause Cats to Act Differently, ” Says Dr. Crow. “Cats Can Be Territorial and Cautious, So It’s Important to Introduce Them to New People and Animals Gradually and in a Positive Way. ”

How to Get Your Cat to Stop ‘Holding a Grudge’

The First Step to Making Your Cat Feel Better Is Determining the Underlying Reasons for Their Behavior. Don’t Look at It as a Grudge, Recommends Dr. Delgado, but Engage with Your Cat and Try to Understand What’s Bothering Her. Then, You Can Take Steps to Make Your Cat Happier and More Comfortable.

When to Consult a Professional

If Your Cat Is Less Affectionate for a Few Days After, Say, Moving to a New House, but Then Starts Acting More Like Herself, It May Be a Simple Case of Adjusting to a New Environment. but If Your Cat Is Showing Major Signs of Stress, a Veterinarian Should Get Involved. “Signs of Stress Include Significant Changes in Behavior or Personality, Hiding, Engaging Less with People and Showing Behaviors Like Biting or Scratching, ” Says Dr. Delgado. “These Aren’t Grudges — These Signs Are a Cry for Help, and You Should Reach out to Your Veterinarian and Let Them Know If You Observe Them. ”

How Long Does a Cat Hold a Grudge? Vets Reveal the Answer

By Maya Lin-Takahashi

• Oct 9, 2026 • 7 min read

How Long Does a Cat Hold a Grudge? Vets Reveal the Answer

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

If You Have a Cat, You May Have Encountered Some “Cattitude” from Time to Time. Maybe You Took Your Kitty to the Vet, and She Wouldn’t Look at You for the Rest of the Day. or Perhaps She’s on a Diet and Isn’t Getting as Many Treats as She’d Like, Which Has Her Giving You the Cold Shoulder. These Instances Have Probably Made You Ask Yourself, How Long Does a Cat Hold a Grudge, Anyway? We Asked Animal Experts, and as It Turns Out, Cats Actually Aren’t Big Grudge Holders. So What’s Behind That Sour Puss? Keep Reading to See Why Your Cat May Be Acting Grumpy, What You Can Do to Make Them Feel Better and When to Be Concerned.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.

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