How Long Do Cats Stay Mad For?

When it comes to our feline friends, we strive to stay on their good side. Which isn’t usually hard to do seeing as we often worship the ground their furry paws walk on. But, as we know, cats are highly intellectual beings who also happen to be temperamental at times. We know that cats can feel a wide range of emotions, with anger being one of them. So, as cat owners, it’s not an unnatural thing for us to wonder, “How long do cats stay mad?”

If you’ve ever wondered how long cats stay mad for—or even how to apologize to your cat, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s take a closer look.

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First, do cats hold grudges? Here’s what you need to know.

It’s a well-known fact that felines are not as forgiving as their canine counterparts, but we’ve grown to accept this and seek a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind it. Many cat owners have speculated whether cats hold grudges, and it’s better first to understand how cat memory works.

Your cat’s memory is quite impressive. However, experts suggest that the feline’s short-term memory can last upwards of 16 hours, while some debate whether this is even a realistic estimate. (But, hey, they say a dog is five minutes, so that goes to show you just how smart cats are compared to dogs!) This also illustrates why dogs do not possess the ability to hold grudges; it’s simply not in their nature or genetic makeup to do so.

Ideally, it’s safe to say that your cat could get over a mild wrongdoing in approximately a day. But an event that causes great fear and anger? Well, that has the potential to create a lasting memory that can trigger something deeper. And this is especially true in cases where these events become routine or habitual. Cats will associate events and experiences with their emotions, just like humans can.

You would never intentionally harm or scare your cat, and cats are individuals by nature. Something that could trigger one cat could leave another cat unfazed. For example, cats and car rides do not typically go hand-in-hand. Now, let’s say that the only time your cat goes on a car ride, they’re being taken to the vet. This creates a pattern in their mind, and they will learn to associate the car with the vet. Thus, creating a fear loop associated with all things car—and their disdain for it. So, that’s why you might find yourself with an angry cat on the way to the vet. Try to find ways to make what might be a negative experience for your cat more positive, and you might have more success. Again, this can be challenging, so you may need to think creatively. And, as they say, sometimes cats will be cats!

Cats are not spiteful beings, despite what you may have heard or been told over the years.

As humans, we operate by moral codes and understand how to read the body language of other humans and act accordingly (well, most of us!). Unlike humans, cats are not bound by the same moral code. Yes, there are unspoken rules felines follow when living in homes or feral colonies together, but they do not have morals as we do. They don’t place value in objects or understand money, so they cannot understand why a dirty house or a broken heirloom might upset us.

On the other hand, cats can recognize when we are angry or distraught. When it comes to our cat friends, we strive to stay on their good side, which isn’t usually hard to do. So, if they send that coffee cup or vase flying, know that they’re doing it to test their limits and explore gravity, not because they’re holding onto something that ticked them off two weeks ago.

If you feel like you have an “angry cat,” it’s important to understand that cats are the masters of hiding their pain, and an angry cat can easily indicate a cat that is suffering in silence with a medical issue. Cats can’t tell us how they’re thinking or feeling—although we certainly wish they could. That’s why it’s our duty, as dedicated cat parents, to note sudden changes in their behavior so that we can get them the help they need sooner.

Keep in mind that with cats, memory can come with age.

Kittens sure are cute—and when it comes to felines, they’re the first to forgive and forget, too. While super senior cats can be prone to dementia, cats become wiser with age and shape their behavior based on their life experiences. If you know your cat’s life before they entered yours, then this can give you valuable insight into why they act the way that they do. I’ve always felt that cats are some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Taking the time to understand why cats are the way that they are can allow you to get along with them quite well, even in trying circumstances.

For mature cats that are no longer kittens, they use their interactions with people, pets, and objects in their lives to show them what is safe, acceptable, and what to avoid. While cats do not always read our body language, it’s essential to understand how to read theirs. Kittens grow into adult cats and learn to navigate the world by observing the body language of the cats around them. Your cat’s tail and ears serve as key indicators of their mood and are a quick way to determine what is going through their mind.

If you can sense that your cat is mad, the most essential thing you can do is to allow them space so they don’t feel threatened. Cats are quick to react when they feel threatened, which can result in your cat showing you a side of itself you didn’t know it even had. Back away and give them time, even if it’s difficult for you. Instead, if the reason your cat is angry has something to do with you, you can learn to apologize to them in a way they’ll understand. Here’s how.

Want to learn more about your cat’s memory? Read all about it here on CattitudeDaily.com.