Cats can be particular about the company they keep. Their sense of territory, routine and personal space often shapes how they feel about sharing a home with other animals.
While some cats adapt well and even form strong interspecies friendships, others may feel stressed or unsettled by certain pets. Understanding which animals are more likely to cause tension can help owners make thoughtful decisions and create a calmer environment for everyone.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from animal behaviour specialists. Every cat is different, and past experiences, socialisation and household dynamics all influence how they respond to other pets. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Dogs
Dogs are energetic, social, and often curious about everything, including cats that want nothing to do with them. Quick movements and loud barking can overwhelm a cat, especially one that values peace and quiet.
With patience and gradual introductions, some cats and dogs coexist well, but it’s rarely love at first sight. Many felines prefer solitude over constant canine attention.
Territorial disputes arise when dogs invade spaces cats consider their own.
2. Rabbits
Despite their gentle reputation, rabbits can make cats uneasy. Their constant movement and unpredictable hops can trigger a cat’s hunting instincts.
While some cats learn to ignore rabbits, others may see them as prey or competition for attention. The size difference doesn’t always matter when instinct takes over.
Introducing these two requires careful supervision and separate spaces. Even calm cats may struggle to resist the urge to chase a bouncing bunny across the floor.
3. Hamsters
Small and quick, hamsters activate a cat’s predatory drive almost instantly. The sound of the wheel spinning or tiny feet scurrying across bedding can keep a curious cat on alert.
It’s safest to keep hamsters in secure cages far from feline reach. Even well-behaved cats may paw at the cage or sit nearby for hours.
The size and movement of hamsters mimic natural prey, making it nearly impossible for cats to ignore them completely.
4. Parrots
The constant chatter and sudden flapping of wings can be stressful for cats. Parrots also demand attention and are capable of defending themselves with sharp beaks, which may intimidate or frustrate a territorial cat.
These two species rarely find common ground. Birds naturally trigger a cat’s hunting response, while parrots can be aggressive when feeling threatened.
Loud squawks and unpredictable movements create an environment where neither pet feels comfortable or safe around the other.
5. Ferrets
Ferrets are playful, bold, and fearless, sometimes too much so for cats. Their unpredictable energy and tendency to invade personal space often lead to swatting or hissing.
Because both animals are natural hunters, peaceful coexistence takes careful supervision. Ferrets don’t respect boundaries the way cats expect other animals to.
Their musky scent and habit of darting into hiding spots can also irritate felines who value a predictable, calm environment at home.
6. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs make squeaky sounds and move in short bursts, both of which confuse or excite cats. Even if a cat doesn’t attack, the constant curiosity can cause stress for the guinea pig.
A sturdy, covered enclosure is essential when housing both species under one roof. Cats will spend hours watching these little creatures, waiting for an opportunity.
The high-pitched squeals guinea pigs make can trigger hunting behaviour, even in cats with no history of aggression toward other animals.
7. Fish
It might seem harmless, but the sight of fish swimming can mesmerise cats, and not in a peaceful way. The movement behind glass awakens their hunting instinct, leading to pawing, tapping, or even knocking over tanks.
Keeping aquariums securely covered protects both the fish and your curious feline. Some cats will sit for hours staring at the water, occasionally trying to reach inside.
The flickering motion of fins and tails is irresistible to felines bred to track small, moving targets.
8. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs’ prickly armour might keep cats from attacking, but that doesn’t stop the curiosity. Cats often approach to sniff or bat at them, only to retreat after a sharp poke.
The unfamiliar scent and texture tend to leave cats uneasy around these spiny little creatures. While not aggressive, hedgehogs can defend themselves effectively when needed.
Most cats learn quickly to avoid hedgehogs, but the initial encounters can be stressful for both animals involved in the meeting.
9. Turtles
Turtles move slowly, but their shells and unfamiliar scent can puzzle cats. While the turtle’s calm demeanour isn’t threatening, cats may see them as strange intruders and attempt to paw at their shells.
Supervised interaction is best to prevent stress on both sides. Cats don’t understand why this creature won’t react to their batting or hissing.
The hard shell and lack of response frustrate cats accustomed to getting reactions from other animals they encounter around the house.
10. Chinchillas
Soft and fast-moving, chinchillas catch a cat’s eye in all the wrong ways. Their speed and jumpy nature can trigger hunting instincts, and the dust used in their baths may irritate sensitive feline noses.
It’s best to keep them separated entirely. Chinchillas are prey animals and can sense when a predator is nearby, causing them significant stress.
The combination of rapid movement and unfamiliar smells makes peaceful cohabitation nearly impossible for these two very different species.
11. Gerbils
Gerbils are similar to hamsters but even quicker. Their darting movements and small size make them irresistible to cats with strong prey drives.
Secure cages with tight wire spacing are essential for keeping both pets safe. Cats will watch gerbils for extended periods, calculating every move.
The rapid scurrying and tail movements mimic natural prey behaviour perfectly. Even cats who ignore other pets may find gerbils impossible to resist watching or attempting to reach.
