Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Imagine that you come back home after a long and tiring day at the popcorn mines and all you want is some peace and quiet. You brew yourself a heartwarming mug of hot chocolate, put on a wholesome rom-com, and start looking for your cat so you can cuddle with it in an evening of bliss.
However, your cat’s in no mood to be hugged, cradled, or petted! It tells you ‘NO’ in very clear terms and you’re left devastated. So much so that you take a photo and post it on the internet. Bored Panda has collected some of the funniest and most emotional pics of cats telling their owners that they’re definitely not in the mood to cuddle and it’ll improve your mood, no doubt about it. As you scroll down through this feline wonderland, remember to upvote the pics of the cats that you’d definitely love to hug. And be sure to let us know in the comment section how your cat reacts to your cuddles!
Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant and the founder of Fundamentally Feline, told Bored Panda that each cat's desire for physical touch is unique and different. And it's when we fail to notice when our cats aren't comfortable with being hugged that we might get bitten or scratched.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Please Release Me
RELATED:
#2
Mistle-No
#3
No Human, I Do Not Want Your Love
Rissie 4 years ago
Yeah, well, look at how she's holding him/her. Learn to respect the kitty and they come to you. It took years of intensive training of my husband, but now the cats accept him as a cat bed.
Load More Replies...
"Some cats have some degree of hyperesthesia syndrome and are actually hypersensitive to touch which can result in aggression. It is truly uncomfortable for them and not nice to push them to the point of overstimulation," cat behaviorist Ingrid explained to Bored Panda.
"However, the cat is often 'screaming at you' to stop touching them in their own way: tail flicking, skin rippling and rolling, ears back and to the side, pupils dilated. They are agitated and telling you to stop in 'cat language.' It is when we do not 'listen' that we get bitten. The cat tried to warn us but we are human and didn't pick up on the cues."
#4
"Dear God, Put Me Down!"
#5
Stop Hugging Me. I'm Trying To Call Help
Amanda Sherland 4 years ago
If that lady's really asleep I feel bad for that cat. Claustrophobia time.
Rannveig Ess 4 years ago
Cat is trying to dial emergency services. Just realizes how handy having a thumb is in these situations
#6
Apparently The Satanic Spirit Possessing My Cat Doesn't Like Selfies
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Lol I wonder what has face was in the next frame?! And yes I mean both of them XD
Ingrid said that both a cat's character and their current mood are important when it comes to whether or not they'll allow their owners to cuddle with them. "Cats and dogs don't really like 'hugs.' Humans just impose it on them anyway! Some cats are more tactile sensitive than others so respect your individual cat's preferences for touch," she said.
Cat behaviorist Ingrid joked that when it comes to cats, it's a bit like dating. "Play hard to get, ignore them, let them approach you on their owns terms, and everyone will be better off for it! They feel much safer when they are in control and can decide if they want to approach," she said.
"If you have a cat that does get over-stimulated always leave them wanting more. If the fifth stroke gets you bitten, stop at 2 or 3! Let the cat 'do the petting' by letting them rub on you and dictate how much they want to engage. Everyone will be happier if we do not force affection that is unwanted."
#7
"Enough You Imbecile. Be Gone!". These Cats Get Sassier By The Day
S. Tor Storm 4 years ago
In Norway we have this thing: "stopp, det er min kropp!" - means "stop, it's my body" . This cat might be norwegian just saying
#8
Not Today
Raine Soo 4 years ago
It's so funny how the cat is just leaning away with a look of disdain on its face.
CATMONSTER2018 4 years ago
This is now my new reply whenever I see a comment I disagree with :D (I mean the picture>>>) Disdainful...aa3a54.png 
Kane_The_Corathian 4 years ago
I have the same cat (Lynx Point Siamese) and he does the same thing when I come to cuddle or kiss him. lol.
#9
Even Cats Hate Selfies
Cat cuddles are wonderful for our health! It’s not just our personal experience but also science that confirms this. Cats, just like other pets, have a calming effect on their owners: they help reduce blood pressure, as well as heart rate levels.
Furthermore, owning a catto helps you manage stress better and helps improve your physical and psychological health.
#10
Put Me Down, Human
Louloubelle 4 years ago
Yes, this one looks so resigned to his (her) fate.
Load More Replies...
#11
My Mom Is Giving Rei Kisses And She Is Having None Of It
Couldnt_Find_A_Good_Name 4 years ago (edited)
"Noo! Don't kill me hooman! I have a long life to live! Nooooooo!"
whitneygal 4 years ago
Me too! I had a “tipped” kitty and he was the funniest, sweetest guy. No one could believe he was feral for the first 2 years of his life.
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
AAAHHHHH YOU CAN"T IMAGINE THE WAY MY HEART WAS BROKEN!!!!! AAAAAhhhhh
#12
My Girlfriend And Our Cat. The Feeling's Mutual
Noemie Houtekie-N'Da 4 years ago
Does anyone else see how easily you turn that cats face into a meme?
One study found that owning a pet for just a month brings about a “highly significant reduction” in small health issues like headaches, colds, and back pain. Owning a pet, according to the researchers, can have “positive effects on human health and behavior, and that in some cases these effects are relatively long term.”
The physical benefits of owning a dog, however, are greater because you get out more when you go for walks. But don’t let the felines know that I told you this, they might start plotting their revenge! In brief, having any pet at home is good for you. So go hug your cat. And, if it says ‘no,’ send us a picture!
#13
"You Can Stop Now"
#14
Rejected
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Perhaps worried that on her lips some poison doth remain
Load More Replies...
Robert Robi Z 4 years ago
Cat: 'You could have named me Romeo, but you didn't. I don't care your name is Juliet.'
#15
Let's Take A Selfie
In a previous interview with Bored Panda, Ingrid told us all about how cats help reduce stress and how our welfare (both physical and mental) depends on our bonds with our pets.
According to Ingrid, how much cats reduce the stress in our lives depends on our very unique relationships with them. The more we’re willing to learn about our pets, the more we’re familiar with our cats’ behaviors, quirks, and needs, the happier they’ll be. And, by extension, so will we.
#16
This Very Rude Cat (Claw)
#17
I Tried To Make My Boyfriend Take A Cat Beard Picture. This Was The Result
#18
Some Times I Wonder If She Would Have Preferred The Shelter Life
Nadine Bamberger 4 years ago
The somewhat rare turtle cat in her natural habitat. I think that's beautiful.
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Give them time mine slowly warmed over the past 8 years, from "I will let you pat me once per month" to "hey it's 3am, time for me to headbump you til you wake up and pat me"
ChIcKeN bReNt 4 years ago
bro its like that one cat meme thats like "The prophecy has come true"
"For many people, our pets are a great comfort, a best friend, a listening ear, and a source of unconditional love. Sadly, for others, their cat might stress them out, or they might find the cat annoying. This is usually due to a lack of understanding about how to best care for their cat and meet their needs, train them, etc. Those pet parents should seek the help of a qualified behaviorist! While some research claims that pets relieve stress and lower blood pressure, other studies have disproven this theory,” Ingrid said.
Unlike dogs, cats usually don’t develop an instinct to protect their owners or housemates. “Not to be negative in any way, but cats often self-preserve. This is how they have survived and evolved to be survivors over thousands of years,” Ingrid said.
#19
"Dude, Just Stop Touching Me"
#20
He Loves Me, I Swear
#21
Silly Boy Hated Santa! I've Never Seen Him So Angry At Someone
Julia Atkinson 4 years ago
I wouldn't want to be photographed a pastel stegosaurus costume either
Anna McHugh 4 years ago
Are you nuts? You dress a cat up as some kind of towelling uni-dragon and then take him to a noisy shopping mall to get a picture with an Arctic prison escapee and you think he's going to be anything OTHER than pissed?
“Their instincts are generally to hide to avoid danger or to flee. They prefer not to fight as that increases the potential for injury. An injured cat cannot hunt and take care of themselves so 'going into battle' is not their first choice," the cat behaviorist told us.
Ingrid explained that cats really do like us best when we play “hard to get.” By being too open with our affections, however, we might just push them away and make them run from our cuddlesome grasps!
#22
"Dad Tried To Give Me Attention. I Wasn’t In The Mood, Clearly"
#23
Let's Take A Picture With Snuggles
Julia Atkinson 4 years ago
"I've already redesigned your blouse. That's enough work for one day"
Nadine Bamberger 4 years ago
Now that your face fits your outfit put me the freck down, hooman.
Son of Philosoraptor 4 years ago
That outfit is way worse than a claw in the eye. I mean... WTF?
Load More Replies... #24
Cat’s Reaction When He Was Captured For Kissing/Sniffing
“Respecting an individual cat's preferences for engagement is a good way to respect them," Ingrid detailed that each and every cat is unique and has a particular character. Some might be more open to hugs than others and you should be aware of their needs, not just your own.
#25
The One Thing Buster Hates Is Being Kissed
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
Too much of a good thing is bad for you. Gag girl give me a break.
Philly Bob Squires 4 years ago
Maybe the reason cats are so pissy is because they’re God’s perfect killing machines but they weigh only about 10 to 12 pounds and we keep picking them up and kissing them?
purple zebra 4 years ago
He’d be willing to do an occasional peck on the cheek but you were inching too close to his lips there and he wants you to know that is not cool
#26
Nope
#27
Valentine’s Day? Yuck
M O'Connell 4 years ago
Some cats (and dogs) do have tattoos on the inside of their hind leg. They used to be more common prior to the introduction of RFID chips for permanent identification.
Load More Replies... K Miller 4 years ago
I love cats, but am I the only one who finds the Sphynx breed a lil creepy?
collective_art_fantasy 4 years ago
they can be cute but its not my type ^^
Load More Replies...
Lorelai Purvis 4 years ago
i love sphynx cats... i've always thought they would be kinda fun to pet but i'm allergic to cats
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 4 years ago
That’s so sad. I feel bad for you! Cats are awesome.
Load More Replies... 
There are other ways than just feeding your cat, changing its litter, and refilling its water bowl (or, well, hugging it so much it tells you to stop immediately). They need entertainment and stuff to do, otherwise, they’ll get bored without much stimulation.
#28
Happy Day Mama! We Love You, But No Kisses
Nadine Bamberger 4 years ago (edited)
Ugh, I told you a million times already, no kisses, Janet.
#29
Haven't Seen Me For A Week. Greeted With Fangs. My Cat Hates Me
Nadine Bamberger 4 years ago
No, claws are in, just a little reminder who's boss in case you forgot.
#30
I Know He Loves Me
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
But you obviously don’t know he loves you on his own terms—-and this is not any of them.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
People are so weird, holding us in all these uncomfortable positions , saying strange things , then taking a stop paw as a sign of love.
"Providing a feline-friendly environment that meets the cat's needs is the best way to ensure you have a happy cat that feels safe and will 'love you back.' This means offering vertical space cat trees or cat condos, playing with your cat daily to offer opportunities to hunt and relieve stress, offering multiple outlets for scratching, and offering different substrates (they all have unique preferences) and just providing an engaging environment."
#31
I Guess We're Not Cuddling
Lydia Gichia-Black 4 years ago
LOVE MURDER MITTENS OUT IN FULL FORCE!!!!🤣🤣
Load More Replies...
#32
My Friend Tried To Take A Selfie With Her New Kitty
Easily Excitable Panda 4 years ago
Or the fact that she's wearing a matching one.
Load More Replies...
#33
When You Just Don't Want To Cuddle
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 4 years ago
‘Mum! Stop! Don’t post this! If my friends see me, they’ll think I’m a dork.’
Jean Thompson 4 years ago
I am a ferocious killer animal in from the wild, homan - I cannot let my enemies see me dressed like a girl's blouse!!
a very smol kitteh 4 years ago
the girl is keeping it in she is smiling but in the inside... 😥
#34
Go Away
Pink kitty 4 years ago
Is this a certain kind of cat breed? My rescue cat is all white except for his black tail
#35
Put. Me. Down
Rannveig Ess 4 years ago
Cat's don't like being picked up like this because the area your hands are at is where their hearts are. It doesn't take much pressure to panic them because it'd be like someone wrapping around your ribs so you can't breathe. In some cats this position causes their hearts to beat harder and it's scary to them. Always support their butts with your other hand or pick them up slightly lower, if you have to, where their ribs end. Or put them against you fast so they have support. Never squeeze here!
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
Look it up, google it, get a library book, learn how to hold a cat the right way.
Carole Reid 4 years ago
She looks like my Mimi that I just lost after 22 years. She would sleep by my head at night.
#36
I Am Not Happy With This Head Massage
Yoga Kitty 4 years ago
This cat looks really stressed - how about stopping instead of taking a picture?
#37
"This Hooman Loves To Kiss Me - And I Hate It. But She’s Been A Good Slave"
Meredith Gossland 4 years ago
#37 best cat caption EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are tolerated slaves!
#38
Leave Me Alone
#39
"Sometimes My Mom Wants To Cuddle And I Just Cannot Deal"
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/i/LozMcCasla/1615535106120342720936.jpg?width=450&height=278&fit=bounds&crop=fill
Load More Replies... #40
Euhmmm Nope
Son of Philosoraptor 4 years ago
That cat is actually totally fine with it. He's not frowning... Oh wait he's about to pass out.
#41
You'll Never Have Me, Human
#42
Yeah, I'm Cute. But Don't Touch Me
#43
Manfred Had Enough Of Grandma Cuddles
#44
Tosca Was Setting A Very Clear Boundary With Me
#45
Why Don’t You Love Me?
#46
This Cat Probably Screams "Help Me"
#47
This Little Guy At A Cat Cafe Was All Cuddles Until He Suddenly Wasn't
Yettichild 4 years ago
Sometimes I think cats get overstimulated. They are so into the cuddles then their ears go back and they start lashing their tail around, then CHOMP! I always stop petting when I see the ears go back.
DuchessDegu 4 years ago
Swishing the tail is a dead giveaway you're very close to activate kitty's murder mode
Load More Replies...
#48
From Purring And Half Asleep To Chin Chomps. Danger Cuddles Still 110% Worth It
Kane_The_Corathian 4 years ago
My grandma's cat Yoshi used to do that. He'd lay and cuddle purring like a freaking car and lick me. Next thing you know he is biting your chin. I miss my Yoshi ;v;
#49
"This Human Doesn’t Understand What Social Distancing Really Means During Pandemic"
#51
I Wanted To Love Her, She Wanted To Yell
#52
Stop Trying To Get Mistletoe Kisses From Me
#53
No, Do Not Want Kisses
#54
I Said No Kisses Mom
#55
I Just Wanted To Pet Him
#56
"Here Is An Example Of How I Say (Softly And Without Nails) No To Cuddles"
#57
She Doesn’t Really Cuddle, But She Will Grace You With The Occasional Presence Of Her Murder Mitten On Your Face
#58
Every Time I Try To Take A Selfie With Ares. This Is How They Turn Out
#61
Unrequited Love
#62
He Didn’t Wanna Kiss From Mom
#64
Roommate Likes To Get Drunk And Insist The Cat Cuddle With Him. Cat Is Not A Fan
#65
No Kisses
#66
It's A No Hugs Day
#67
I Don’t Do Hugs
#69
He Hates Me Sometimes
#71
No Petting
#72
Maricela And I Celebrated National Hug Your Cat Day Today
#73
No Kisses To Halla
#75
"No Mom. I Don't Want Kisses"
Jean Thompson 4 years ago
and puss looks like one spoilt little cutie with the cat tree to climb and sleep on!!
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Kristal 4 years ago
I think most cats really don't like being picked up for kisses/hugs. Try kisses/hugs while they are already sitting down and don't move them. That should help with more successful affection times
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Cats want to feel like they can safely escape, even if it's a safe situation, is how I think of it.
Load More Replies...
Deborah B 4 years ago
No means no. My cat will come up and pat me on the arm when she wants to have pets, and put her paws on my knee and meow to me to pick her up for cuddles. Other times, and with anyone else, she wants her space. Just because someone's looking cute, doesn't mean it's okay to grab them for a kiss selfie. Imagine if a roommate or friend kept doing that to you. You'd be saying "GTFO me!"
Seabeast 4 years ago
Yes, my male cat is a needy clingy love sponge, but even he doesn't want unsolicited hugs and cuddles.
Load More Replies...
Leila Ellis 4 years ago
If these cats were people, HR would be called and the system would be flooded with Title 9 incident reports.
River Webb 4 years ago
I feel like its not really the cats fault, after all they don't like being picked up, they need personal space too
Gissel Escudero 4 years ago
It seems to me that cats and women have this in common: people just won't get that they shouldn't invade our personal space without permission. If cat does not consent, leave cat alone. Same for women. It's not that hard!
Bethan Coleman 4 years ago
Some of the ways those cats are being picked up will be really uncomfortable for them. No wonder they don't look happy.
Kristal 4 years ago
I think most cats really don't like being picked up for kisses/hugs. Try kisses/hugs while they are already sitting down and don't move them. That should help with more successful affection times
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Cats want to feel like they can safely escape, even if it's a safe situation, is how I think of it.
Load More Replies... Deborah B 4 years ago
No means no. My cat will come up and pat me on the arm when she wants to have pets, and put her paws on my knee and meow to me to pick her up for cuddles. Other times, and with anyone else, she wants her space. Just because someone's looking cute, doesn't mean it's okay to grab them for a kiss selfie. Imagine if a roommate or friend kept doing that to you. You'd be saying "GTFO me!"
Seabeast 4 years ago
Yes, my male cat is a needy clingy love sponge, but even he doesn't want unsolicited hugs and cuddles.
Load More Replies... Leila Ellis 4 years ago
If these cats were people, HR would be called and the system would be flooded with Title 9 incident reports.
River Webb 4 years ago
I feel like its not really the cats fault, after all they don't like being picked up, they need personal space too
Gissel Escudero 4 years ago
It seems to me that cats and women have this in common: people just won't get that they shouldn't invade our personal space without permission. If cat does not consent, leave cat alone. Same for women. It's not that hard!
Bethan Coleman 4 years ago
Some of the ways those cats are being picked up will be really uncomfortable for them. No wonder they don't look happy.
You May Like Funny Cats Sleeping In Weirdest Positions Ever If You Think Your Tabby Is Funny, Wait Until You See These Silly Maine Coon Cats 47 Hiding Spots That Funny Cats Have Found While Avoiding The Dreaded Vet
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Related on Bored Panda
