6 Signs Your Cat Is Spoiled Rotten (And How to Fix It!)

“My Cat Acts Like They Own Me!” – The Spoiled Feline Red Flags

That adorable ball of fluff you call your pet may have secretly become the household dictator. Many cat owners don’t realize they’re being trained by their feline until it’s too late – the tail wags the human, so to speak.

Here are the top 6 signs your cat has you wrapped around their little paw, along with practical solutions to restore balance to your relationship:

1. The Picky Eater Dilemma 🍽️

Signs:

• Turns nose up at regular kibble
• Only eats expensive wet food/treats
• Dramatically acts starved between meals

Why It Happens: Constant snack-giving teaches cats to hold out for better offers.

Fix It:
✔ Implement scheduled mealtimes
✔ Gradually mix new food with favorites
✔ Remove uneaten food after 20 minutes
✔ Resist the guilt-trip stares!

2. Tiny Terror Temper Tantrums 😾

Signs:

• Bites when petting sessions end
• Swats at faces during cuddles
• Hisses when displeased

The Truth: Your cat thinks they’re the boss.

Training Tips:
✓ Yelp loudly when bitten (like a kitten would)
✓ Immediately disengage from bad behavior
✓ Redirect aggression to appropriate toys

3. The Pee Protest 🚽

Warning Signs:

• Perfectly clean litter box ignored
• Strategic urination on your belongings
• “Accidents” when upset

First Steps:

1. Rule out medical issues with vet
2. Add extra litter boxes (one per cat +1)
3. Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odors
4. Reduce stressors in environment

4. The Food Bandit 🦹

Bad Habits:

• Steals food from your plate
• Claims your seat as theirs
• Guards “their” spaces aggressively

Reclaim Your Home:
✓ Designate cat-free zones
✓ Provide approved high perches
✓ Reward good behavior near human food
✓ Use deterrents like aluminum foil temporarily

5. The Payback Artist 🎭

Vengeful Behaviors:

• Destroys items after being scolded
• Targets your favorite possessions
• Misbehaves when left alone

Break the Cycle:
✗ Never punish after the fact
✓ Provide approved scratching outlets
✓ Keep “crime scenes” boring (no reaction)
✓ Increase playtime before leaving

6. The Door Drama Queen 🚪

Classic Signs:

• Blood-curdling bathroom serenades
• Scratch symphonies at closed doors
• Full-blown panic when separated

Peaceful Solutions:
✓ Gradual separation training
✓ Interactive toys near closed doors
✓ Clear vinyl door covers for visual access
✓ White noise to muffle complaints

The Golden Rule of Cat Parenting

Love doesn’t mean unlimited indulgence. As certified feline behaviorists emphasize:

“Boundaries create security. A spoiled cat is often an anxious cat. Structure and predictability actually help cats feel safe and content.”

How Spoiled Is Your Cat? Take Our Quiz!

[ ] 0-1 signs – Model feline citizen!
[ ] 2-3 signs – Mildly entitled
[ ] 4-5 signs – Running the household
[ ] 6 signs – Congratulations, you’re a well-trained servant

Pro Tip: Changes work best when implemented gradually and consistently. Expect some protest at first – this proves the system was working (for your cat)!

Have a spoiled cat success story? Share your before/after experiences below to help other reformed enablers! 🐱💕