7 Everyday Noises Your Cat Secretly Hates

Cats may act like they own the place (and, let’s be honest, they kind of do), but there’s one thing that can ruffle their royal fur: certain everyday sounds we barely notice.

From the crinkle of a bag to the dreaded vacuum, these noises can stress cats out more than you might think — and some could even impact their health if they’re frequent and loud.

Here are 7 common noises your cat might secretly hate — and what you can do about it.

🔊 1. The Vacuum Cleaner

The nemesis of feline peace. Vacuums combine noise, vibration, and sudden movement — all of which are cat stress triggers.

What to do: Try a quieter model or keep your cat in another room while you clean. Reward them after with treats so they don’t associate vacuuming with terror.

📱 2. Phone Notifications & Alarms

You might not even notice how often your phone pings, but your cat’s sensitive hearing picks up every single alert. The sudden, sharp tones can make them flinch or bolt from the room.

What to do: Switch to softer alert tones or silent mode — especially if your cat is napping nearby. Bonus: you’ll enjoy the peace too.

🛠 3. Loud DIY or Construction Sounds

Hammering, drilling, or even furniture assembly can overwhelm a cat’s nervous system. Their fight-or-flight response kicks in instantly.

What to do: Move your cat to a quieter room, close the door, and play gentle background noise — like cat-specific music. You can even make them extra comfy with a warm blanket… or let them curl up on your Mewkami hoodie for maximum snuggle comfort.

🍳 4. Kitchen Clatter

The sound of pots, pans, and clinking dishes can be unnerving — especially for more skittish cats. Sudden bangs and crashes mimic predator-like noises in the wild.

What to do: Try placing a soft mat under dish racks and avoid stacking pots loudly. If you cook a lot, make a safe perch nearby so they can watch from a stress-free distance.

🚿 5. Hairdryers & Bathroom Appliances

High-pitched whirring sounds (like hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, and shavers) can feel like a sensory overload for cats.

What to do: Shut the door when using them, or get your cat used to the sound gradually with short, quiet bursts followed by treats.

🗑 6. Crinkling Plastic Bags

Some cats love the sound; others act like you’ve just unleashed chaos. The sudden, sharp crinkle can mimic rustling leaves — a predator or prey sound in the wild.

What to do: If your cat hates it, store bags away quickly or swap to fabric totes.

📺 7. TV & Music at High Volumes

Cats can be surprisingly picky about background noise. Too loud, too high-pitched, or too bass-heavy? They’ll leave the room.

What to do: Keep volume moderate and avoid sudden loud scenes when your cat is nearby. If you want entertainment they will like, search “music for cats” and watch them relax.

💭 Final Thoughts

Cats may not tell you outright when something’s too loud — but they will show it in subtle ways, like twitching ears, wide eyes, or leaving the room.

By spotting and reducing noise stress, you make your home more comfortable for them — and more peaceful for you.

If you love your cat enough to care about the little details, you’ll love Mewkami’s cat-inspired apparel here — designed for humans who truly get cats.