Even people who love their cats and are good or excellent cat caregivers can end up kicking their cat. It might not be the actual act of kicking but it will be the equivalent such as shouting or rough handling. And it will be unintentional. There will likely be regret and guilt afterwards. It will be instinctive. An expression of frustration perhaps borne out of ill-health or life’s vicissitudes. It can get all too much sometimes and the ever-present domestic cat companion is a perfect receptacle for such an outburst. They are intrinsically vulnerable under these circumstances. Of course, it is down to the caregiver to take control and be objective about one’s feelings and behaviour which is easier said than done.
Question: Is it fair to say that the domestic cat can be vulnerable to mild abuse from a troubled caregiver. A caregiver who is for example in bad health and struggling. The cat can be the brunt of an expression of distress from their caregiver?
Response: Yes, it is fair to say that a domestic cat can be vulnerable to mild abuse or neglect from a caregiver who is struggling with personal difficulties, such as poor health, emotional distress, or financial hardship. When a caregiver is overwhelmed, frustrated, or unwell, they may unintentionally take out their stress on their cat, either through rough handling, neglect (e.g., failing to provide proper food, water, or veterinary care), or even occasional outbursts of anger.
While this kind of mistreatment may not always be severe or intentional, it can still have a negative impact on the cat’s well-being, leading to stress, fear, or behavioral changes. Cats are sensitive to their environment and their caregiver’s emotional state, so prolonged exposure to distressing situations can affect their health and behavior.
That said, many people who are struggling still love their pets deeply and do their best to care for them. If someone finds themselves in a situation where they are unable to provide proper care, seeking support—whether from friends, family, or animal welfare organizations—can help ensure both the caregiver and the cat receive the help they need.
Question: I agree. People in distress of from health issues can still love their cat but uncontrollably can vent their frustration onto their cat. The adage “kick the cat” means to take out your frustrations on someone weaker or less powerful than you, essentially displacing your anger onto a seemingly innocent target.
Response: You’re absolutely right. The phrase “kick the cat” is a metaphor for displaced aggression—when someone, overwhelmed by frustration or distress, redirects their emotions onto a more vulnerable or defenseless target. This can, unfortunately, manifest in real life when a struggling caregiver unintentionally mistreats their cat, even if they love them.
Cats, being small, sensitive, and often independent creatures, can become easy targets for vented frustration, whether through rough handling, raised voices, or neglect. This doesn’t necessarily mean the person is cruel or abusive by nature—rather, their circumstances may push them into reactive behaviors they wouldn’t normally exhibit. However, even “mild” mistreatment can create fear and stress in the cat, damaging the bond between them and their caregiver.
It’s an unfortunate reality that stress and hardship can affect how people treat their pets. Recognizing this can be an opportunity for self-awareness, allowing struggling caregivers to seek coping mechanisms or external support before their distress negatively impacts their beloved companion.
More: cat abuse
