HELP! I've accidentally hit my cat and I feel so guilty

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I accidentally hit my cat quite hard while closing a cupboard door a bit too sharply; I hadn't noticed he'd moved right next to it. Immediately afterwards, when I went over to check if he was alright, he looked terrified and just bolted. Do you think his behaviour towards me will change? This is the first time anything like this has happened and I feel absolutely awful for hurting him and for not paying more attention to what I was doing.

Thanks in advance for reading and for any replies.

Translated from French
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3 answers
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    • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    In my view, he’s probably more scared of the cupboard door than he is of you... I highly doubt he’d even make the connection between you and the object that hit him!

    Also, I think animals get a bit spooked when we’re holding something, whether it’s a broom or a cupboard door – it probably just changes our "size and shape" in their eyes.

    Cats just don't see the world the same way we do!

    So, as long as you don't go near him again while holding some sort of tool or object, and he still sees you as a source of affection and food, I don't think he’ll avoid you... just give him a bit of time to get over it, if he hasn't already!

    Just as an aside, I’ve accidentally stepped on several of my kittens because they’re always right under my feet when I’m walking, but none of them ever gave me the cold shoulder (and thank goodness there were never any injuries!). Even the adults often end up with a paw under my foot during the feeding-time madness, but even then, they never hold a grudge!

    😁

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    It was an accident. The best thing to do is leave him be for a few hours. If he comes towards you, speak to him gently without necessarily trying to touch him, but keep a close eye on him to see if he’s limping. As long as he’s eating, drinking, using his litter tray and isn’t limping, that’s the main thing. He might give you the cold shoulder for a few hours, but then everything will go back to how it was before.

    The only time it happened to me was when I accidentally slammed the balcony door, not realising one of my cats was heading out; he got caught right in the middle. The poor thing hissed and spat, but then immediately rushed over to me for a cuddle! I felt absolutely mortified...

    Translated from French
    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    No, at worst he’ll just sulk for a few hours. 😁 Mind you, he might be a bit wary of that cupboard now. But he won’t associate the accident with you.

    I’ve accidentally (by mistake, obviously, but I'd better make that clear!) stepped on my little monster’s tail before; he wasn’t very happy at the time, but after a bit of attention, two or three treats, and a big cuddle, it was all forgotten.

    Translated from French

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