Do Cats hold Grudges?

[Medusa]

Nearly all of my cats hold grudges. When I come home from even a brief trip, say 3 days, they're all mad at me and won't even look at me. And, God forbid, if Creamsicle gets underfoot and I stumble and accidentally step on a paw, she won't come near me, sometimes for days.

[Bengalz]

This is an interesting question ... I have read, on more than one occasion, that cats, typically, have very short memories. However, I have yet to believe that myself Every cat I've ever known seems to remember those things/events it chooses to remember and act accordingly

Fortunately I am blessed to have a very forgiving little girl who, at times, may not be too impressed with me but forgives me for being simply hooman Apparently though she was not so forgiving with her previous guardians so there must be some explanation to the choices a kitty makes when dealing with others

[rosethecopycat]

Bella is my sensitive one.
Once I tried the kitty toothbrush (finger tip rubber) on her. She shunned me for 3 weeks. Bella is a cat that is physically attached to me at the chest, whenever possible.
I finally got her to come around by having only her in the laundry room, and putting her on my chest. It was heartbreaking. I thought she lost her most loving trait. After 3 weeks of retraining she came around.
Now, if I spend too much time with the fosters, she will become a little chilly with me, so I spend extra time cuddling with her.

[Jessika]

I don't believe any animal holds grudges because they lack rational thought. Lots of people humanize their pet's actions when really they're just being animals.

All my cats have been acting crazy lately too, probably because of all of the recent seismic activity!

As far as grudges go, I believe cats learn but don't necessarily hold grudges. Same with dogs

[DJFyrewolf36]

I think cats have a bit more cognitive ablilty than people credit for. Ive seen enough evidence to be fairly convinced (both with my own cats and other peoples cats) that they will react to cirtian things in cirtian ways and in a sense hold a "grudge" against the offending party. Even Remus, the most loving and personable cat I've met (maybe Im biased lol) will shun people who have treated him badly. Yeah its an avoidence response but it does take at least a little cognative ablity to form the association to begin with.

Boy Im long winded today lol

[kitten645]

"I don't believe any animal holds grudges because they lack rational thought. Lots of people humanize their pet's actions when really they're just being animals."

I completely disagree with this. I think the line between what some think is "human" behaviour and "animal' behaviour is the same. Just a different perpective. I absolutely see my boys having "rational" thought. If they do this it will result in that so do they chose to do this or not? Calvin knows that if he eats Smudge's food, he'll be scolded. But he always does. Until he hears my footseps and knows he's been nauhty. Scampers and hides. Then tries to find forgivness by being cute. That's rational.
As far as grudges, I'd come home after a business trip WITH a sitter mind you , and find the cabinets and draws in the kithchen open and counter tops cleared of everything!dishes, knife racks, open fridge doors ..you name it. It was pretty clear they made their sentiments clear. NEVER happend when I was home.

[Jessika]

I think there is a fine line between what some would consider "rational thought" and "learned behavior", though.