What is the ruling on hitting and scaring a cat without reason, and does this fall under the warning mentioned in the hadith about the woman who entered Hellfire because of a cat?

The questioner is congratulated for his remorse. He must repent to Allah and increase his seeking of forgiveness, for Allah, the Almighty, says: "And whoever does evil or wrongs himself then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful."