Cats are known for their independence, but caring for them goes beyond just providing food and vet visits. It’s essential to understand what not to do, as certain actions can leave them emotionally or physically harmed.
Here are key things to avoid to ensure your feline friend feels safe, loved, and healthy. Read on to deepen your understanding of proper cat care!
Never push a cat off the counter
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and while it might be tempting to push them off counters, it’s not the best approach. Instead, gently redirect their attention or carefully pick them up and place them elsewhere.
Respecting their curiosity and treating them kindly fosters trust and helps maintain a positive bond.
Never forget to clean that water dish
Replacing or refilling your cat’s water dish isn’t enough to keep it truly clean. Always scrub and rinse the bowl thoroughly before refilling to remove mold, bacteria, and other unhealthy substances that can accumulate on the sides and bottom.
This ensures your cat has access to fresh and safe drinking water.
Don’t overfeed your cat
Overfeeding your cat can lead to serious health issues like obesity, diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.
Stick to portion guidelines and ensure their diet is balanced with all the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy and active.
Get them spayed or neutered
Spaying or neutering your cat before five months of age is essential unless you plan on breeding.
These procedures not only prevent unwanted litters but also help reduce behaviors like spraying to mark territory, promoting a cleaner and calmer home environment.
Insure your cat
Many insurance companies offer pet insurance, providing financial support for medical expenses if your cat falls ill or faces an emergency.
Investing in pet insurance can save you from overwhelming veterinary bills, offering peace of mind and ensuring your furry friend gets the care they need.
Regular visits to the vet are important
Regular veterinary checkups are essential for your cat’s health. These visits can help prevent potential issues and detect early problems, like vision loss, before they become serious.
Make sure to schedule an annual exam to keep your feline friend healthy and happy.
Allow them to have some exposure to the outside world
Indoor cats love observing the world outside, especially birds. Open the window shades to give them a clear view, and if it’s safe, crack the window slightly for some fresh air.
This simple gesture can keep your feline entertained and connected to nature.
Don’t let multiple cats use the same litter box
Cats value their privacy, especially when it comes to their litter box. If you have multiple cats, provide each one with their own separate litter box.
This ensures they can use the bathroom comfortably and securely in their own private space.
Never back a cat into a corner
Never back a cat into a corner; always ensure they have an escape route in any situation. When cats feel trapped, they can become aggressive or lash out as a defense mechanism.
This stress may lead to nervousness or behavioral changes over time, so it’s essential to respect their need for space and security.
Do not declaw your cat
Declawing a cat involves removing the upper parts of their toes, which severely limits their ability to defend themselves. Instead of declawing, use alternatives like specially designed tapes and sprays to deter scratching.
These methods are safer and more humane, allowing your cat to retain their natural behaviors without harm.
Don’t leave an indoor cat outside without supervision
Always supervise your indoor cat when they are outdoors. Cats who are not accustomed to being outside may act out of curiosity, fear, or confusion. Keeping an eye on them helps prevent accidents, such as running into traffic or encountering other dangers.
It’s important to ensure their safety while allowing them to explore the outside world.
Don’t expose them to second hand smoke
If you smoke, it’s important to avoid exposing your cat to secondhand smoke. Just like humans, animals can suffer from the harmful effects of smoke, which has been linked to various health issues, including cancer.
Keeping your cat in a smoke-free environment will help protect their health and well-being.
Never throw your cat
Throwing a cat, even in a playful manner, can cause serious harm both physically and mentally. Cats are delicate creatures, and such actions can lead to injuries or long-term emotional trauma.
Always handle your cat with care and respect, creating a safe environment for them to thrive in.
Do not punish a cat
When it comes to disciplining your cat, it’s important to avoid yelling or harsh punishment, as this can cause fear or anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement—reward your cat with treats and affection when they exhibit good behavior.
If your cat misbehaves, redirect their attention to a toy or another activity to help them burn off energy.
Never leave them in the dark for extended periods of time
Cats thrive in environments with plenty of natural light, so make sure they have access to sunlight during the day. Sunlight helps maintain their natural rhythms and provides warmth.
If you’re away for an extended period, ensure there is some artificial light to prevent your cat from feeling isolated or abandoned.
Don’t ignore those hairballs
While hairballs are a normal part of life for many cats, frequent hairballs can sometimes signal underlying gastrointestinal issues. If your cat is experiencing them often, it may be worth considering a visit to the vet to rule out any health concerns.
There are special products and medications available that can help reduce hairball frequency, such as fiber supplements or hairball control foods.
Clean that litter box
Cats are particular about cleanliness, especially when it comes to their litter box. A dirty litter box can lead to undesirable bathroom habits, such as your cat finding other spots around the house to relieve itself.
To avoid this, make it a routine to scoop the litter box at least once a day and completely change the litter every week.
Get your cat microchipped
Microchipping your cat is a simple and effective way to ensure their safety if they ever get lost. A microchip contains your cat’s information, including your name and phone number, which shelters and veterinarians can access by scanning the chip.
This greatly increases the chances of your cat being reunited with you. It also prevents the risk of your pet being rehomed to someone else or, in the worst case, being euthanized.
Do not pull a cat’s tail
Pulling on a cat’s tail is extremely harmful and can cause serious injury to their nerves and spine. This is particularly concerning for older cats, as they lose muscle mass over time, making them more susceptible to injury.
In addition to causing pain, tail trauma can lead to problems with a cat’s bladder and kidneys, affecting their overall health.
Never overmedicate a cat
Medication should not be the first solution when addressing your cat’s behavior. Some veterinarians may quickly suggest anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, but more often than not, your cat simply needs more love, affection, and attention.
Before turning to medication, try to understand the underlying cause of your cat’s behavior, whether it’s stress, boredom, or a need for more interaction.
Do remember to brush their teeth
Just like humans, cats can develop dental issues if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. Regular brushing is key to maintaining their dental health. Aim to brush your cat’s teeth at least once a day, or a few times a week at minimum.
This helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and other dental problems that could affect their overall health.
Give them lots of love and affection
Make sure to give your cat plenty of love and affection. If you have multiple cats, their need for attention may not be as intense, but each cat still needs some quality one-on-one time.
If you only have one cat, it’s especially important to spend time each day giving them the attention and bonding they need to feel loved and secure.
Don’t dress up your cat
Dressing up cats may seem cute, but it’s important to stop this practice. Costumes can cause awkward interactions with other pets and may even harm your cat.
Restrictive outfits can impede blood circulation, causing unnecessary discomfort and stress for your feline friend.
Never tease with a laser pointer
While dressing up cats might seem fun, it can actually lead to frustration and anxiety for your pet. Cats may become more destructive or stressed when forced into costumes.
Instead, try providing physical objects, like treat-filled toys, that give your cat a sense of achievement without causing discomfort.
Do not scare them intentionally
Scaring your cat can cause unnecessary stress and lead to behavior issues. Surprise tactics, like placing a foreign object behind them, can confuse and frighten them.
Since cats don’t understand jokes, they might hurt themselves trying to escape.
Don’t hold your cat while driving
Don’t hold your cat while driving, as it could lead to distractions and create a dangerous situation. Also, avoid letting your cat roam freely inside the car.
Instead, keep your cat safely secured in a carrier to ensure their safety and prevent accidents while driving.
Take note of your cat’s body language
Cats communicate a lot through their body language, so it’s important to observe their cues. They’ll let you know when they’re happy, anxious, or not in the mood to be picked up.
Understanding these signals will help you respond to your cat in the most respectful and caring way possible.
Don’t rough play with your cat too much
While cats enjoy a playful wrestle, it’s important to keep things gentle. Rough play, like throwing or slamming, can cause injury and make your cat anxious or fearful.
Always ensure that playtime is fun and safe, building trust and a stronger bond with your feline friend.
Do remember to trim their claws
Trimming your cat’s claws regularly is essential for both their comfort and yours. It prevents discomfort when they knead or scratch, and reduces the risk of painful broken nails.
Regular trims also help protect your furniture and belongings from scratches.
Never skip treatments
It’s important to bring your cat in for heartworm and flea treatments, even if they are indoor-only. Fleas can easily be brought inside, especially if you have other pets or visitors with pets.
Mosquitoes can also enter your home and carry heartworms, so prevention is key for your cat’s health.
Don’t leave windows open
When leaving windows open, especially when you’re not home, ensure the screens are securely in place to prevent your cat from accidentally falling.
If you need to leave windows open, limit the gap to about an inch to keep your cat safe while still allowing fresh air inside.
Take note of your cat’s bathroom habits
If your cat starts going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, it could be due to a variety of factors. Check if the litter box is clean, as cats are particular about hygiene.
Stress or depression can also cause behavioral changes, so make sure your cat feels comfortable and safe in its environment.
Keep your volume down around your cat
Cats are sensitive to loud noises, and frequent sudden sounds can startle them, making them feel anxious or scared. To help them feel safe and secure, try to keep the environment calm and quiet.
If loud noises are unavoidable, give your cat a quiet space to retreat to where they can feel safe and relaxed.
Never assume your cat is fine
Cats are skilled at hiding discomfort or illness, so it’s important to keep an eye on any changes in their behavior. A sudden shift in their energy levels, eating habits, or body language can be signs that something is wrong.
If you notice any unusual changes, it’s always a good idea to take your cat to the vet for a checkup to rule out any health issues or catch problems early.
Grooming is very important
Grooming is essential for keeping your cat healthy and looking great. Regular grooming helps reduce hairballs and ensures their fur stays shiny and smooth.
Longhaired cats typically need grooming one to two times a day, while shorthaired cats benefit from grooming at least once or twice a week.
