Mistakes That Every Cat Owner Should Avoid

• Author: Jessica Williams
• Posted: 2024-07-01

Owning a cat is a wonderful experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Unfortunately, most people think that caring for a cat is easy. However, it requires a lot of time, effort, and knowledge. If you're thinking about getting a cat, or if you already have one, avoid doing the following to ensure your cat is happy and healthy:

1. Not Providing Enough Stimulation

Cats are very active creatures and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you don't provide enough for your cat, they can become bored, anxious, and even depressed. Provide them with plenty of toys to play with and lots of space to run and explore. You should also make sure to spend plenty of time playing with your cat every day.

2. Not Brushing Their Teeth

Cats need to brush their teeth to avoid plaque build-up and other dental problems. You can purchase a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste at your local pet store or use a baby toothbrush and plain water. Be sure to brush your cat's teeth at least once a week, and more often if possible.

3. Not Clipping Their Nails

Cat's nails overgrow and become sharp, which can be painful for them. In addition, overgrown nails can get caught on things and tear, leading to infection. To avoid these problems, it's important to clip your cat's nails regularly. You can do this yourself at home or take them to a professional groomer.

4. Letting Them Roam Unattended

One of the worst things you can do as a cat owner is to let your feline friend outside without supervision. Not only is it dangerous for them to be out on their own, but also they could get lost, hit by a car, or attacked by another animal. If you must let your cat outdoors, ensure you supervise it at all times. However, you shouldn't lock them up all the time because they will be unhappy.

5. Overfeeding the Cat

However, many cat owners overfeed their feline friend, leading to obesity and other health problems. Talk to your veterinarian if you're unsure how much to feed your cat. Although some cats stop eating after feeling satisfied, others continue eating as long as the food is in their bowl. If your cat is always begging for more food, try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.

6. Punishing and Frightening the Cat

Cats are very sensitive animals and can easily get frightened or stressed. So, please avoid using physical punishment or any other frightening methods to discipline your cat. Sometimes, they make mistakes, especially tampering with your things, mainly because they are naturally curious. However, that does not mean you should resort to using force against them. Other ways of dealing with such behavior won't put your cat's wellbeing at risk.

7. Not Providing Them With Enough Toys and Playtime

Cats are very playful creatures and need plenty of toys and playtime to stay happy and healthy. If you don't provide them with enough stimulation, they can become bored and restless, leading to behavioral problems. Besides, they'll start roaming to look for something to do. If you can't afford luxurious toys, there are plenty of DIY options, or simple things like a cardboard box to keep them entertained for hours. Besides, regular playing sessions with you will create a strong bond between you and your cat.

8. Not Paying Attention to Their Diet

A special diet is essential to a cat without minding the amount of serving. With different flavors, ingredients and textures, many types of cat food are available in the market to ensure the cat's good health. However, some owners do not bother to check the nutrition label and end up giving their cats the wrong kind of food, which could potentially lead to health problems. Furthermore, feeding them less nutritious foods leads to overfeeding, which is also not good for their health.

9. Skipping the Vet Check-Ups

Cats need regular check-ups and vaccinations just like any other pet. it's important to take them for regular vet visits because they are good at hiding illness. Many deadly cat diseases, such as feline leukemia, have no symptoms in the early stages. When the symptoms appear, it's often too late to save the cat.

These are just a few of the mistakes that cat owners sometimes make. However, every cat is unique, and you will learn what works best for your cat through trial and error. Avoid these common mistakes and you'll be on your way to a happy, healthy relationship with your feline friend.