Owning a cat is rewarding, but it comes with a unique set of responsibilities. New cat owners can easily make mistakes that affect their feline friends’ well-being. Here are 18 common pitfalls that cat owners should avoid.
- Leaving Cats Around Smaller Pets: Cats are natural hunters; keep small pets like hamsters out of reach.
- Using Detergents on Water Bowls: Cats dislike strong scents, so rinse their bowls well after cleaning.
- Ignoring Dental Care: Cats need dental cleaning to avoid bacteria buildup and potential health issues.
- Unsafe Plants: Common plants like lilies are toxic to cats; keep them out of reach.
- Forcing Socialization: Cats value personal space; let them approach you on their terms.
- Skipping Training: Train cats with positive reinforcement to prevent destructive behaviors.
- Limited Water Access: Encourage hydration with multiple bowls and possibly a cat water fountain.
- Sudden Diet Changes: Gradually switch foods to prevent digestive upset.
- Unsafe Home: Cat-proof your home by securing wires and harmful objects.
- Litter Box Neglect: Keep boxes clean and provide extras in multi-cat households.
- Bones: Avoid feeding bones to prevent splintering hazards.
- Essential Oils: Store oils safely as they’re toxic to cats.
- Improper Food Storage: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Lack of Exercise: Keep cats active with toys and scratching posts.
- Ignoring Hairballs: Brush cats to reduce hairballs.
- Giving Milk: Most cats are lactose intolerant; opt for water instead.
- Bathing Cats: Most cats groom themselves effectively and rarely need baths.
- Declawing: Declawing is painful and unnecessary; provide scratching alternatives.
