10 Things You Should Never Do To Your Cat

"Keep your cat healthy and happy by avoiding these 10 common mistakes!

Davy

• Published in Animal Stories
• February 15, 2024

As cat owners, it's our responsibility to provide the best care and environment for our furry companions.

However, some actions, while well-intentioned, can have adverse effects on our cats' health and well-being. Here are 10 things you should never do to your cat to ensure their happiness and safety.

Understanding your cat's need for space and autonomy is crucial for building a strong bond. While cats do enjoy affection from their human companions, they prefer it in smaller doses and on their own terms, unlike dogs.

It's essential to respect their individual preferences and boundaries. Forcing attention on them, such as holding them against their will, can lead to stress and discomfort for your feline friend. By allowing them to approach you for affection, you'll nurture a trusting and mutually fulfilling relationship. Remember, a happy cat is one who feels respected and understood.

Don’t bring plants into your home before checking that they are safe for cats.

Before adding any plants to your home decor, it's crucial to ensure they're safe for your feline friends. Lilies, commonly found in flower arrangements, pose a severe threat to cats as they are highly toxic. Even minimal exposure, such as sipping water from a vase containing lilies, can lead to kidney failure and death.

To safeguard your cat's health, always research and verify the safety of plants before bringing them indoors. Consult resources like the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center for a comprehensive list of plants that are harmful to cats. Prioritizing your pet's well-being is key to creating a safe and nurturing environment at home.

Don’t teach cats to “hand play.”

While cats enjoy playing with moving objects like laser pointers or light cords, it's crucial for owners to avoid using their hands as lures during playtime. Cats are instinctively driven to chase and hunt prey, and teaching them that hands are acceptable targets can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous outcomes for both the human and the cat.

Instead, opt for using inanimate objects, typically toys, as intermediaries during play sessions. Prioritizing safe and appropriate play practices ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your feline companion.

Never directly punish your cat, whether you plan on tapping their butt or using a loud sound.

For longtime dog owners transitioning to cat ownership, it's important to recognize that training a cat differs significantly from training a dog. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats may not respond well to direct reprimands.

Cats are highly sensitive to loud noises and raised voices, which they find scary. Reacting in this manner can cause cats to perceive their owner as a threat, leading them to avoid interactions.

Instead, positive reinforcement and gentle redirection are often more effective methods for shaping feline behavior. Understanding and respecting your cat's unique sensitivities is key to fostering a harmonious relationship.

Avoid feeding your cat only dry food.

Cats are naturally adapted to thrive in dry environments, obtaining much of their hydration from their food. Unlike dogs, cats typically don't have a strong instinct to drink water when they're thirsty. Thus, it's crucial to ensure they stay hydrated through their diet.

Even if your cat appears to drink plenty of water, it may not be sufficient. Chronic dehydration can contribute to various health problems, including tooth decay, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. One effective way to prevent such issues is by incorporating wet food into your cat's daily diet. This provides additional moisture and helps promote better hydration.

Don’t “free-feed” your cat.

Free feeding" refers to leaving food out for your cat to eat whenever it wants. While this may seem convenient, it often results in obesity. It's best to follow your vet's recommendations and provide the right amount of dry and wet food to prevent weight problems.

If your busy schedule makes it challenging to feed your cat regularly, consider investing in an automatic pet-food dispenser. These devices release pre-measured portions of dry food at scheduled intervals, ensuring your cat gets the right amount of food throughout the day.

Don’t feed your cat milk.

Cats may be drawn to the sweetness of milk, but it's best to avoid giving them cow's milk as most cats are lactose intolerant.

Consuming cow's milk can lead to digestive upset and other health problems in cats. It's safer to stick to water as their primary source of hydration.

Never give your cat animal bones to chew or eat.

Contrary to what cartoons often depict, house cats should not be given fish skeletons or any other animal bones to gnaw on.

Poultry bones, in particular, are highly dangerous as they can splinter and cause serious harm by getting stuck in a cat’s throat, stomach, or intestines. It's safer to avoid giving your cat bones altogether to prevent any potential health risks.

Davy