Cats make great pets. They can cheer you up on days that you want to snuggle and let you be alone when you need some space. However, owning a cat is a lot of responsibility. You shouldn’t just assume that you can neglect them just because they take less work than a dog. If you’re thinking about buying a cat, then check out this list of 55 things that cat owners learned the hard way, and be sure to share it with a friend!
1. Don’t Treat Them As If They Only Want Solitude
It can be easy to assume that cats only want to be alone. They tend to do well by themselves and seem to thrive without us there. However, cats need love and attention just as much as any other pet. Be sure to give it to them.
2. Don’t Give Your Cat Medication Meant For Humans Or Dogs
Medications meant for humans and dogs will do more harm than good when given to cats. Be sure to double-check any medications with your vet first before administering them to your cat. Whether they are prescription or over-the-counter medication both can be deadly if given to a cat.
3. Never Leave Them Alone For More Than 24 Hours
Many people adopt cats, thinking that they won’t have to do much to take care of them. Although they do require less work than dogs, cats still shouldn’t be neglected for too long. Anything more than 24 hours should be avoided.
4. Don’t “Free Feed” Your Cat
Allowing your cat to free feed can lead to obesity. Be sure to provide your cat with the appropriate quantity of dry and wet food if unsure check with your vet. If you don’t have a schedule that allows for consistent and routine feedings there are automatic pet food dispensers that can administer a preportioned amount of dry food at timed intervals throughout the day.
Although this one seems obvious, it should still be noted on this list. Older cats in particular are at risk of spinal damage and nerve injury when getting their tails pulled. Be sure to be careful with them.
6. Avoid Feeding Cats Cow’s Milk
Although many cats may like the taste of milk, it may not be the best for them to ingest. Especially since many cats are lactose intolerant which will cause them stomachaches and other related problems. So it’s better just to stick to water for hydration.
I know it’s fun, but dressing up your cat isn’t the best idea. Believe it or not, it can actually cause them harm. The clothes you put them in may be too restrictive, causing issues with blood circulation.
Cat’s love to play, but don’t forget that they are also predators. They can get carried away and that can cause you harm. Or you could get carried away and it could cause them harm. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone involved.
9. Avoid Letting Your Cat Play With Yarn Or String
Although many times we’ve seen cats playing with yarn it can actually be quite harmful to cats. If a cat accidentally ingesting yarn or string is can potentially cause the intestines to be scrunched or knotted as the yarn passes through. Which can then cause death in the sections of the intestine which would then have to be removed with surgery.
10. Never Force Attention Onto Your Cat
Avoid forcing attention onto your cat this can cause unnecessary stress on your cat. Although cats enjoy human attention be sure to respect their terms. Respecting their boundaries allows your cat to learn when it wants to be left alone and when it would like to come to you for affection.
11. Don’t Bring Plants Into Your Home Without Checking Them First
If you like plants and have cats be sure to do research to see if they are poisonous to cats. Flowers such as lilies are highly toxic to cats and consumption would lead to kidney failure and even death. For a full list of plants that are poisonous check out the
ASPCA’s list.
12. Avoid Jumping To The Most Extreme Solution
As with many things in life it is better to avoid jumping to the most extreme solution. Although you must monitor your cat’s behavior with a watchful eye be sure not to jump to the most extreme solutions because it could make whatever the problem is worse. Sometimes cats just need a little alone time or even a little more affection.
13. Don’t Rely On Odor-Eliminating Kitty Litter
Cat’s are quite territorial when it comes to their scent. They rely on it, prefer a clean litter box, and if they are unpleased they may act out. Odor-eliminating kitty litter can throw off their scent and can cause them to act out of frustration as well.
14. Never Skip Heartworm Treatment
When a cat gets heartworms there is no perfect cure and it can be fatal. Luckily enough for cat owners and cats, heartworm prevention is safe and accessible. Making sure your cat stays up with treatments can prevent a lot of pain and expenses for both cat and owner.
Without proper prevention and check-ups fleas can easily enter your home and become a problem. Fleas carry heartworms and once they meet your cat they provide a small window for mosquitos, another carrier of heartworms, to come in. Then not only do you have an issue with fleas but heartworms too.
16. Don’t Neglect To Groom Your Cat
Although cats do maintain their hair it is imperative to lend them a helping hand. Grooming them properly can help reduce the number and size of furballs. It is recommended that short-haired cats should be groomed 1-3 times a week and long-haired 1-3 times a day.
17. Don’t Be Too Loud Around Your Cat
Avoid being too loud around your cat. Cats can be quite jumpy and loud noises send them into a panic. Frequent loud sounds can cause them distress and lead them to avoid you in the future.
18. Don’t Neglect To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Animals also need their hygiene properly taken care of just as we do. This includes taking care of their dental hygiene and regular brushing. A good schedule would be once a day or a few times a week at a minimum.
19. Don’t Forget To Insure Your Cat
Pet insurance can help cover costs during times that can be otherwise quite expensive. Times when they are sick, need surgery, or whatever other needs you may encounter. As opposed to what the medical bills could be the insurance helps lighten the load.
20. Never Avoid Washing Their Water Bowl
Letting water stand in their bowl day after day can cause mold or the development of harmful microorganisms. Simply rinsing and washing your cat’s water bowl each day makes for the best clean. Instead of letting the water stand or just dumping the old water out without properly cleaning the bowl.
21. Don’t Ignore Hairballs
As cats groom themselves they are constantly capturing loose fur and dead skin. Although hairballs are normal activity they can also be a sign of gastrointestinal problems. Brushing them can help reduce the amount of hair they ingest.
22. Avoid Teasing Your Cat With A Laser Pointer
Chasing something that they can never get can lead to the cat’s distress and frustration. This irritation and frustration can make the cat act out in other destructive ways around your house. When playing with your cat use toys they can touch.
23. Pay Attention To Your Cats Bathroom Habits
Just as humans do cats need to maintain healthy bathroom habits. Take notice of their habits and regular routine. This way when they start acting strange when they go to the bathroom or interacting with their litter then something may be up.
24. Never Skip Your Cat Treatments
Skipping out on regular cat treatments can lead to severe health issues and complications as they age. Be sure to treat your cat for heartworms, fleas, and ticks. Luckily, these treatments last for long periods of time if performed regularly.
25. Don’t Over Medicate Your Cats
Be mindful when medicating your cat. Although they may be prescribed for anxiety or depression sometimes they may need a little more affection and attention. Whether they need the medication or not be mindful of how much you are giving them.
26. Pay Attention To Your Cat’s Body Language
Body language is imperative to pay attention to with humans and animals. Even the smallest movements or expressions can give hints on how the animal is feeling. If ignored you can miss that your cat may be sick or uncomfortable.
27. Always Microchip Your Pets
Even if you have an indoor cat the chances of escape are always there. As well as, many indoor cats don’t wear collars so if they get out with no collar and no microchip putting up posters may be the last hope. And we’ve all seen the missing posters that are up for months maybe even years. With a microchip locating your missing animal is simple and quick.
28. Never Leave Cats Alone In The Dark For An Extended Period Of Time
Turns out cats do not like being left alone, especially, in the dark which can cause fears of abandonment. Many cats prefer indoor and natural light. To make sure your cat stays relaxed and comfortable make sure to provide plenty of sources for light throughout the day.
29. Never Avoid Taking Your Cats To The Vet
Taking your cat to the vet regularly helps maintain their health and make sure they are in the best shape. Regular visits with a vet’s examination they can pick up on something we may miss as the owner. This helps to spot problems quickly and take them on before they get worse.
30. Never Let Cats Share The Same Litter Box
Cats are territorial and private, especially, when it comes to their litter box. Sharing a litter tray and compromising territorial markers can cause cats lots of stress. This can make the cat poop or pee outside the box in protest.
31. Don’t Forget To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
Make sure to spay or neuter your cats before the age of five months. This helps to control the pet population as well as cats’ raging hormones, which make them more inclined to fight. This can lead them to potentially spreading or picking up various diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). In females specifically, it reduces the chance of a serious womb infection called “
pyometra“.
32. Be Gentle When Playing With Pets
It goes without saying that to be gentle with our furry friends. Although they love physical play remembering to be gentle reduces the risk of them getting injured. As well as, remembering our full-grown strength is much different than theirs.
33. Don’t Throw Your Cats
Throwing your cats no matter how safe it may be can cause great harm to your cats. Not only could it potentially cause injury but throwing can cause emotional distress and can lead to nervousness, anxiety, and even aggression. The best thing to do for both you and your cat is to gently pick them up and carefully move them.
34. Don’t Pull Your Cat’s Tail
Avoid pulling your cat’s tail no matter how tempting and cute it may be. Their tails actually are there to help them maintain balance which when pulled can affect their mobility. Either way, it can cause them harm or stress.
35. Don’t Scare Your Cats On Purpose
Scaring cats may seem funny at first but again can cause cats great distress. Scaring cats on purpose can leave your cat feeling isolated, frustrated, and aggressive. Which in the long run makes your cat unfriendly to not only you but anyone else you bring into your home.
36. Never Neglect The Litter Box
Cats prefer a clean litter box just as humans prefer a clean bathroom. That’s why it’s imperative to make sure to clean the box regularly. Which a cleaning schedule can look like changing the little at minimum once a week and scooping daily.
37. Never Push Your Cats Off The Counter
Pushing cats off the counter can lead to emotional distress and even potential injuries. Try other tactics instead, such as sprays or stacking cups that will fall when they jump on the counter. No matter how frustrating, handle your cat gently and place them somewhere else.
38. Don’t Dress Up Your Cats
Avoiding dressing up your cat no matter how cute the idea may seem at first. Dressing up your cat can actually impair them in their ability to socialize, as well as, many costumes can be restrictive to their bodies which can cause them distress. If you would like to get them something cute, try purchasing a new collar.
39. Never Let Your Cats Wander Alone
If you have an indoor cat never let them wander outside alone. Often times this can lead to them getting potentially getting hit by a car, attacked by another animal, and even humans picking them up accidentally. If you would like to take your cat outdoors consider getting them microchipped, using a leash, or carrying them in a bag.
40. Never Keep Them From Enjoying The Outdoors
Even if your cat is an indoor cat don’t keep them from enjoying the scents or sights of the outdoors. This doesn’t mean letting them wander around alone outside. Instead, leave your shades or blinds open for them to sunbathe, as well as crack a window so they can get fresh air.
41. Never Leave Your Windows Open
As many of us cat owners know cats are very curious beings especially when it comes to the outdoors. Make sure to leave your windows closed to avoid them getting loose. Cracking windows that have screens allow them to get fresh air safely from the comfort of your home.
42. Never Assume That Your Cat Is Just Fine
Sometimes cats can be good at hiding their pain. They can many times be quite stubborn letting their owners know they are upset or in pain. Be sure to notice your cat’s habits and pay close attention if you first see something odd.
43. Avoid Exposing Your Cat To Secondhand Smoke
Just as smoking causes harm to our lungs it is dangerous to cats as well. Not only is it dangerous to the lungs but is also linked to causing cancer. So it is imperative to avoid exposing your cat to secondhand smoke.
44. Never Declaw Your Cat
Many people look into declawing their cats to preserve their furniture. But when you declaw your cat it involves amputating the top of each toe! There are other tricks you can use instead of declawing such as sprays, scratching tape, scratching posts which give them something else to scratch.
45. Never Overfeed Your Cats
Overfeeding your cat can shorten its life! If your cat reaches a point of obesity for their breed they are susceptible to diabetes. From there it can cause more problems such as joint disease, liver problems, and even heart troubles.
46. Keep Your Cats Nails Trimmed
Once more similar to us cats nails need to be trimmed. Taking care of their nails also means they are less likely to scratch things they aren’t supposed to. Just be sure to practice safe nail trimming techniques and if you aren’t sure ask your vet.
47. Don’t Hold Your Cat While You’re Driving
Many cats do not like traveling and often resent being cooped up in their carriers. However, allowing a free-range cat in a vehicle or even holding your cat while driving puts you and them in danger. With a cat on the loose, they are likely to distract the driver and can potentially slip out when you aren’t looking. Safer for all parties to buckle up.
48. Never Stop Giving Your Cats Love
Cats are quite affectionate beings. They require lots of attention and affection just as we do. If you maintain a wholesome relationship with your cat providing them plenty of love and attention it helps to maintain a happy and healthy cat.
49. Never Back Your Cat Into A Corner
Backing your cat into a corner can make them feel like they are in danger. Although they are technically domesticated they still have natural instincts. This can cause the cat to act aggressively and get defensive.
50. Don’t Punish Your Cat
Cats learn and understand punishment differently than we do. Cats often link the punishment to the person rather than the action they are doing which damages the bond between the cat and owner. Instead, use other tactics to prevent bad behaviors such as setting up tin cans on a counter that would fall down if a cat jumped on the counter.
51. Avoid Giving Your Cat Raw Meat, Seafood, and Cooked Tuna
Similar to us, raw foods can be hard on their stomachs. Raw meat can contain diseases such as salmonella or even e.coli, as well as, raw seafood can contain thiaminase enzymes which can cause a deficiency in an important B vitamin. Occasional tuna is fine for cats but a diet of only tuna can lead to mercury poisoning.
Turns out shaving your cat isn’t healthy. Their hair helps them regulate their body temperature which once shaved lessens their ability to regulate. If your vet doesn’t advise you to shave your cat for medical reasons it’s best to avoid shaving your cat at all.
53. Never Give Your Cat Animal Bones To Chew Or Eat
Even though it can occupy animals for a moment bones can be quite dangerous to cats. Some bones can splinter and become lodged in a cat’s throat, stomach, or intestines. Be sure that any fish or meat you give your cat is free of bones.
54. Avoid Feeding Your Cat Only Dry Food
Cats can adapt quickly to living in dry environments and if served the right diet they can adapt to getting all their water from their food. Even those cats who seem to drink a good amount of water often don’t get enough to be fully hydrated. If a cat suffers from chronic dehydration it can lead to tooth decay, bladder stones, and even urinary tract infections. Simply adding a daily meal of wet food can prevent this.
55. Avoid Teaching Your Cat “Hand Play”
Cats are wired to chase and hunt their prey. If you teach your cat hands can be that object of prey it can quickly become a problem. You won’t always want to use your hand for play as the bites and scratches will hurt and can become dangerous for you and your cat.
There you have it. Steer clear of doing all of the above and you may just live to love on your furry friend for another day.
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