Hello, fellow cat lovers! I often find myself giving advice on what you should do to ensure your cat leads a happy and healthy life. Today, however, we’re switching gears. We’re diving into the seven things you should absolutely avoid doing to your cat. Trust me, by steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll foster a much better relationship with your furry friend. Let’s get right into it.
1. Don’t Feed Your Cat Milk
This might come as a surprise to many, but feeding your cat milk is a big no-no. We’ve all seen those classic images of a cat lapping up milk from a saucer. It’s a cute image, sure, but it’s not doing your cat any favors. Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems can’t handle milk properly. This can lead to some pretty nasty digestive issues like diarrhea. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a home where the owners complain about their cat’s terrible poops, only to find out they’ve been giving them milk. While your cat might crave milk, ice cream, or whipped cream due to the high-fat content, it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. If you love your cat, keep the milk away.
Tip: Opt for specially formulated cat milk or stick to water as their primary drink.
2. Don’t Skip Annual Vet Visits
I get it, taking your cat to the vet can be a hassle. Cats don’t typically enjoy the trip, they hate being put into their carrier, and they often make a big fuss. However, skipping annual vet visits is not an option. Cats can experience rapid physical changes, especially as they age. Regular check-ups are essential for catching potential health issues early. Whether it’s checking for tartar buildup on their teeth or catching early signs of more serious conditions, those vet visits are crucial. Think of it like taking your children to the doctor – you wouldn’t skip their check-ups, right? The same goes for your feline family members. It might not make them happy in the short term, but it’s vital for their long-term health.
Tip: To make vet visits less stressful, try using a comfortable carrier and associate it with positive experiences like treats or playtime.
3. Don’t Dress Up Your Cat
I know, I know. Dressing your cat up in a cute costume can be irresistible. Who doesn’t love the idea of their cat in a taco outfit or a little bow tie? But here’s the thing – most cats hate it. Cats are incredibly sensitive creatures. Their fur and whiskers are designed to detect the slightest changes in their environment. Putting clothes on them interferes with these natural sensors and can cause significant discomfort. Your cat might tolerate it for a little while, but it’s not something they enjoy. If your cat could vote, they’d probably opt out of that adorable outfit. Respect their comfort and let them be as they are – they’re perfect without the extra frills.
Tip: If you really want to dress up your cat, opt for lightweight, comfortable costumes and only keep them on for short periods.
4. Don’t Force Interactions
We all love our cats and sometimes we just can’t resist the urge to shower them with affection. However, cats are very particular about their personal space. Forcing interactions when they’re not in the mood can actually damage your relationship with them. Whether it’s petting them when they don’t want to be petted or trying to make them sit on your lap, these actions can create negative associations. Cats prefer to come to you on their own terms. If your cat only likes three pets before they’ve had enough, respect that. Forcing your affection might make you feel good, but it’s not what’s best for your cat. Think of it this way – you wouldn’t like it if someone kept hugging you when you weren’t in the mood, right? The same goes for your cat.
Tip: Learn to read your cat’s body language and respect their signals. If they’re showing signs of discomfort or agitation, give them space.
5. Don’t Punish Your Cat
This one is super important – never punish your cat. Whether it’s squirting them with water, yelling at them, or physically disciplining them, punishment does more harm than good. Punishing your cat can create fear and distrust, damaging your bond. For example, using a squirt bottle might make your cat afraid of you, rather than teaching them not to scratch the furniture. Instead of punishment, focus on positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior and provide alternatives to the behaviors you don’t want. If your cat scratches the couch, provide a scratching post nearby and make it more appealing with catnip or treats. Training your cat should be about building trust and understanding, not fear.
Tip: Use positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training to encourage desired behaviors and discourage unwanted ones.
6. Don’t Use Your Cat for Viral Content
We all love sharing funny and cute videos of our pets online, but it’s important not to subject your cat to stressful or uncomfortable situations just for the sake of content. This includes dressing them up, startling them, or forcing them into situations they dislike. Making a viral video isn’t worth compromising your cat’s well-being. Instead, capture their natural, happy moments. If you catch them in a cute or funny position naturally, that’s great. But never put them through stress just for the sake of a few likes and shares. Respect your cat’s comfort and prioritize their happiness over potential internet fame.
Tip: Showcase your cat’s unique personality and quirks in a natural and authentic way. Your followers will appreciate the genuine content.
7. Don’t Declaw Your Cat
Last but certainly not least, never declaw your cat. Declawing is a cruel practice that involves amputating the last bone of each toe. This procedure can lead to long-term pain, behavioral issues, and a lower quality of life. It’s not just removing their claws – it’s a major surgery that significantly impacts their lives. There are many humane alternatives to manage your cat’s scratching behavior. Provide plenty of scratching posts, use nail caps, or trim their nails regularly. If your cat is scratching furniture, use deterrents like sticky tape and provide acceptable alternatives. Declawing is not a quick fix – it’s a harmful practice that should be avoided at all costs. Many countries have banned declawing, and for good reason. Let’s work towards making it a thing of the past.
Tip: If your cat is exhibiting destructive scratching behavior, consult with a certified cat behaviorist for guidance on how to address the issue effectively and humanely.
