Do you know? Some seemingly harmless behaviors can cause great harm to your cat. As a responsible cat owner, you must understand what not to do in the process of raising a cat. Today, we will reveal 8 common mistakes in cat care. Making even one mistake can seriously affect your cat's health. Protect your cat by understanding these taboos!
8 Common Mistakes In Cat Care
- Forcing Interaction
When a cat first arrives at your home and hasn't yet adapted to the new environment, forcing interaction can cause fear and stress.
Correct Approach:
Let the cat get used to its surroundings first, and use a cat teaser to play and bond with it naturally. Soon, it will willingly let you pet it!
- Neglecting Deworming
Cats love exploring all corners of the house and may pick up parasites. Deworming is essential.
Correct Approach:
Internal deworming every 3 months, and external deworming every month.
- Skipping Vaccinations
Cats are susceptible to various viruses, and vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of illness.
Correct Approach:
Administer the FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine and rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccination is optional for indoor cats or if there are no dogs at home. Annual antibody tests and booster shots are recommended.
- Not Brushing Their Teeth
Cats' mouths can easily harbor bacteria, leading to oral diseases and digestive issues.
Correct Approach:
Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week using a circular motion along the vertical direction of the teeth.
- Long-Term Caging
Cats love freedom. Keeping them in a confined space for too long can cause them to fear the outside world and affect their mental health, making them timid and sensitive.
Correct Approach:
It’s recommended to allow cats to roam freely in the house while ensuring windows are secured. The indoor space is sufficient for their activities.
- Exposing Cats to Strong Smells
Cats have a sensitive sense of smell, which they use to identify their environment. They dislike strong, irritating odors.
Correct Approach:
Avoid exposing your cat to strong smells such as smoke, mothballs, bleach, perfume, and citrus.
- Giving in to Every Demand
Cats need to develop good habits from a young age. Overindulgence can lead to disobedience and bad habits.
Correct Approach:
Complete socialization training early, and correct playful misbehavior promptly. Use treats as rewards during grooming, trips, or task completion.
- Allowing Self-Feeding
Some owners provide a large bowl of food for their cats to eat whenever they want. However, this is bad for digestion and unhygienic. The food can easily spoil when left out.
Correct Approach:
Feed your cat at regular times and in measured amounts. Choose a nutritious and easily digestible cat food as the main diet to maintain their digestive health and overall well-being.
Have you encountered any other issues related to raising cats?
A cat's health and happiness depend on our care and attention. Avoiding these common cat care mistakes is essential knowledge for every cat owner. Have you encountered any other issues related to raising cats? How did you solve them? Feel free to share your stories and experiences in the comments to help more cat owners improve their caregiving skills.
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