Cats! What would we do without them? They’re funny, smart, cute, intelligent and loyal, and enrich our lives in so many ways. And in return, we want to do our best for them, and provide all the comforts they need for a happy and healthy life. But it’s easy to make mistakes because cats are highly sensitive and specialized creatures with specific needs. So let’s take a look at some of the most common cat care mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.
These mistakes can range from using the wrong products to not cleaning the litter box regularly. Luckily, there are simple solutions for most of these mistakes. If you hate cleaning the litter box, there are many self-cleaning options available, and you can check out some of these at blogs like petshop. For example, the litter robot 3 reviews may convince you to invest in one, which will make you and your cat happy.
5 Common Cat Care Mistakes to Avoid
Some of these might seem obvious, and others less so. You should never use products and especially medications intended for people or other animals for cats because they are built very differently. But other mistakes can be more complicated. For example, did you know that the shape of your cat’s bowl can make them reluctant to drink water?
1. Using Products Meant for Humans or Other Animals
Whether it’s shampoo or treats or medications, it’s never a good idea to use products meant for use by humans, or horses, dogs and other animals for cats. In some cases, it can be downright dangerous. To be safe, it’s best to stick to products that have been specifically designed for cats, to meet their unique needs.
2. Overfeeding
While some cats will regulate their intake of food and stop eating when they are full, they are a small minority. In general, it’s not a good idea to free-feed cats, because they will tend to overeat and become overweight. Yes, fat cats can be cute, but it’s not really healthy for them to be carrying that extra weight. The best way to prevent this is by controlling the amount of food they eat, and feeding them at regular times. Also, make sure they always have enough fresh, clean water to drink.
3. Punishing Your Cat for Transgressions
Cats are not dogs, so it’s no use punishing them by yelling, spraying with water or even smacking them when they do something they shouldn’t. If you want your cat to stop scratching the sofa, or climbing up on the kitchen counter, it’s better to find another way to discourage that. That’s because cats never connect the punishment with their own actions, but just decide that you’re a mean and unreasonable person from whom they should to stay away. Putting protective covers on furniture and nubby mats on counters and surfaces that you want your cat to avoid will work better than punishment.
4. Using the Wrong Kind of Bowl for Drinking Water
Cats have very sensitive whiskers and use them to sense conditions around them. This is also why they don’t like to eat or drink from dishes where their whiskers touch the edges of the bowl or plate. In fact, many cats will even avoid drinking water just because their water bowls are too small.
The solutions is very simple. Try replacing your cat’s drinking water bowl with a wider, flatter shaped-bowl, that leaves room for the whiskers. Soup bowls are generally a good choice.
5. Ignoring the Litter Box
Most people regard cleaning the litter box as a messy job and put it off as long as possible. This is a bad idea for many reasons. Not only it is a messy litter box harder to clean, but it can also have an adverse impact on your cat’s health. Some cats may even give up using the litter box entirely and start using other and inappropriate places around the house to do their business. Self-cleaning litter boxes are a good solution for both cats and their people.
Pet care, and especially cat care, can be complicated. But if you make a little effort to find out more about those precious bundles of fur, their lives and yours will be much easier. Happy pets make a happy home, and with these tips, your cat will be happier and healthier.
