7 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat: Expert Advice

Cats make great pets, but even cat lovers can mess up sometimes when taking care of them. Knowing what not to do matters just as much as knowing how to look after your furry friend. Here are 7 things you should never do to your cat. Understanding these points will pave the way toward an unbreakable bond with your pet, resulting in a pet that is interesting and healthy.

In it are dos and don'ts of becoming a cat owner, ranging from avoiding declawing to learning how to feed your pet correctly. Such subjects as the hazards of a few plants such as lilies, why one should monitor a cat when it is outdoors, and why sudden changes in a cat's acting shouldn't be ignored are discussed. By following such expert advice from people like Jackson Galaxy, a loving yet secure home for their furry friend can be created by cat owners.

Never Declaw Your Cat

Declawing involves cutting off the last bone of each toe on a cat's paw through surgery. This procedure goes beyond removing the nail. It's like chopping off a person's finger at the last knuckle. People once considered this a standard practice, but now it causes a lot of debate because of how it might affect cats in the long run. If you're considering "cat declaw near me", think twice about the harm it can cause.

What is declawing?

Declawing, which doctors call onychectomy, involves surgeons cutting off a cat's claws and the last bone of each toe. Vets can use clean nail clippers, scalpel blades, or surgical lasers to do this. They do this on the front paws, but sometimes on all four. After the operation, they close the cuts with stitches or special glue and wrap the feet in bandages.

Why declawing harms cats

Removing a cat's claws has an impact on their health, both right away and over time. Cats might feel ongoing pain, have trouble walking, and act out. This surgery changes how a cat's paws touch the ground, which can cause discomfort like wearing shoes that don't fit well. Cats without claws could start to have back pain, pee or poop in the wrong places, or bite more often because they've lost their main way to protect themselves.

Other options instead of declawing

Cat owners have options to deal with scratching without declawing. They can give cats posts or boards to scratch, which helps cats follow their instincts. Cat trees are a great option. Trimming nails often and using nail caps work well to lessen scratch damage. Making the cat's space more fun and training with rewards can also stop unwanted scratching.

Declawing is on the list of 7 things that are bad for cats. It's important to know that cats need to scratch. It helps them mark their space and stretch. By looking at other ways to handle scratching, cat owners can get along with their cats without using this disputed method.

Don't Push Your Cat to Pay Attention to You

Cats have their quirks and like to do things their way. It's key to give them space. One of the 7 things you should never do to your cat is try to get their attention when they're not up for it. To build a good trusting bond with your cat, you need to know and honor their limits. Forced interactions can damage your relationship.

Getting a handle on cat boundaries

Cats excel at drawing lines and putting their needs first. They're clear about when they want to sleep, eat, or play, and they have no problem showing it. By watching how your cat moves and acts, you can start to see where they draw the line and respect their bubble. Cat behavior cues are important to understand.

Signs your cat needs space

Cats show when they want to be alone in different ways. Watch for these common signs:

• Heading to a quiet corner or hiding place

• Flattening ears or turning them back

• Eyes with enlarged or tiny pupils

• Hunkering down or freezing when you approach

• Averting gaze or avoiding eye contact

When you notice these signs, give your cat some room, and don't try to interact with it. Remember this as one of the key things not to do with cats.

Building trust with your cat

To build a close connection with your cat, you need to allow them to start interactions on their terms. Here are seven things you should never do to your cat. 

• Handle your cat calmly and avoid sudden movements

• Let them come to you when they're ready

• Offer gentle petting in areas they enjoy, such as the head or chin

• Use positive reinforcement with treats or praise when they interact with you

• Provide a safe, comfortable environment with hiding spots and perches

Understanding these points will pave the way toward an unbreakable bond with your pet, resulting in a pet that is interesting and healthy.

Never Punish Your Cat

Punishment is one of the 7 things you should never do to your cat-It's Pointless and Does More Harm Than Good. Cats, by nature, won't understand an idea that concerns wrongdoing, and punishments, therefore, would only invoke a fear response from the animal, with anxiety and stress becoming completely normal perspectives. Hitting a cat is never acceptable.

Why does punishment not work?

Cats never associate punishment with their behavior. They may instead come to be fearful of you and continue to do the undesired behavior when you're not present. Studies indicated that cats experienced behavioral problems much more often when their owners employed punishment. Just a single household where guardians used positive punishment in three months had a cat that was twelve times more likely to be eliminated outside the litter box.

Positive-reinforcement techniques.

Don't punish, but reward the right actions instead. Treats, praise, or petting should be given whenever your cat engages in desirable, acceptable behaviors; this will help keep it from repeating them. Clicker training will also come in very handy while rewarding positive behaviors. During an ongoing unwanted behavior, direct that cat's attention to an adequate toy or scratching post.

Addressing behavioral issues

To fix behavior problems first check with a vet to make sure your cat isn't sick. Many bad behaviors come from health issues, pain, or cat stress. If your cat is healthy, focus on changing its environment and keeping it busy. Give your cat scratch posts, fun toys, and places to explore. Set up a regular schedule for meals and playtime to stop cat boredom behaviors.

This means, avoiding yelling at, spraying with water, or hitting the cat. These actions will damage the bond with you, and consequently, more problems arise. Understanding your kitty's needs and implementing positive reinforcement for good behavior make the living arrangement easier for both of you.

Don't Leave Your Cat By Itself for Long Stretches

Cats might look like loners, but they still require regular care and attention. Leaving a cat by itself for long stretches can cause several problems making it one of the 7 things you should never do to your cat. To be a responsible pet parent, one must also be aware of their social need and the danger of being alone.

Cats' social needs

Indeed, a cat is extremely social, notwithstanding what many people may think about its distant character; most of the species develop very close social bonds with their owners and heavily rely on them for company. Cats that live with people often form attachments much like dogs and kids do. Research has shown that 64% of cats studied had a secure bond with their owners feeling more relaxed when they were nearby.

Problems that can happen when cats are left alone

Leaving cats by themselves for long stretches can cause several issues. These include:

• Cat boredom and lack of mental stimulation

• Cat stress and worry

• Risk of accidents or injuries

• Growth of behavior problems

• Shifts in eating patterns

Cats left alone for extended periods may demonstrate signs of distress, such as excessive meowing, grooming, or destruction of possessions. Cats may in some cases develop separation problems, which can result in urinating or defecating in unacceptable places or excessive clinginess when their owners return home.

Ways a Hectic Human Cat Owner Can Help

Consider the following to keep your kitty feeling good when you're not home:

• Offer interactive toys such as food puzzles or something cute to play with for your kitty.

• Have regular scheduled feedings and playtimes.

• Use timed feeders for set mealtimes.

• A cat tree or window box can be placed for outdoor watching.

• If warranted, consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a trusted friend to check your kitty.

Many vet doctors believe that keeping your cat alone at home without appropriate attention isn't in the best interests of that fluffy one.

Don't Feed Your Cat an Inappropriate Diet

Feeding your cat an inappropriate diet is one of the 7 things you should never do to your cat. Well-timed feeding means more time for proper socializing with the pet itself-a thing which every pet would need if its owner were away for extended periods.

Cats as obligate carnivores

Cats, by nature, are meat eaters. They are in need of nutrients from animal sources. Their bodies have evolved perfectly to break down and use animal proteins. Their prey in the wild consists basically of protein, with some fat and extremely little if any, carbohydrates.

This type of food has shaped what they need to eat to stay healthy. So, it's crucial to give them a similar mix of nutrients in their food at home.

Dangers of vegan or vegetarian diets

Giving cats vegan or vegetarian diets can put their cat health at serious risk. Being a responsible pet owner means fully comprehending all the social needs of cats and the dangers of leaving them alone.

Picking the best cat food

When picking out cat food, go for choices that have lots of protein from animals and not many carbs. Sufficient knowledge among pet owners, especially regarding cats' social needs and the dangers of leaving them alone, is critical to the status of responsible pet ownership. Avoid cat milk as most cats are lactose intolerant.

Cats' Social Needs

To this day, most people perceive cats as being aloof animals. However, contrary to that belief, cats are pretty social too, and they enjoy the companionship of their human friends. Some cats may come off as standoffish, but plenty form close, even dependent relationships with their owners for companionship.

Don't Let Your Cat Wander Outside Without Watching

Letting your cat roam outside without supervision is one of the 7 things you should never do to your cat. You might think it's natural, but unsupervised outdoor access hurts your cat's safety and well-being. If you know these risks and offer other options, you can help your furry friend live a happy healthy life.

Outdoor dangers for cats

Cats put themselves in danger when they wander outside. They might get hit by cars causing bad injuries or death. They can be wounded in fights with wildlife like neighbor's dogs, stray wild animals, and other cats guarding their territory. Many cats are killed by poisons such as antifreeze used in vehicles, pesticides, or other deadly substances. Cats, like dogs, can get lost, stolen, or injured by mean people.

Indoor enrichment ideas

To keep indoor cats happy and active, give them lots of fun things to do. Toys they can play with, posts they can scratch, and things they can climb help satisfy their natural urges. Spots by the window let cats watch what's going on outside. Feeders that make cats think and treats hidden around the house tap into their hunting instincts. Playing with their humans is key to giving cats exercise and keeping their minds sharp.

Safe outdoor alternatives

Cats longing to go outside have safer choices than wandering alone. You could build a "catio" or closed-off outdoor area where your cat can breathe fresh air and feel the sun without danger. Training your cat to walk on a leash is another way to let them explore while you watch. Some people choose to fence their entire backyard with cat-proof systems. These options give cats the good parts of being outside while you keep them safe.

Attending to a Cat with Altered Behavior

Cats are masters in the concealment of symptoms of illness, hence the cat owner should stay alert for behavior changes. To take good care of a cat, an owner should know what to avoid and how to track even the little changes in behavior, which elude the cat owner but might point to a health issue lurking under the surface. If you pay close attention to your furry companion's routines, you'll be able to catch and treat possible issues.

Signs of illness in cats

Cats often show signs when they don't feel well. You might notice they eat, lose or gain weight, groom themselves less or more than usual, or act around you. They may appear as tired or however; find new habits of using the litter box. You must observe any changes in the way your cat acts that are outside their normal range.

Why regular vet visits are important

Veterinary visits are important in keeping your cat healthy. These check-ups allow vets to catch early signs of sickness that cat owners may not be aware of. An adult cat should have two vet visits each year for wellness examinations. Such visits give a chance to vets that they have to offer preventive and necessary assistance should the need arise. By taking your cat for routine check-ups, you can head off more serious health issues and maybe even save your cat's life.

When to seek immediate veterinary care

Some symptoms need a vet's help right away. These include trouble breathing, not being able to pee, throwing up or having loose stools that won't stop, and signs of bad pain. If your cat hasn't eaten for a whole day or can't move like usual, get to the vet fast. Keep in mind when it comes to your cat's health, it's always better to play it safe.

Conclusion

Getting to know and respect what your cat needs plays a big role in creating a close bond with your kitty. Cat owners can make a safe and caring home for their pets by staying away from these seven harmful habits. This means not declawing, not forcing attention, not punishing, not being away for long times, not giving wrong foods, not letting cats roam outside alone, and not ignoring changes in behavior.

In conclusion, being a good cat parent is basically about looking after the physical and emotional well-being of your cat. Following these pointers will ensure your kitty lives long and is as happy as can be. The key at the back of the mind should be to develop a caring relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding so that the experience is gratifying for both you and your cat.

FAQs

What is an effective way to address a cat's aggressive behavior?

Startle the cat and scare it with a whistle or similar loud noisemaker immediately after the aggression display. Avoid scaring the cat or getting physical with it. Try to ascertain the cause of the aggressiveness.

Can you elaborate on how the 'Rule of Three' helps orient a cat in new surroundings?

It should take a cat three days to acclimate from the fear of change; three weeks to sort out its life and become comfortable in its new setting; and three months before it feels at home.

 Do cats have spots they don't like people touching?

Cats don't enjoy being touched near the base of their tail or on their stomach. You can tell a cat doesn't want to be touched if its tail swishes or the skin or fur on its back twitches.

What should you avoid doing with cats?

You should never do certain things to your cat. These include teasing them putting them in unsafe situations letting them get bored, punishing them skipping vet checkups, removing their claws, not treating them for fleas and ticks, and leaving them alone for long periods.

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