10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make with Your Cat

Being a first-time fur parent can be scary. We love our furry rascals, that’s for sure, but sometimes, you don’t even know what you don’t even know when caring for them.

Still, if you’re reading this post, that only means you’re one step closer to becoming the best fur mommy or daddy for your feline companion.

Below are the 10 worst mistakes you can make with your cat and the best ways to avoid them. Some of these mistakes are more serious than others, so don’t hesitate to take notes!

1. Overfeeding Your Cat

If there’s one thing many of us pet owners are guilty of, it’s loving our furry pets too much. But it can be a problem, too.

One tendency most newbie fur parents fall for is overfeeding their kittens. Like humans, an overfed cat will get fatter, turn less active, and become prone to sickness.

When a feline is obese, they’re vulnerable to many illnesses, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, even cancer. In short, it’s crucial to get their nutrient intake balanced and sufficient.

Also, don’t forget to let your furry companion play, too. Cats need to exercise as much as we do to burn fat, stay fit, and remain healthy.

Read Next: The Smells Your Cat Really Hates

2. Planting Unsafe Houseplants

Cats don’t get along well with some houseplants. So, if you have a feline prowling around your living room, check if a plant is safe to be around pets before bringing it home.

Those lilies may look pretty and innocent on the outside but can be deadly when brought near your four-legged housemate.

Other toxic houseplants you want to avoid include aloe vera, philodendrons, snake plants, hyacinths, tulips, dieffenbachia, and daffodils.

Read Next: How To Keep Cats Away from Plants

3. Not Cleaning the Litter Box

It goes without saying that you should clean your cat’s litter box every day. Yet, it’s one of the most easily neglected aspects of caring for kitties that can result in potential health problems.

Of course, it’s a problem for you, too, as a dirty litter box stinks. Literally.

That said, make scooping wastes a part of your daily habit. It’s also ideal to clean the box once every week, wiping down everything with soap to keep it fresh.

Read Next: Beware! The Most Dangerous Cat Breeds

4. Placing Litter Box Incorrectly

Your furry companion’s privacy is something not talked about enough. Yep, you read that right—cats need privacy, just as much as you do, especially when pooping.

Keep that in mind when placing your pet’s litter boxes.

You want their toilet to be in a quiet and accessible location, ideally away from your home’s foot traffic. Also, don’t put it near washing machines or noisy areas that could startle the furry creatures while doing their business.

Read Next: Best Travel Litter Boxes

5. Giving Cats Yarn and String Toys

Forget what you learned from pop culture! While a cat with a yarn is an image we frequently see on TV, it’s not something you’d want to replicate.

Ingesting yarn is a serious health concern for cats. When these linear foreign bodies pass through the stomach, parts of the intestines crease and knots, which could require surgery to mend.

Instead of yarns, give them something they can play with but won’t ingest. Plastic balls with bells inside, for one, make some of these kittens go crazy.

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6. Forcing Attention On Your Cat

Despite how much they care about you, cats need their alone time. Unlike dogs, felines are independent creatures, and it may sometimes feel like they’re ignoring you.

As a parent, never force your cat to cuddle or socialize.

Don’t misunderstand, cats enjoy your attention. However, unlike dogs and other pets, they like it in smaller doses and may become stressed when forced into doing something they’re not up to!

Read Next: How Much Does Your Cat Remember?

7. Disregarding Signs of Pain

Learning to spot signs of pain is essential to becoming a fur parent. Particularly for cats, because they aren’t exactly the most expressive creatures when it comes to their discomforts.

It’s often up to you to decipher what they’re feeling. That means keeping an eye out for sudden changes in the cat’s behavior.

If they’re meowing more than normal, hiding under the bed more often, stopping grooming themselves, or no longer eating, you may want to visit your vet immediately.

Read Next: Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick

8. Declawing the Feline

A feline’s affection can be painful. And if it’s your first time getting scratched or having furniture destroyed while the furry creature is playing around, it’s easy to get frustrated.

However, no matter what you hear from others, never declaw your cat.

Scratching is a natural, and perfectly healthy cat behavior. They do it to show affection, stretch their muscles, and maintain their nails.

One way to protect your wallpapers from scratch damage is to have a scratching post. Place it near your cat’s bed or anywhere the kitten hangs out.

Read Next: 10 Everyday Things that Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings

9. Failing to Cat-Proof Your Home

You want your home to be a safe environment for your pet. This means much more than preparing a litter box or buying a few treats.

For starters, choose cat-safe houseplants and remove unfriendly ones. Hide your cleaning products, cosmetics, medications, and other chemicals in a safe area.

Secure your electrical cords and provide scratch posts and pads instead. Keep your pantry, cupboards, and trash bins closed at all times, and keep those windows down!

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat Thinks It’s Your Boss

10. Rarely Visiting the Veterinarian

I can’t stress enough the importance of regular vet visits for felines. Your cat can appear healthy but don’t forget their masters at hiding their pain.

Owners finding out too late that their beloved furry pets are in pain is regrettably too common.

At the very least, take your kitten to the vet once every year. Or immediately if you notice sudden behavioral changes in your feline companion.

Besides routine checkups, you want your cat vaccinated to fight deadly diseases they may contract. Not only will it save your pet’s life, but also save your pockets from costly treatments in the future!

Read Next: 10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive

Final Thoughts

If you think cats are low-maintenance, think again.

Sure, they don’t need as much attention or require daily walks as dogs. However, they need as much care, love, attention, and respect as any other pet.

Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat Sees You as its Parent

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