10 Things You Should Never Do To Your Cat
A 28-year-old woman thought she was doing everything right for her new cat, until one small mistake turned her living room into a stressful guessing game. She brought in decor she loved, tried to “train” the cat the same way she trained every dog she’d ever had, and even got a little too hands-on during playtime.
At first, it seemed harmless. She picked plants without double-checking, because how bad could a pretty centerpiece be? Then she started using her hands like toys, and when the cat didn’t cooperate, she let out a loud “no” like it was going to magically fix the behavior.
And that’s when she realized her cat needed different rules, fast.
Understanding your cat's need for space and autonomy is crucial for building a strong bond.
She learned the hard way when the pretty plant she placed near the couch turned out to be a nightmare for her cat.</p>
Don’t bring plants into your home before checking that they are safe for cats.
Before adding any plants to your home decor, it's crucial to ensure they're safe for your feline friends. Lilies, commonly found in flower arrangements, pose a severe threat to cats as they are highly toxic. Even minimal exposure, such as sipping water from a vase containing lilies, can lead to kidney failure and death.
To safeguard your cat's health, always research and verify the safety of plants before bringing them indoors. Consult resources like the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center for a comprehensive list of plants that are harmful to cats. Prioritizing your pet's well-being is key to creating a safe and nurturing environment at home.
Don’t teach cats to “hand play.”
While cats enjoy playing with moving objects like laser pointers or light cords, it's crucial for owners to avoid using their hands as lures during playtime. Cats are instinctively driven to chase and hunt prey, and teaching them that hands are acceptable targets can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous outcomes for both the human and the cat.
Instead, opt for using inanimate objects, typically toys, as intermediaries during play sessions. Prioritizing safe and appropriate play practices ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your feline companion.
That same day, she tried “hand play,” only to watch her cat start treating her fingers like prey instead of a person.</p>
This is like the cat that targets a water glass, pen, plant, or phone left on counters.
Never directly punish your cat, whether you plan on tapping their butt or using a loud sound.
For longtime dog owners transitioning to cat ownership, it's important to recognize that training a cat differs significantly from training a dog. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats may not respond well to direct reprimands.
Cats are highly sensitive to loud noises and raised voices, which they find frightening. Reacting in this manner can cause cats to perceive their owner as a threat, leading them to avoid interactions.
Instead, positive reinforcement and gentle redirection are often more effective methods for shaping feline behavior. Understanding and respecting your cat's unique sensitivities is key to fostering a harmonious relationship.
Then came the part where she tapped the cat’s butt and blurted a loud sound, and suddenly the cat was acting like she was the threat.</p>
Avoid feeding your cat only dry food.
Cats are naturally adapted to thrive in dry environments, obtaining much of their hydration from their food. Unlike dogs, cats typically don't have a strong instinct to drink water when they're thirsty. Thus, it's crucial to ensure they stay hydrated through their diet.
Even if your cat appears to drink plenty of water, it may not be sufficient. Chronic dehydration can contribute to various health problems, including tooth decay, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. One effective way to prevent such issues is by incorporating wet food into your cat's daily diet. This provides additional moisture and helps promote better hydration.
Don’t “free-feed” your cat.
Free feeding refers to leaving food out for your cat to eat whenever it wants. While this may seem convenient, it often results in obesity. It's best to follow your vet's recommendations and provide the right amount of dry and wet food to prevent weight problems.
If your busy schedule makes it challenging to feed your cat regularly, consider investing in an automatic pet-food dispenser. These devices release pre-measured portions of dry food at scheduled intervals, ensuring your cat gets the right amount of food throughout the day.
By the time she stopped, switched to proper toys, and stopped the noise, the whole apartment felt calmer again.</p>
Don’t feed your cat milk.
Cats may be drawn to the sweetness of milk, but it's best to avoid giving them cow's milk as most cats are lactose intolerant.
Consuming cow's milk can lead to digestive upset and other health problems in cats. It's safer to stick to water as their primary source of hydration.
Never give your cat animal bones to chew or eat.
Contrary to what cartoons often depict, house cats should not be given fish skeletons or any other animal bones to gnaw on.
Poultry bones, in particular, are highly dangerous as they can splinter and cause serious harm by getting stuck in a cat’s throat, stomach, or intestines. It's safer to avoid giving your cat bones altogether to prevent any potential health risks.
The cat did not need “attitude training,” it needed a safer home and different boundaries.
Want the worst-case fallout? See what happens when you ignore essential cat care tips.
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