Cats are adorable, independent, and full of personality. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a seasoned feline enthusiast, one thing is clear—caring for a cat goes beyond providing food and a cozy bed. It’s about understanding their unique needs and avoiding actions that could harm them physically or emotionally.

While there’s plenty of advice on what you should do for your cat, it’s equally important to know what you shouldn’t do. Here’s a detailed guide on the top “don’ts” for cat parents—mistakes to avoid if you want a happy, healthy, and trusting feline companion.

 

1. 1. Don’t Punish Your Cat Physically

Cats do not comprehend punishment in the same way that people do. Your cat will only learn to fear you if you hit, yell, or use physical force. Stress, worry, and even hostility may result from it. Recall that your cat’s actions, such as scratching furniture or knocking items off counters, are not motivated by animosity. These actions are normal.

What to do instead:
Redirect the behavior. Provide scratching posts, interactive toys, or environmental enrichment. Reward good behavior rather than punishing bad ones. Positive reinforcement always works better with cats.

 

2. 2. Don’t Ignore Litter Box Issues

If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the litter box, it’s not out of rebellion. It’s usually a sign that something is wrong—either medically or environmentally. Common causes include urinary tract infections, stress, or a dirty litter box. Ignoring this issue can lead to serious health complications or behavioral problems.

What to do instead:
Keep the litter box clean, scoop daily, and ensure it’s in a quiet, accessible location. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian immediately to rule out medical issues.

 

3. 3. Don’t Feed Your Cat a Dog’s Diet or Human Food

Cats are obligate carnivores—they need specific nutrients like taurine, which are found only in meat. Feeding your cat dog food or table scraps can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems such as obesity, liver disease, or heart issues.

What to do instead:
Feed your cat a balanced, vet-approved diet. Treats are fine occasionally, but the bulk of their nutrition should come from high-quality cat food. Avoid toxic foods such as onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and alcohol.

 

4. 4. Don’t Declaw Your Cat

Declawing might seem like a simple solution to prevent furniture damage, but it’s actually a painful and inhumane procedure. It’s not just removing the nail—it involves amputating the last bone of each toe. This can lead to chronic pain, behavioral changes, and mobility issues.

What to do instead:
Trim your cat’s claws regularly or use soft claw caps. Provide plenty of scratching posts made from different materials—cardboard, sisal, and wood—to satisfy their natural urge to scratch.

 

5. 5. Don’t Keep Your Cat in a Small Space All the Time

Cats need space to explore, climb, and play. Keeping them confined to a single small room or a cage for extended periods can lead to boredom, frustration, and depression.

What to do instead:
Provide environmental enrichment—cat trees, shelves, tunnels, and interactive toys. Rotate toys regularly and encourage playtime every day. A happy cat is an active cat.

 

6. 6. Don’t Force Affection

Cats are independent creatures. Some love cuddles, while others prefer to keep their distance. Forcing your cat to be held or petted when they don’t want to can make them anxious and erode their trust in you.

What to do instead:
Let your cat come to you. Slow blinking, gentle head bunts, and soft purring are signs of affection—cherish them when they happen naturally.

 

7. 7. Don’t Neglect Regular Vet Visits

Many cat owners assume indoor cats don’t need regular checkups, but that’s a myth. Cats are experts at hiding pain or illness, and by the time symptoms are obvious, the condition might already be serious.

What to do instead:
Schedule at least one vet visit per year for vaccinations, dental checkups, and general health assessments. For senior cats (over seven years old), biannual visits are recommended.

 

8. 8. Don’t Use Strong Scents or Toxic Cleaning Products

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell—14 times stronger than ours. Strong air fresheners, essential oils, or cleaning chemicals can irritate their respiratory systems or even be toxic. Some essential oils, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus, are especially harmful to cats.

What to do instead:
Opt for pet-safe cleaning products and unscented litter. Keep your home clean but fragrance-free, and ensure proper ventilation when cleaning.

 

9. 9. Don’t Skip Mental Stimulation

Cats are intelligent and curious animals. Without mental enrichment, they can become bored, leading to destructive behaviors like scratching, chewing, or overgrooming.

What to do instead:
Offer puzzle feeders, catnip toys, and window perches where they can watch birds. Rotate toys and engage your cat in daily play sessions using feather wands or laser pointers.

 

10. 10. Don’t Assume Cats Can’t Get Lonely

While cats are more independent than dogs, they still need companionship and interaction. Leaving your cat alone for long hours every day without stimulation can make them feel isolated.

What to do instead:
Spend quality time playing or cuddling with your cat daily. If your schedule is demanding, consider getting a second cat for company—provided both cats are introduced properly.

 

11. 11. Don’t Overfeed or Underfeed

It’s easy to give in to those pleading eyes, but overfeeding can lead to obesity—a major health risk for cats. On the flip side, not feeding enough can cause malnutrition and lethargy.

What to do instead:
Follow feeding guidelines provided by your vet. Monitor your cat’s weight regularly and adjust their diet as needed. Always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water.

 

12. 12. Don’t Expose Cats to Outdoor Dangers

Letting your cat roam freely outdoors might seem natural, but it exposes them to many dangers—traffic, predators, diseases, and poisons. Outdoor cats also face a shorter lifespan compared to indoor cats.

What to do instead:
Keep your cat indoors or provide a safe outdoor enclosure (a “catio”). You can also train your cat to walk on a leash using a secure harness for safe outdoor adventures.

 

13. 13. Don’t Ignore Signs of Stress or Illness

Changes in appetite, behavior, grooming habits, or litter box use are often early signs of illness or stress. Ignoring these subtle cues can make conditions worse over time.

What to do instead:
Observe your cat’s normal behavior so you can quickly spot when something seems off. Early intervention is key to keeping your cat healthy.

 

14. 14. Don’t Forget About Dental Care

Dental disease is one of the most common (and overlooked) issues in cats. Ignoring your cat’s oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection, and even organ damage.

What to do instead:
Brush your cat’s teeth regularly with cat-safe toothpaste. Offer dental treats or toys designed to help clean their teeth, and schedule professional dental cleanings when necessary.

Author: (Vaibhav Priyadarshi)