Hands-On Play
We can’t think of a single cat owner who doesn’t have a few battle scars from their precious friend, but it’s important to know where to draw the line. Hands-on play is all fun and games, but keep in mind that your kitten isn’t as innocent as it seems.
Cats have razor-sharp claws and you’ll have to deal with them if they get overstimulated during hands-on play. If you want to avoid dealing with tons of scratches, use toys and a lighter touch.
Styling Fur
Some cat owners want their kitties to look super-stylish and they resort to cutting, dyeing, and styling their fur to get it done. If you happen to be one of them, keep in mind that all of these things are dangerous for cats, especially dye.
Even if you disregard the ethical issues of dyeing cats, it can lead to severe health problems if you use the wrong type of dye. Your cat is already fabulous as it is, so there’s really no need to change its fur.
Dry Food Only
Dry food is an essential part of the diet for many cats, but it shouldn’t be the only part. It can lead to obesity due to the high amount of carbohydrates it contains, in addition to being bad for your feline’s kidneys due to its low water content.
Even if you feel like your cat drinks enough water, its daily water intake is probably lacking, and you should add some wet food to the mix. Canned and dry food both have their pros and cons, but your cat’s diet will be perfectly balanced if you use them both.
Low Blow
Blowing in a cat’s face is often recommended as a way to relax your feline friend, but it’s a pretty polarizing technique. Some cats love it, others loath it, and you never know if you’re going to get the short end of the stick.
Blowing a harmless puff of air in your cat’s face might help calm your kitty down, but it’s a double-edged sword. Cats may also see this act as a sign of aggression, so think twice before doing it.
Predatory Instincts
While you may see your cat as an adorable, cuddly creature, don’t forget they’re still predators deep down. Even if their predatory instincts are mostly dormant, they’ll come to the surface once there are other small animals around.
If you’re thinking of welcoming other small pets into your home, it’s important to train your cat for what’s to come. It’s best to slowly introduce them to each other, giving them enough space to avoid each other if their energies don’t match.
Scary Balloons
No party is complete without balloons, but your cat won’t enjoy them as much as your party guests will. It’s no secret that cats hate balloons with a passion and we can see where they’re coming from.
It’s believed that cats fear balloons because they remind them of predators, but it also doesn’t help that they make weird sounds, especially when popped. The sound of a popping balloon can cause cats lots of distress and they also happen to be a major choking hazard.
Feeding Routine
Cats have a reputation for being pretty independent, especially when compared to dogs, but they’re still creatures of habit. House cats put safety first and they’re not fans of unpredictable situations.
Kitties feel more relaxed when things go according to plan, especially when it comes to food and playtime. It’s best to pick regular feeding times and frequencies because a regular schedule provides routine for your cat and it can help you control its food intake.
Perfect Strangers
Kitties are territorial animals, which is super apparent when you invite friends over. Just because you’re happy to have them at your house, it doesn’t mean your kitty will feel the same way.
Don’t try to force the connection between your cat and your guests, and let your pet come to them, not the other way around. Also, make sure to provide enough space for your kitten to ignore you altogether if it wants to. Don’t take it personally, it’s just how cats are.
Low Temperatures
Don’t let your cat’s cozy fur trick you into thinking they’re warm all the time, especially during the cold winter months. Cats are sensitive to low temperatures and they need to maintain a body temperature of above 90 degrees Fahrenheit once winter comes.
The website the Rescue Vets recommends keeping your thermostat at around 70 degrees to make sure your kitty is cozy. If the room temperature drops, your cat will need additional heat, so it will snuggle up to a radiator, blanket, or you.
Bad Teeth
Brushing teeth is a part of everyone’s daily routine, but did you know that your cats require the same type of care? It’s not impossible for cats to suffer from rotten teeth and infections, just like humans, and that’s why regular cleaning is a must.
Your cat should be at least six months old before you start brushing its teeth and it’s important it gets used to having its mouth touched. Ask your vet to recommend a pet-friendly brush and toothpaste.
Chicken Dinner
“Winner winner chicken dinner” is a common, celebratory phase, but you won’t have anything to celebrate if your cat ends up feasting on some leftover chicken for dinner.
Cats shouldn’t avoid chicken per se, but they should tread lightly if the meat includes bones because they’re too brittle and can easily splinter. They’re a serious choking hazard, so make sure to get rid of all the bones if you’re going to treat your kitty to some delicious chicken.
Cold Food
Keeping your food inside the fridge is the best way to keep it fresh longer and that also happens to be the case with some wet types of cat food, but there’s a catch!
Even if you use the fridge to prolong the life span of your cat food, you shouldn’t serve it to your kitty straight from the fridge. Cats aren’t big fans of cold food, so it’s best to let their wet treats get to room temperature before serving them.
Flash Photography
Most cat owners can’t resist sharing amazing photos of their adorable feline friends on social media. There’s nothing wrong with that (until dog people who follow you start complaining), but using a flash when taking the photos is best avoided.
This habit is not necessarily dangerous for cats, but it can be annoying. The camera’s flash can be jarring for them and they don’t photograph well this way either, so it’s much better to photograph them in natural light.
Deep Food Bowls
Most people pick their cat food bowl based on the looks of it, but depth is actually the most important thing to take into consideration. If the bowl is too deep, your cat will have trouble reaching the bottom and they’ll be hungry.
The second reason is whisker fatigue, described by PetMD as “an information overload that stresses out your cat.” A deep bowl will put your kitty off its food because they have to think about how deep it is every time they eat, so stick with a shallow dish.
Cuddle Time
While cats seem indifferent and grumpy, if you treat them right, they’re far from it. You shouldn’t be too desperate when asking for your kitty’s attention and let it come to you.
This is especially the case when it comes to cuddling your cat. We’d all like to cuddle our cats whenever we feel like it, but they don’t like being held against their will. Instead, let them decide when it’s cuddle time.
On the Lips
While we have so much affection for our pets, it’s a good idea to stay away from kissing their lips. After all, your cats are constantly grooming themselves, and that could transfer right to your mouth.
From possible parasites, infections, or hygienic issues that might be sitting in your cat’s body at all times, we’d stay away from pecking your feline on the mouth, and stick to regular petting instead.
Administering Antibiotics
When our cats get sick and need medicine, it’s always a struggle to get them to take it. If you’ve ever tried to give your cat liquid antibiotics, you’ll know that most of it ends up being drooled out.
Rather than giving your cat the liquid medication straight up, try mixing it with a small amount of wet food and feeding to them by hand to ensure they get the whole dose.
By the Belly
After having your cat for a few years, you might get comfortable picking up your cat by the belly. After all, you share a bond that makes you think they don’t mind this kind of touch.
However, your cat’s belly is a lot more sensitive than you might think. Sometimes, they don’t even like belly rubs. Next time, pick your cat up under its front legs instead of by its stomach for an easier experience for both of you.
Boring Food
Picking food for your cat can be tricky. They like their meals to be regular and on schedule, but they’ll notice once their meals get boring and one-note. Plus, eating the same thing every day can lead to allergies and health issues down the line.
While you don’t have to go overboard coming up with elaborate dishes, it’s important to keep your cat’s diet versatile and to switch up its food.
Hot Cat Walk
It’s not uncommon to get worried when you notice your cat lying around all day. You might even be tempted to try and get them to go on a walk with you. But if they act like this, you don’t need to force them outside.
In fact, it’s totally normal for a cat to sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. Let them be and they’ll exercise as they see fit.
Avoiding Vomit
We all know how bad it feels to get a sickness bug so we can only imagine how horrible it is for our cats. When your cat is vomiting, you should try and make them as comfortable as possible and pay attention to their behavior.
Note any changes to your cat’s diet or thirst, make sure they are well-groomed to avoid furballs and seek medical attention if you are unsure. Your vet may prescribe anti-sickness pills. Your furry friend should be feeling happy and healthy again in no time.
Bathing Time
It’s no secret that cats hate bathing, but cat owners tend to hate it even more! Cats make it so difficult! But we’ve got some good news—you might not have to bathe your cat at all.
Cats are amazing self-groomers and they do an amazing job keeping themselves clean, especially the short-haired breeds. Bathing is also best avoided because it can affect the natural oil balance of their fur and you should resort to it only when they’re so dirty that they can’t clean themselves.
Feline Distemper
If your cat has an unexpected accident and you notice diarrhea-like symptoms or blood in their stool, your cat may be suffering from feline distemper, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Other signs of this illness are a high fever, vomiting, depression or other behavioral changes and secondary infections. If you suspect feline distemper, rush your cat to the vet immediately where they may administer emergency treatment. You can then care for your cat at home and support their recovery.
Strange Sounds
Cats have many different ways of communicating with their humans and their vocal communication is extremely well-developed. From meowing and purring to growling and chirping, your cat will surprise you with the wide variety of sounds it can produce, but pay close attention if some of them sound strange.
According to PetMD, changes in cats’ noises can point to several health issues including high blood pressure and thyroid problems. So, don’t ignore the changes in your kitty’s vocalizations because it might be trying to tell you something.
Herbal Flea Remedies
While there are many topical treatments and monthly medications available to kill fleas, cat owners should also consider preparing herbal home remedies to help keep their kitties flea-free.
Herbs such as lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and neem leaf, as well as apple cider vinegar and aloe vera can all help to keep the fleas at bay and support your cat’s fur and skin health. Check out herbal flea remedy recipes online.
Dirty Dishes
It’s highly likely you wash your dishes every day and you should treat your kitty’s food bowls with as much care. Even water bowls are best washed every day because they are a breeding ground for bacteria.
Before changing the water, properly wash the bowl, so bacteria wouldn’t cling to it, posing a potential danger to your cat. Rinsing them won’t cover it, so make sure to thoroughly wash your cat’s water bowl, and do the same with its wet food bowl after every meal.
Staring Contest
Even though you might be tempted to lovingly gaze into your cat’s eyes to show how much you care, it’s not a good way to give affection. Leave staring contests to humans because cats aren’t the biggest fans of direct eye contact.
They see it as a sign of aggression and they get freaked out when you stare at them for too long. Give them a treat if you want to show them how much you love them and keep the eye contact minimal.
Full Bowl
Cats are usually sensible creatures who know their limits, but all their sensibility goes out of the window when it comes to food. Overeating is a common problem that can lead to all sorts of problems and it’s often caused by one common denominator—free-flowing food.
If you’re one of those people who tends to fill up your kitty’s food bowl whenever there’s food missing, its’ time to stop. Your cat will eat whatever is in the bowl, so it’s better to have a regular feeding schedule.
Screaming Battle
No matter how much you love cats, you have to admit they’re hard to discipline. Sometimes they push you to the edge with their strange behavior, but shouting and screaming at them won’t solve any of your problems.
Cats do not respond well to negative reinforcement and screaming scares and confuses them. A gentle coaxing and a firm “no” will do a much better job at disciplining your cat.
Nose Contact
Cats often use noses for communication, but you should never try to force this kind of contact. Nose-to-finger introductions allow cats to get familiar with someone’s scent, just make sure to stay calm without making rash movements with your finger or the cat will see your finger as prey.
Nose-to-nose greetings between cats are pretty common and some of them even do it with humans. If a cat does this, you should feel proud, because nose pokes are one of the biggest signs of affection in the feline world.
Stale Food
Food is one of the main priorities for cats and it’s important to make sure it’s fresh and delicious at the same time. Serving stale food to your cat or leaving it out for hours is best avoided at all costs for more reasons than one.
Some types of food don’t get stale quickly, but that’s not the case with wet cat food. In addition to leaving a terrible smell behind, dangerous bacteria can develop and you should throw it away instead of serving it to your kitty.
Driving Miss Kitty
Cats hate car rides with a burning passion because forcing them to cross into the outside world and deal with unfamiliar situations can be scary. Things can get even worse if they know there’s a vet waiting at the other end, which is often the case.
If your cat is in your car, make sure it’s inside a carrier instead of letting it roam freely. Cats can be pretty unpredictable and it’s a safety hazard to drive with them outside the carrier.
Plant Dilemma
Plants and cats can be a disastrous combo and you should carefully research each plant before welcoming it into your home. Cats may end up attacking and breaking your plants, but it turns out this is the least of your problems.
The real trouble starts when your kitty starts chewing on your plants. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there are hundreds of plants that are poisonous to cats, which is why it’s important to research each one before bringing it home.
Dressed to Impress
Dressing up cats is a pretty polarizing topic—some find it adorable, while others see it as animal cruelty. The jury is still out on this one, but there are a few things tp keep in mind if you decide to dress up your kitty.
If you go down this road, make sure the outfit isn’t too snug because your cat won’t be able to move, breathe, and communicate normally. Also, avoid adding hats to the mix because they can confuse your kitty and impede its hearing.
Bowl Location
Putting your kitty’s food and water bowl next to each other seems like a no-brainer—or is it? According to Americat, they’re best kept separately because cats do not like eating and drinking right next to each other.
The scent of food will put your cat off drinking and it will stay trusty after a meal if the bowls are too close to each other, especially if food particles end up in the water bowl along the way.
Little Creatures
You may find babies and little children adorable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your cat will feel the same way. Due to their territorial nature, felines tend to be wary of all creatures they’re unfamiliar with, no matter how big or small they are.
Reader’s Digest recommends introducing babies and children to cats slowly and using an audio recording to get your kitty used to the situation before having them meet in person.
Hiding Place
Cats are huge fans of warm and cozy hiding places, but some of them are quite dangerous. That’s especially the case with some household appliances, starting with the washing machine and dryer.
These machines are tempting for cats because they’re warm and comfortable, but the consequences of sleeping inside them can be fatal. To avoid putting your cats in danger, check if it’s inside the washing machine before turning it on and make sure the doors are closed at all times to stop them from hopping in.
Lights Off
Cats have amazing night vision, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can see in total darkness. Calling them nocturnal isn’t 100% correct—they’re crepuscular at best, which means they are more active at dawn and dusk.
Even though they can capture and use 50% more available light than people, you shouldn’t leave them in total darkness and you should always have some source of light in the room. This is also a good idea because it will stop you from tripping over your cat in the middle of the night.
