As a cat owner, you probably want what’s best for your fur baby. Although cats are independent and low-maintenance animals, they still require a little help from their owners. There are many things to love about cats; they’re fluffy, cuddly, clean, and, most of all, easy to take care of!
Cats aren’t entirely autonomous and need a little assistance to stay healthy and happy. Many cat owners make common mistakes when it comes to taking care of their fur babies. Here are a few cat-care mistakes you need to avoid:
1) Lack of Grooming
Proper grooming, including brushing, bathing, and nail trimming, is crucial to your cat’s health, especially during the spring shedding season. Most people think that cats can take care of themselves, which is partly true, but they require a little assistance from their owners. Lack of grooming can cause skin problems, give rise to lumps or bumps, and trigger health issues.
That’s why in order to maintain your cat’s beauty and health, it’s best not to avoid grooming. Here are a few grooming tips you need to remember:
- Never use human shampoo on your cats. Instead, try using a good quality cat shampoo as it’s best for your cat’s coat and
- Try using pet grooming wipes to clean dirt and reduce odor
- Use a proper shedding comb to remove stray hair and prevent the risk of hairballs
- Trim your cat’s nails once in a month, with a nail clipper to avoid furniture damage
Remember, grooming helps promote a healthy coat, eliminates odor from matted fur, and prevents hairballs. Therefore, make sure to groom your cat regularly!
2) Improper Litter Box Maintenance
Cats prefer their environment to be clean, especially their litter boxes. It’s best to clean their litter boxes daily to maintain your cat’s health and well-being, encouraging it to use them
consistently. A litter box holds many signs of your cat’s state of health; therefore, staying on top
of it can help you spot health issues before they cause serious problems. For example, cats that start urinating outside their litter boxes may be prone to urinary tract infections and need an immediate visit to the vet.
Litter box maintenance includes scooping, scrubbing, and litter replacement regularly. For easy maintenance, try using litter trays instead of closed litter boxes. In addition, you can opt for an automated litter box that saves you the effort of cleaning. All you need to do is add a purifying refill, and they will automatically clean and maintain the litter box.
3) Missing Out on Vet Appointments
A routine veterinary visit is crucial to your cat’s health and well-being. Many cat owners make the mistake of missing out on vet appointments, resulting in many problems. Your cats need to be sterilized and microchipped, and kept up-to-date on their exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and more.
Even seemingly healthy cats need a checkup at the vet at least once a year. Therefore, don’t let your cat’s fear of vets keep you from looking after its health. Your vet may help notice major health issues like kidney disease, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or other problems.
4) Ignoring Health Issues
Apart from your pet’s routine wellness care appointments, it’s crucial to look out for signs of illness or injury. Common symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, irritability, reduced appetite, and unusual behavior or vocalizations.
Cats can experience emotional imbalances due to many factors. Regular visits to the vet can help figure out their problem. Many cat owners also use tranquility treats to maintain a dynamic balance in their cats.
5) Not Feeding Properly
There’s are a number of options when it comes to cat food. However, it’s crucial to feed your cat food that fulfills their nutritional needs, including foods with a rich source of meat protein.
Instead of providing your cat with lesser-quality food with large amounts of grain fillers, try using
good-quality cat food.
It’s best to do your research and choose the option that meets your cat’s nourishment needs. In addition, home-cooked meals don’t offer your cat all the nutrients it requires. Cat treats are also a great source of nutrients and the best part is – cats love them too! However, when looking for treats, look for quality, natural ingredients. Meat should be the first ingredient in the treats.
Remember not to overfeed your cat as their appetite is small; treats can be a great addition to their diet.
The Bottom Line:
Whether you’re thinking of getting a new cat or are a new cat parent, it’s best to avoid common mistakes that most cat owners make. Cats are low-maintenance pets; therefore, you can surely provide them with a happy and healthy life by taking care of a few things!
