Six common mistakes cat owners make
Common mistakes of cat owners (photo: Freepik)
Owning a pet is a big responsibility. Even the most caring and conscientious cat owners can make mistakes that could harm their pets. It's important to know what to avoid, according to PetMD website.
Skipping annual veterinary check-ups
Annual health check-ups are crucial for maintaining optimal cat health.
Depending on your cat's age, there may be a higher likelihood of certain illnesses. For example, kittens typically suffer from upper respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, and ear mites.
Adult cats may develop urinary tract issues, dental problems, and obesity.
As cats age, they require more frequent veterinary care.
Cats are adept at hiding pain and illness, so you may not notice anything wrong until the illness progresses, making treatment more complex and expensive.
Avoiding preventive medications
Parasite prevention is recommended for all cats. Fleas can lead to serious skin inflammation, anemia, and bloodborne infections.
Ticks can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease.
Parasite prevention should be continued year-round. Even if your cat never goes outside, they still risk encountering fleas and ticks.
Overfeeding
This occurs when a cat's bowl is filled with food multiple times throughout the day or when too many treats are offered.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and increase the risk of various health conditions.
To avoid overfeeding, only give a specific amount of food that can be divided into two meals.
Neglecting dental care
Regular dental care is important for maintaining proper oral hygiene and preventing diseases. Without proper care, cats are at increased risk of gingivitis, which causes inflammation and bleeding gums.
Plaque accumulation on teeth can also lead to cavities and the need for surgical removal of affected teeth. Cats with dental issues often experience severe pain and may refuse to eat or drink.
Lack of nature in their lives
Cats are creatures that enjoy interacting with nature. Even if your cat stays indoors, it's important to provide opportunities for them to enjoy grass and plants.
For example, you can plant catnip in a pot at home or buy ready-made plants for them to enjoy.
Loneliness
Most cats enjoy the company of each other and thrive on building close bonds with other members of the feline family.
If you leave your cat alone every day and cannot dedicate enough time for interaction and play, consider getting another cat. They will enjoy each other's company and have more fun together.
