Cat Care Mistakes

Cats are the world’s second-most popular pet, trailing just behind Man’s Best Friend. Man’s Second Best Buddy has won our hearts with good reason. Cats are very cute, fun, and charming. They’re also quite independent. However, Fluffy isn’t as self-sufficient as she thinks. While providing her with food, fresh water, and a clean litterbox will see to her most essential needs, there really is a lot more to good cat care than that. Read on as a local Mineral, VA vet goes over some of the top cat care mistakes.

Overlooking Signs Of Sickness In Cats

Cats are usually pretty hardy. However, that doesn’t mean they are invincible. Fluffy is susceptible to a whole slew of potential medical problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, parasites, and respiratory issues. Many of these issues are most successfully treated when addressed early. It’s important to know what to look for, and to just keep a close eye out for warning signs.

These include the following:

• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Weight changes
• Grooming problems
• Increased thirst
• Hiding
• Improper use of litter box
• Increased vocalization
• Behavior changes
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Hair loss
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Polyuria
• Limping or injuries
• Straining to urinate
• Weight loss
• Bleeding
• Weight gain
• Hematuria
• Pale gums
• Seizure

You may also notice behavioral changes. Fluffy may seem uncharacteristically grumpy. Or, if she’s normally aloof, she may go the other way and start acting clingy. Changes in your pet’s vocalizations can also be a red flag.

Contact your Wares Crossroads, VA animal clinic right away if you spot any of these warning signs. 

Letting Fluffy Wander

Most of the time, our advice to clients is very customized. After all, every kitty is different! However, when it comes down to general cat care, this is one thing we always recommend. Cats are really much safer inside, where they are protected from the hazards that they can encounter in the Great Outdoors. That list includes things like predators, weather, chemical spills, parasites, stray cats, loose dogs, raptors, traffic, and, sadly, some humans. Kitties are also at risk of getting lost. Play it safe, and keep your feline pal indoors!

Not Getting Your Pet Fixed

While the biggest reason to get your feline buddy spayed or neutered is to help reduce the population of homeless pets, that isn’t the only reason. There are also health benefits for both male and female cats. Plus, Fluffy will be calmer and better behaved. If Fluffy hasn’t been fixed yet, contact your Louisa County, VA animal hospital right away. 

Using Negative Reinforcement To Correct Bad Behavior

Kitties are both predators and prey in the wild. This is likely why they have such a unique mix of purrsonality traits. Fluffy may be absolutely fearless when it comes to pouncing on your toes, but she may also flee in terror if you bang a kitchen pot.

Your pet may bite or scratch you if she feels frightened or trapped, or perhaps just to take out the fact that she’s angry because she lost her catnip mouse on you. Or, she may jump on the counter, or perhaps scratch your chair.

One of the worst things you can do is punish your pet for mishaps. Cats don’t think the same way we do, so Fluffy won’t necessarily equate your reaction with her misdeed. She may just think you’re suddenly scary and angry, which can cause her to feel frightened, stressed, and defensive. This can start a downward spiral.

That isn’t to say you shouldn’t address bad behavior. You just have to do it carefully. For instance, if your pet is scratching at your sofa, don’t yell at her and definitely don’t strike her. Instead, clap your hands or stamp your foot. You can also say ‘No’ or ‘Bad Kitty’ in a stern tone of voice.

Lack Of Veterinary Care

As a pet owner, you’re responsible for your kitty’s health and well-being. That means making sure to keep up with your pet’s veterinary care needs.

These will change a bit over time. If you adopt a kitten, you’ll need to get your tiny furball started out on the right paw in life. You’ll need to bring little Fluffy in for her initial appointments. She’ll need a thorough exam, as well as a few rounds of vaccinations. For cats, the core vaccines include FHV-1, FCV, FPV, RV, and FeLV. Your vet may recommend additional vaccinations, however. 

Once your pet is all grown up, she may only need to come in once a year, for checkups and wellness care. Seniors do need more frequent visits, as do cats that are allowed out. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.

Not Petproofing

Fluffy is very playful, which is really cute but also can be a bit dangerous. Our feline pals do sometimes have a tendency to get into mischief. Actually, Fluffy is somewhat of a master of mischief. This is cute, but dangerous, as cats don’t know what is and isn’t safe for them. Actually, some kitties seem to be the most drawn to the things that aren’t safe. You’ll need to make sure that your home is safe for your cute pet.

Here are some of the things to address:

Toxic Products: This includes things like detergents, drain openers, paint, turpentine, cleaning products, automotive products and any other type of chemical. Anything that wouldn’t be safe for a toddler isn’t safe for a cat.

Unsafe Plants: Many kitties like to chew on greens. While many plants are safe or will only cause temporary issues, some are extremely dangerous. Lilies, for instance, are very deadly to our feline pals. Fluffy only needs to drink a bit of the water to get sick! Check the ASPCA site here for more information!

Small/Sharp Objects: This one is especially important for those with frisky felines. These items are choking risks, and can also cause serious internal injuries. Rubber bands and hair ties are also very dangerous, as these can cause serious internal injuries.

Ropes And Cords: We know, Fluffy is super cute when she’s batting at a string. Unfortunately, your pet could be in serious trouble if she were to swallow any of it. Because of the way cats’ digestive systems are situated, ropes and cords can wreak havoc on your kitty’s internal organs.

Ask your vet for more information on petproofing.

Not Providing Your Kitty With Toys

Did you know that cats can suffer from boredom and anxiety? We know, our feline pals are pretty lazy. However, kitties do need some ways to entertain themselves. Playing is good for your furry pal both mentally and physically! Make sure to bring home new things for your furry friend to bat around regularly. Cats all have their own tastes here, so you may need to experiment with a few things to figure out what Fluffy likes best. 

Not Offering Scratching Posts

The urge to scratch is very deeply engrained in our feline pals. Fluffy depends on her claws for survival in the wild, so it’s no surprise that she is instinctively driven to want to care for them. Provide your kitty with a good nail-care station! 

Lack Of Purr Activation

Last but not least, you also need to pay attention to your kitty! Cats are very emotional, and they can form very strong bonds with their humans.

Make An Appointment At Our Mineral, VA Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your feline pal in? Please reach out to us anytime. As your Cuckoo, VA pet hospital, we’re here to help.