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Common Mistakes Of Cat Owners… And How to Avoid Them
There are many common mistakes of cat owners that often results in cats being adopted in a rush without a full understanding of what owning a cat entails. What is worse is the common mistakes that cat owners make once they have already brought home a kitten or a cat. Let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes of cat owners.
Adopting in a rush
Adopting a living creature, such as a cat, requires thought and consideration. You can not purchase a cat on impulse like you can with other items.
Not understanding the costs of cat care
There are financial needs that your cat will require, including basic needs and some emergency funds. Any adoption agency or pet store will want to first make sure that you can provide for your cat.
Failing to spay and neuter a cat
It is essential that you spay or neuter your cat. Male cats will spray every surface in your home if they are not neutered as well as the outdoors. If your male cat does go outside, he will engage in fighting other male cats for alpha position and to control his territory. Female cats tend to yowl loudly during their estrus, as well as get pregnant with litters of unwanted kittens. There is no reason not to spay and neuter – it’s a must.
Not providing needed veterinary treatments
Cats can recover quickly from minor ailments; however cats can also quickly perish if there is an emergency. It is required that your cat have vaccinations as well as annual exams to ensure their health. Choose a good, qualified veterinarian when your cat is a kitten, when you first get it, and take them in immediately for an exam and vaccinations.
Buying inexpensive cat food
There is a false sense of savings with economy cat food – the money that you save will be spent many times over at the vet. Cats require protein in their diets and inexpensive economy cat food does not provide the essentials they need in their diet. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food to choose for your cat that will assuage further complications and health problems.
Declawing your cat
Many new cat owners see the first scratches on the sofa and immediately think declawing. Some vets consider declawing to be a routine surgery when in fact it is cruel and is an act that maims your cat by amputating a part of their ‘toes’.
Allowing your cat to go outside unattended
Many cat owners believe that a cat requires and needs freedom outside, however cats can be healthy and happy indoors. Allowing your cat to go outside unattended or off of a leash offers many dangers, most of which are not debated. There are plenty of compromises, so choose the one that works best for you.
Neglecting the litter box
Cats will use a litter box all the time if you keep it clean. Maintaining the litter box is the safest and healthiest way for your cat to defecate indoors and will keep your cat going where they should be. This is a common mistake of cat owners.
Cats are not property
Cats are pets, and are a member of your family. While you may ‘own’ your cat, it is similar to another human being. Many cat owners will tell you that they are owned by their cat!
Not allowing your cat to be a cat
Cats are unique and are different from dogs and children. Cats scratch and seek out high places because that is part of who they are, not because they are smiting you.
While these common mistakes of cat owners plague the world, you can be sure to treat your cat right by avoiding these mistakes.
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