Mistakes that Shorten Your Cat's Life (Deadly Cat Sins)

Owning a cat is a big responsibility. Although every loving cat owner has the best intentions for their cats, some choices that seem harmless will actually shorten your pet’s lifespan.
In this video, we will talk about 16 common mistakes that can chop years off your cat’s life.

Not keeping them well-hydrated
Many cats don't like water so they don't drink enough of it. Because of this, they are more prone to developing health issues such as urinary crystals and kidney problems. To avoid the complications of dehydration, it's important to give them constant access to water in a way they find appealing such as water fountains, canned food, and multiple water bowls.
Giving them access to open windows
Every year, animal hospitals treat cats who have fallen from great heights, often out of windows of multi-story buildings. If you live in an apartment or high-rise building, don’t leave any windows open. Your cats’ natural instincts may kick in when they see a bird and they may jump right out of an open window to chase their prey, leading to a tragedy.
Stressing your Cat
Too much stress is harmful not just to humans, but also to your feline best friend. Research has shown that fear and anxiety can shave months off your feline’s life. Stressors to cats can come in ways you may not expect.
A sudden change in the family or household, loud noises, dirty litterbox, inconsistent routines, lack of mental stimulation, and forced confinement are among common causes of stress in cats.
Remember, having a good life and strong emotional bond with their families help cats live longer lives.
Not providing enough exercise
Cats need exercise just like humans and dogs do.
Be sure to spend at least 20 minutes per day engaging in interactive play with your cat. Exercise provides mental stimulation and ensures good muscle and bone health.
Bathing them
Cats are excellent at grooming themselves and they rarely need to be washed. If cats are bathed too often, they may lose essential oils from their fur, and it may even be a traumatic experience for them.
Not being picky about their food
We all need good nutrition to feel our best, and the same goes for our pets. Regardless of whether your cat eats wet or dry food, pay attention to the content.
Poor quality cat foods can cause allergies, skin irritations, and overall poor health. Cats are natural carnivores who need plenty of meat in their diet.
Overfeeding
Allowing your pet to eat too much is a habit that can shed years off your pet’s life. Recent reports indicate that over half the pet population is overweight. Obesity can bring with it a number of health issues such as joint problems, diabetes and an increase risk of getting cancer.
Poor hygiene
Cats are very clean animals. Poor hygiene practices can leave your cat susceptible to stress and diseases. Cleaning your cat’s feeding equipment and litter boxes on a regular basis will help them feel comfortable and prevent diseases.
Taking your pet to the vet less often than once a year
Vet bills can be expensive but taking your pet to the vet on a regular basis is simply part of being a good, compassionate pet owner.
Taking them to the vet for a checkup is the only way to ensure that your pet is as healthy.
Exposing your pet to second-hand smoke
Just like humans, felines’ lungs can’t handle smoke being blown at them all day. Second-hand smoke can be extremely harmful to pets, causing all sorts of health problems.
Forgetting essential care
Like humans, cats need regular dental care. Their teeth are often home to hundreds of bacteria and need to be brushed just like yours do.
Grooming is also important. It helps prevent hairballs, removes loose fur, and prevents matting and skin diseases. Long-haired cats should be brushed daily, while short-haired cats can be groomed about once a week.
And remember, almost all cats need to have their nails clipped. Regular nail trims helps reinforce healthy posture and foot structure, and reduces the risk of infection and broken claws.
Letting your cat roam free outdoors
Cats who roam freely can encounter a variety of dangers.
Cats outdoors are vulnerable to contagious diseases, parasite infestations, freezing, heatstroke, attacks by dogs and other predators, and being hit by vehicles.
Because of elements like these, research has shown that outdoor cats live only 2-5 years on average compared to 15-20 years for indoor cats.
Feeding unhealthy table scraps
Many foods that humans consume are extremely high in fats and sugars, compared to what our pets should be exposed to. In addition, certain human foods—such as garlic, onions and chocolate—can be toxic to cats if consumed.
Not protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworm
Fleas and ticks can cause skin irritation, severe allergic reactions and even carry diseases and lead to serious health problems in your pets. If you bring in ticks or even mosquitoes, your pet could be exposed to heartworms, Lyme disease, or even the plague.

[WindywithBnez]

I am so happy to get to learn about what shortens my cats life now my cat can have a healthy life I'm so happy 💗😊💗😊

[ElizabethDermody]

One of my cats are a rescue. She jumped out of a 4 story high window. She was on fire! 🐈‍⬛🔥 She jumped out the window, hit a tree on the way down and that (thank god) put the fire out. It was her back legs that were on fire. The poor thing. She hit the tree and then the fire man caught her in a blanket. She's lucky to be alive. She was the runt so she was small enough to get out the window because it was only open a tiny little bit. All the other cats died. Her owners died as well. :( I heard her story and I was in tears. Even the girl that was at the kitty shop was crying as she was reading me the story on her file. Even the vet (the woman I got my cat from) was crying like crazy as she was telling me the story. I couldn't help but to cry aswell and I got her file done that same day. I couldn't pick up the cat for another few weeks because she was to young. The reason I picked that cat was because she looked exactly like the one I had to leave in Kingston. (Long story) I lost a cat and I missed that cat so much that I was looking for another cat that looked exactly like her... and I did...But then the new cats story that's all that mattered. I (at that point) didn't even care of she looked like my old cat. I just wanted her because of what she went through.
Its a good thing I did that...This cat has some mental problems...Because of what happened...I had to focus on her back legs alot while she was growing up...I had to change my life style...Not be so loud and not have any kind of fires around. I had to get rid of my fire place. I had to get her meds for anxiety...And she scared me alot of the time because she would attack people for no reason. I mean really attack them. Then while she was attacking them she would pee and poop all over the floor while she was attacking. It was weird AF. The vet said it was a behavioral issue. So we got her help. Put her on anxiety meds and now she's okay. We decided to stop the meds because I don't believe in doping up a cat it's hole life. That's NOT right. So we slowly got her off the meds. NOT cold turkey. Now we do give her some here and there BUT only if she really needs it or we are going somewhere and have to bring her then we will give her some BUT we also decided that she doesn't need all those chemicals. So we tossed away the stuff full of chemicals that the vet gave us and we are now giving her CBD when things get real bad for her. It seems to be working. She is more settled down. Her coat is softer and she's losing.weigh. which is good because she got real fat after being fixed 🤣
But 2...Did I ever feel that. LOL

[zzzaaayyynnn]

So I'm doing a great job with my two cats according to this video. Good news!

[evan]

In other words, if you’re broke your cat will have a shorter life. It’s a sad world

[stevenlennaman]

My cats are indoor/outdoor cats and live to 18 to 25 years.

[gb.recordings]

I lost my cat November the 21st at 10:30 p.m. 2022 man this hurts so bad I haven't been the same since it happened I tried to get him to the vet on time me and my wife was running red lights to get to the vet but he died in my arms man this shit hurt

[bygR]

My cat lives and sleeps with me but also loves going outside to play. My last cat was an outdoor cat and he sadly died 3 years ago aged 19 years old. I do live in a very forrest like home, but all my cats have been outdoor cats and very happy. I think it depends on where you live. Thank you so much for these videos. Really interesting 🙂

[crystina]

Living with another cat is another must do!!! Its priceless so see them play together and groom eachoter and sleep and eat together!!!
I know some cats will not accept another in the house but it's worth trying to slowly introduce a companion in my opinion

[haleemamoin]

My cats enjoy drinking from wide mouth vases, I fill a few pebbles at bottom (washed sterilized), then keep them full of water . Wide bottom too so doesn't tip over, wide for mouth to reach in comfortably but not choke at throat, mid height, have them across the house on each floor . I change water every couple of days and top off water daily . I can see all 3 if them sipping away at various times . Washing out thorougly every few days keeps glass clean as well.

[stefanieb]

I adopted a thick short haired cat and she can't reach to groom herself so I have to bath her atleast 3/week. Or I'll use baby wipes to clean her areas but she really enjoy her bath and the whole routine

[Sharperthanu]

That's nonsense about brushing the cat's teeth.It's not natural for cats to brush their teeth.They also don't eat sugar.That's what stops cats from getting tooth decay.

[chinchilla_]

I love watching your videos and my cat i think hes arleady full grown but my dog who is in a better place now i will never forgot her❤

[fatcatbkk]

Good informative about cat. Thanks. We hope all cats are healty.😻

[erbz]

My baby boy Leon will always get the best treatment no matter what he needs I will buy him it money isn't important but the best life for my cat is :D

[ZangoolehAndSheida]

I take my cat to the vet for regular check-ups every two months, even though they told me I don’t need to. better safe than sorry.

[damiensisco]

Even humans without cats shouldn’t be smoking.

[chillsquid]

Does anyone know where I can find that green water fountain shown in the beginning? Many thanks in advance!

[sugarspiceneverythingnice]

My cat HATES dry food no matter what brand it is. So he gets 1 can of wet food per day but has access to dry food at all times

[jjackomin]

I've heard that clipping your cat's nails is not a good idea.

[NicoleNikki]

I will try to keep my cat away from second hand smoke. But the neighbors keep smoking near my windows. It got to the point I woke up due to smelling cigarette smoke. I don’t know what to do.