21 Ways You Are Hurting Your Cat Without Realizing

In this video, we will talk about 21 ways you are hurting your cat without realizing

Feeding your cat the same food
If you feed your cat one particular type of food for their entire life, they can develop a very strong food preference for that single brand and flavor.
Brand preference is no big deal until you need to change your cat’s food. Even if you think that you won’t change your pet’s diet, you can’t predict when a medical diagnosis might require dietary changes. For example, many cats face kidney problems as they age which require a change of diet.
If you give them the same food all their life, it can be very difficult for them to accept a new food.
Using physical punishment
Although there may be situations that make you lose your patience, it is important to remember that punishment should never be the way to discipline a cat. It doesn’t work. It actually does the opposite of what you want. It causes them stress and they will only become afraid of you.
Cats do not understand the reason for your anger. When you punish them, they have no idea what they have done wrong. And because cats don’t understand that certain behaviors are undesirable, punishment may feel random and inconsistent to them, which can cause them stress, anxiety and fear. It also brings distrust of humans. They can begin to show rejection or even aggression toward you.
One of the best ways to discipline a cat is to reward them when they do something right. The reasoning behind this is that the cat will associate the good behavior with getting a treat.
Lack of hygiene
Cats are very clean animals and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. A dirty environment makes them stressed and even irritates them, especially if it is concentrated in places where they often hang out, like their litter box, their bed, and their food and water bowls.
A food bowl with leftovers that has a bad smell, a litter box that has not been cleaned, or a dirty bed, will provoke cat-like anger and unwanted behaviors, such as insistent meows, hisses, and depositions in unsuitable places.
Yelling when your cat misbehaves
Yelling is another thing you should never do when disciplining your cat. IYou're just freaking out your pet. Especially when you are upset about something that has happened a while ago. Cats live in the moment and are incapable of associating any punishment with an action that occurred in the past.
You assume that your cat is happy to sleep all day.
Cats are born to kill and hunt prey. We are bringing these natural hunters indoors into our small homes expecting them to live happily without exercising their instincts.
If you don’t provide them any constructive way to exercise, engage their hunting instincts, or mentally stimulate them, your cat will develop behavioral problems. They will get bored, accumulate a lot of energy, making them stressed and anxious.
Letting your cat eat everything
Most people give their cats human food, thinking they are being caring. But, giving cats human food isn’t good for them. Your cat’s digestive system is very different from yours just as their nutritional requirements are different. Make sure to avoid feeding them human food.
Sticking with dry food
Many cats don't like water so they don't drink enough of it. Because of this, they are more prone to developing urinary crystals and even kidney problems. More often than not, this can be prevented simply by adding wet food to your cat's diet.
Thinking That Cats Always Land on Their Feet
This is a common misconception that often leads to injured cats because many cat owners take it literally.
Never ever hold a cat upside down and then drop them to see if they manage to flip over. And make sure your cat doesn’t have access to open windows, and that they can’t fall from your balcony.
Every year, animal hospitals treat cats who have fallen from great heights, often out of windows of multi-story buildings.
Assuming that cats are low-maintenance
As with any other pet in your house, cats need particular care with their vaccinations, deworming treatments, suitable hygiene, mental stimulation, socialization and physical activity. Neglecting any of their needs can lead to health problems.
Assuming indoor cats can’t get fleas or other parasites
Fleas and ticks can cause skin irritation, severe allergic reactions and even carry diseases and lead to serious health problems in your pets. And you can’t assume your indoor cat is safe from pests. Doors open and window screens aren’t foolproof. If you bring in ticks or even mosquitoes, your pet could be exposed to heartworms, Lyme disease, or even the plague.
Common signs that a cat might be suffering from a flea infestation are intense and frantic scratching or biting, patchy hair loss, or lethargy.
Simple monthly preventive medications and anti-flea treatments will kill any fleas that may have found their way onto your cat.

[mietowecygarety]

As a person who suffer from depression and severe anxiety, since I got a cat, I started trying to take care of myself and clean my room and house

[adashastew]

To say cats don't know when they've done something wrong is soooo FAR from truth. Don't underestimate their intelligence 😼

[isupportthecurrentthing]

My cat absolutely knows what "No!" means. He gets mad when I tell him no, because he's spoiled.

[MaryLBenfield]

We started keeping the water bowl in the shower because my cats love to knock all of the water out. When I started doing this, they began drinking from the faucet and now every time I walk into the bathroom, they’re waiting patiently for water. Made a world of a difference in how much they consume every day.

[christinesexton]

I have an extremely strong bond with my cat. He trusts me totally & acts similar to a dog. He comes running when I call him. He waits by the door when I leave. Stays in the bathroom while I shower, goes on walks into the woods with me & rides in the car. He knows to stay on my right when we go up stairs. He's a flame point Siamese & he's extremely intelligent. He knows when he does something he shouldn't & even plans on it when I turn my back. He sleeps so close to my face his whiskers tinkle my cheek. Its also true about the dental hygiene. I didn't know until I had to spend $1, 000 on dental care. Buying a good quality cat food can help keep them healthy as well.

[tamararutland-mills]

I disagree with the issue of cats knowing/not knowing what they have done wrong. I have the easiest, most gentle & sensitive cat in the world. All I ever have to do is tell her NO over a behavior for her to drop it. If she does it again, I make a little disapproving noise like: eeh, eehh! She KNOWS exactly what she is doing wrong and quits!

[harleymyers]

My cat 100% understands when she does something wrong. She does that shit on purpose while staring me in the eyes. I love her

Edit:this is the most likes I’ve ever gotten. I wanna give thanks to my baby girl Oreo. We’re famous baby!

[somethingginterestingg]

Biggest pro tip is the water fountain. Our male cat kept having urinary issues and it was very scary. The water fountain not only makes him drink a LOT more water but he is constantly entertained by watching it

[itzumetric]

I am guilty of way to many of these things, I'll try to treat them better and share this video to my family.

[eternalfloweru]

I have a senior female cat name "Kitkat" & ive had her since she was a kitten. In the past, Ive usually had boy cats because, female cats can be moody divas lol. I also have a daschund whose 14 years old whom i have had since he was 1 year old. When they were both young, as i walked my dog Max, Kitkat would walk with us. I never inagined I was also teaching Kitkat do her businezz outside. I always kept a litter box but she never used it. Instead she would let me know she wanted to go outside. Over the years, I always talk and sing to my animals. Kitkat is a moody diva but ive realized she is reflection of my personality. She always has to sleep near me( most, times i wake up and she is sleeping on my hip lol. ) I thought i saved them but realized they have saved me. I love them as my children and its been an honor and so awesome to cultivate their personalities.

[dashcamandy]

The very few times my Juliette has done something unacceptable, she's always responded to VERY gentle scolding, clearing my throat, or even just a disapproving look. She always comes back a minute later and apologizes, and never repeats her transgression.
By and large, she is perhaps one of the best-behaved cats I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Doesn't scratch at the furniture, walls, or carpeting. She won't even jump onto the furniture except for my bed. Yes, I know I'm the luckiest mobile can opener a cat could ever have. Whomever the human piece of excrement that abandoned her as a kitten lost out on an amazing pet - but perhaps they did her a favor.

Fun fact: positive reinforcement not only works for cats, but for most animals, and humans too.

[amonra]

I was a nurse in an animal hospital and I can tell you that one of the most common injuries are cats falling out of highrise windows. A cat can die from a 3 story fall.

[PhokingLegend]

Cats are so misunderstood and often lead to them being mistreated.. I love my two cats and they are the light of my life. This helps me learn more about my cats

[kerria]

My cat definitely knows right from wrong because he only does bad stuff when we're not around and when he hears us coming he jumps down and runs away so fast 😅

[notyouraveragephsychopath]

I just got a kitten and have been researching nonstop. This helps me so much thank you!!

[lizzysbeautyshowetc.]

My little Lucy orange Persian just turned 23 years old, I had her when she was only 6 weeks old

[sanjuktamitra]

Don't change your cat food brand abruptly. They take time to adjust to brand or flavor changes. My cats got sick too. My vet told me to not experiment with food. Cats are way too sensitive.

[rosieday]

If you treat your cats with kindness and respect they will treat you the same!

[kitzkitzcatz]

I fed my cat dry food for 18 years, he passed a couple days ago from kidney failure, that probably played a role in it along with old age...

[nerdd-com]

You must discipline them sometimes. Our kitties know the stove and kitchen counters are no-cat zones. If they go someplace that's dangerous for them I hiss at them. They understand hissing. The big cat's not happy. It works if it happens right in the moment and they can easily associate it. It's also incredibly important to follow on with positive reassurance once they are out of the no-fly zone.