What to Do and What to Avoid as a Cat Parent

Are you a new cat parent? A beginner in this place and nervous about how to handle your cat right?

Don’t worry. Caring for a cat is nothing but a will to consistent effort.

Today, I am going to share with you what to do and what to avoid as a cat parent. Things that most cats go wrong! 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s become a little more confident cat parent today—

The Do’s and Don’ts of Owning a Cat and Winning Its Heart

Photo credit: Amiya Nanda

You might have been a cat parent for years, knowing all the guides to take care of a cat, but do you know what makes you win the heart of that little furball? Well, there are a few do’s and don’ts you would never want to miss— 

The Do’s

1. Provide clean water and nutritious food daily 

Photo credit: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová

Just like humans, cats need clean water and nutritious food to stay healthy, strong, and able to lead a fit life. As cats are obligate carnivores, they need a diet that is rich in protein along with necessary minerals, vitamins, and proper hydration. 

So, provide your cat with cat foods, treats that are rich in protein, and fulfill their needs for minerals. 

It’s also important to maintain food hygiene. So, try to change your cat’s water bowl every day. Talk to your cat’s vet to prepare a proper diet plan for its personal requirements. For mineral needs, you can feed your cat chicken stew, and even give saline solution when it’s hot outside. 

2. Schedule regular vet visits 

If your cat is not getting sick or not showing any sign of illness, it does not mean it’s perfectly healthy and fit. Remember, cats are master at hiding their illness. Therefore, even if your cat does not have any signs of illness, it’s recommended to visit the vet at least once every six months. Have a full-body health checkup, share information with the vet, so that you can figure out any serious health issues before they become risky for your cat. 

3. Offer scratching posts and toys 

Photo credit: [A] [B] [S]

Have you caught your cat scratching your sofas? It’s not because they’re being naughty, but it is one of their instinct. Scratching helps cats stay stress-free, maintain better claw health, and mark their territory. To help them stay stress-free, provide your cat with enough toys. This will help them stay active and be mindful. Besides, you can create various cat scratching posts around the house so your cat can scratch whenever they want. 

4. Keep litter boxes clean

We all try our best to keep our cats safe from parasites. We keep the house clean, avoid letting them play in soil, and do everything we can to prevent parasite eggs from entering their bodies.

Yet, many cat parents still struggle with recurring worm problems—even after following all the right steps. What most pet parents don’t do is maintain letter box hygiene. It’s the most overlooked cat hygiene that often gets 

It’s essential to change your cat’s litter box daily and wash it at least once a week. This helps prevent any parasites from making your cat’s litter box their home. Washing the box with warm water, and the tight cleaner can reduce your pet’s parasite infection the most. 

👉Learn about the cat care routine you should do daily! 

5. Brush your cat regularly

According to Blue Cross, average cats shed around 112 grams of fur every day. That’s quite a lot since cats groom themselves by licking their coats; there’s a good chance they’ll swallow some of that loose fur.

So, how do you prevent problems like hairballs and digestive discomfort?

Vets recommend brushing your cat’s coat at least once a day. Regular grooming not only reduces the risk of hairballs clogging up the intestines, but it also keeps the digestive system healthier overall. 

Moreover, you can give your cat a shiny, soft coat and lower the chances of fleas or other parasites making a home in their fur by brushing regularly. The best part is, cats also love to be brushed and want you to do so as well!! So, why not take that chance to be closer to your furry friend?

The Don’ts 

What does a cat need in a home?

A room full of thousand-dollar toys? Or unlimited treats? 

Well, to win a cat’s heart, here are some things you should avoid. You don’t need to spend more. Instead, these small initiatives are all you need to make them feel valued— 

1. Don’t punish for natural behaviors 

Cats scratch furniture, jump on counters, or even meow in the middle of the night. It’s not because they’re being “bad,” but because that’s how cats naturally behave.

However, punishing a cat for these instincts (like yelling, spraying water, or physically scolding them) doesn’t teach them what to do. Instead, it just creates fear and stress in them. In fact, your cat may start hiding, avoiding you, or even acting out more because they don’t understand why they’re being punished.

So, what could be a better approach to handle your cat’s natural behaviours? Just redirect your behaviour!

Yes, it’s true! 

If your cat scratches the sofa, place a sturdy scratching post nearby. If they love climbing, get a cat tree or shelves.

Adjusting your behavior and the environment according to your cat’s behavior helps you make a stronger, unbothered bond with your cat. This way, you can easily teach them alternatives, without even trying to change who they are.

2. Don’t overfeed—obesity is a major health risk 

I know it’s so tempting to give in when your cat gives you those “feed me” eyes.

But overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes cat parents make. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s 2022 Pet Obesity U.S. Prevalence Survey, 61% cats are considered obese!

Obesity in cats is a serious health risk nowadays. Overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, liver problems, and heart disease. Even carrying that extra weight also shortens their life expectancy and reduces their quality of life.

So, while giving your cat an extra reward, count on it. Measure its weight often and try to follow that track! 

3. Don’t assume indoor cats don’t need enrichment 

Cats are known as more self-sufficient animals than other pets, like dogs. However, they still require special attention and care.

In fact, they need to do regular activities to stay physically and even mentally fit. Try to keep your pet active by playing with them for at least one hour a day. However, if you have a very busy schedule, you can give them some attractive toys to keep them entertained! 

There are various types of cat toys and cat playing posts, like wall runners and puzzle feeders.  These are specially designed to attract your cat’s natural playing instinct and keep them active. Besides, you can also arrange a bird-watching show 

4. Don’t Let Your Cat Play with Yarn or String

Cats love to play with stringy things like yarn! It attracts them the most as scientists believe it gives them the feel of their wild enemy snake! 

However, as most cats tend to swallow strings or yarns, it can lead them to serious health conditions. Even your cat might need surgery at times, to fix the harm to your cat’s digestive system caused by the string or yarn

So, it’s better to keep things like this in a safe place that’s out of your cat’s reach. 

👉Learn more about what to do and what to avoid as a cat parent.

Conclusion

No one becomes an expert cat overnight. I know it’s exciting to care for a cat. Yet, learning little by little helps you grow into a confident pet parent. It takes time, patience, and understanding between you and your cat. The do’s and don’ts of owning a cat make this journey smoother.

With each step, you’ll feel stronger and more confident in giving your cat the love and care it deserves. Remember, caring for a cat is an ongoing process. 

You’ll make mistakes, learn from them, and get better every day.

Just hold on to that spirit, and let your love for your cat grow day by day!