Punishing Them
Throwing your cat off the counter, throwing things at it, hitting it, and scolding it may signal that you’re angry, but it won’t understand why. Grabbing it and shoving its nose into a mess will leave it petrified. Fear often makes a cat’s behavior worse rather than better. Anger doesn’t teach your cat how to behave. It just teaches it to be afraid of you. A cat that doesn’t feel safe at home is more likely to run away at the first chance to find a new home.
Leaving Old Food Lying Around
Spoiled food isn’t any better for your cat than it is for you. It can lead to illnesses like food poisoning and pancreatic problems. Cats also appreciate being served fresh food. They don’t like it when food in their bowls sits out too long. This could be part of their finicky personality, or it could stem from an ancient instinct that protected their ancestors from eating rancid meat. Either way, cats feel appreciated and understood when their families respect their desire for fresh food.
Neglecting Them
Not giving your cat attention, affection, interaction, conversation, or playtime can make your pet depressed. Many people think that cats aren’t social animals, but this is far from the truth. Cats benefit from interaction and affection from their humans. Some cats are naturally affectionate, while other felines are more fearful of being held and petted.
If you have a fearful cat, be open to receiving affection from them and return it in kind.
Not paying attention to the small details
Never grooming your cat, ignoring frequent hairballs—which can signal a digestive problem—letting their claws get so long that they snag them around the house, not checking their ears for mites or infections even when they repeatedly shake their head. These are things that can be detrimental to your cat’s well-being. Remember, your cat is much more than a cute, fluffy pet to play with. They’re a living being with basic needs to stay happy and healthy.
