Not Spaying or Neutering These procedures positively affect the animal's health. Spaying reduces the risk of breast tumors in female cats and testicular cancer in male cats. Additionally, such pets are less prone to aggression and running away from home. Bathing Frequently Cats are capable of grooming themselves and can wash without human assistance. Bathing can cause stress, and even some dogs do not like this procedure. If your pet gets dirty, it is better to use wet wipes. If bathing is unavoidable, wash only the parts of the body that are truly soiled. Ignoring Veterinary Visits Even cats that do not go outside should receive vaccinations. Living in an apartment does not guarantee that your furry friend will not get sick. It is recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian at least once every six months. Placing Plants in an Accessible Area for Pets Some houseplants are toxic to cats, and they may not be aware of it. If it is not possible to remove all plants, check whether they are dangerous for your animal. The most poisonous plants for cats include azaleas, daffodils, aloe, begonias, and calla lilies. Feeding Only Dry Food Dry food cannot fully satisfy your pet's hunger. A cat's diet should include wet food, which is recommended to be given several times a day. It is not advisable to switch entirely to wet food; let dry food be a snack throughout the day. Punishing for Bad Behavior Cats may exhibit undesirable behavior if they do not like their scratching post or if it is poorly located. If your pet is not using the litter box, it may signal illness or that the litter box is unsuitable. Punishing for this is not advisable; otherwise, you risk having a scared and irritable cat. Getting a Pet for a Small Child Children should not be left alone with cats, as they may harm them. Loud noises frighten cats, and they may become aggressive. If you decide to get a pet, monitor how your child interacts with it. Ignoring Their Right to Privacy Cats, like people, need a secluded place where they can rest from company. Make sure your pet has a comfortable and safe place to hide and sleep. Feeding Milk Kittens should drink their mother's milk, and if that is not possible, replace it with special milk alternatives. These can be products purchased from a veterinarian, goat's milk, or light cream with a fat content of up to 10%. However, during adolescence, cats undergo a change and start producing less of the enzyme necessary for digesting milk. Adult cats may develop lactose intolerance, and treating them with milk can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Removing Claws Declawing is a cruel procedure that is banned in many countries. During the operation, the animal's toe bones are broken, and then they are amputated. After this, the cat may experience pain in its paws when walking.
