7 Things You Should Absolutely Never Do To Your Cat

We just want to believe that we are the ideal pet parent, doing whatever we can to keep our furry friends happy.

Cats, on the other hand, can be deceptive animals, being sneaky or reluctant when it comes to expressing their true feelings. Plus, they speak a language that you do not understand, which means you'll need to learn it in order to properly care for them. Cats and dogs are two very different animals, but they both need certain things, the most important of which is affection!

There are a number of things you can never, ever, ever do to your pet. If cats are not handled properly, they may become depressed and scared of humans. Every cat is different and will need slightly different supplies. These 7 no-nos, on the other hand, should never, ever be a part of caring for a cat, young or old.

1. Subject Her To Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is believed to be harmful to all living things, including humans and animals. Smoking in close proximity to your pet can cause severe long-term health issues, including cancer.

2. Deprive Her Of The Outdoors

And if your cat lives indoors, there are always ways to get her outside. Keep the window shades drawn and the windows cracked just enough for her to see what's going on outside and feel the breeze, but not enough for her to be able to see what's going on inside. Hang bird and squirrel feeders by windows so your cat can see the birds and squirrels come and go.

3. Forget To Clean Her Water Dish

You can't just refill the water dish or even drain out the old water and cover it with fresh water — you'll need to clean the bowl's surface to remove the slimy coating that forms after just a day or two. Imagine constantly drinking from a slimy water bottle!

4. Ignore Body Language

Cats have a variety of ways of communicating themselves, but we can generally read their body language fairly easily. This may also be one of the first indications of a cat's unhappiness or fear.

There are occasions that she does not want to be picked up or touched, such as when she is stressed. She'll most likely lash out, putting both of you in danger. Take note of how much your cat wants to be picked up and honor the need.

5. Be Too Loud

This can be as simple as a cheerful greeting when you see them after work or shouting if they've done anything wrong. Cats are highly sensitive to sound, and if you are too noisy around them, they can become afraid of you.

6. Consider She's Feeling Fine

Cats are masters at hiding their discomfort, so you'll have to be on the lookout for any signs of it. This means paying attention to how vocal they are with you, as well as their energy levels, eating habits, sleeping habits, litter-box habits, body language, grooming habits, and physical appearance.

Cats aren't going to tell you whether they have a potentially fatal urinary tract infection or swollen gums, so keep an eye on them and make sure you take them to the vet on a regular basis. Changes in these behaviors may indicate distress, as cats may begin to cry or become quiet when they have lost a close friend.

7. Leave Her In Complete Darkness

Seasonal affective disorder can affect cats much as it can humans, so make sure your cat gets plenty of heat. You shouldn't ever leave your house in total darkness when you're gone, as this will make your cat feel abandoned. Keep a small light on to let her know you'll be back soon.

Is there anything on our list that we overlooked? Please SHARE with other cat owners and let us know in the comments!

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