15 things you should NEVER do with your cat

If you've just adopted a kitten, know that they have their own needs, just like any other pet. So there are some attitudes you shouldn't have with them. Here's a list of 15 things you should NEVER do with your cat. If you already do any of them, start rethinking. Continue reading and find out.

15 things you should NEVER do with your cat

Among what you should not have as a habit with regard to your pet are:

1 – Not taking care of your basic well-being

You must keep your cat free from hunger, thirst, malnutrition, discomfort, pain and disease. In addition, you must allow yourself to express yourself and avoid suffering from fear and stress.

2 – Don’t take it to the vet

This is something that under no circumstances should you do with your cat. The pet needs to consult annually with a veterinarian to find out if you are healthy. You should also update your little friend's vaccination and deworming record. Finally, if you notice a sudden change in behavior, you should immediately seek medical attention.

3 – Punish or scold excessively

Keep in mind that cats don't have the same sense of context as humans. Therefore, he does not understand the reason for his anger. He might start to distrust you and even reject you. Not to mention that this will be very stressful for the animal and will only make the situation worse.

4 – Not paying attention

Your cat needs you to spend time with him. But it's not just sitting next to you, it's spending quality time. He needs you to play, exercise, and have stimulating activities. Otherwise, the kitten will be bored or have too much energy built up. Both situations are bad for him.

5 – Not respecting the limits

We know cats are cute, but you don't have to be. affectionate too much with yours! Especially if he doesn't like lap, kisses and hugs very much. Sometimes the best way to show your pet that you love him is to respect his space. Understand when he wants to play, receive affection or just be left alone.

6 – Perform deungulation

Deungulation is a surgical intervention that removes the last phalanx of the cat's paws, as well as nails, joints and nerves. The idea is to disable the animal's claws, so that it does not scratch the tutor or objects in the house. However, it is extremely painful and stressful for the animal. In addition, the claws have several functions in their daily lives. The best way to prevent him from scratching the house is to educate your cat.

7 – Humanize the cat

This is one thing you shouldn't do with your cat! Remember that they are animals, not human beings. In this way, they have needs and behaviors that are different from ours. Rethink if the treats and gifts you give the kitty are satisfying for him or for yourself. Also, consider whether you don't expect him to act a certain way just because you want him to.

8 – Putting the kitten in stressful situations for no reason

Some attitudes that the tutor may have with a cat can lead to stress and should be avoided. An example is playing with a laser. It may seem like fun to us, but it's torment for them. Cats should only play with things they can catch.

9 – Not educating the cat

You shouldn't overly scold your cat, but you shouldn't let the situation get out of hand either. For a harmonious coexistence, the cat must understand that there are rules in the house where it lives. So don't hesitate to correct destructive behaviors and habits - know the right way here. If you do nothing, the animal will not understand that what you are doing is wrong.

10 – Smoking near your cat

If cigarette smoke is harmful for us, imagine for kittens. In the long run, they can develop serious health problems. Also, smoke particles can stick to the animal's fur and they end up being ingested when they lick themselves.

11 – Treating cats like toys

In many homes, cats are treated like stuffed animals or toys, especially by children. It is necessary to explain to the little ones the importance of respect for animals and supervise the games.

12 – Giving the cat inappropriate food

You should NEVER do this to your cat! Just like us, cats also need proper nutrition. Do not give your pet ultra-processed or sugar-filled foods such as cookies or chocolate. This harms their health in the long run. Buy treats suitable for your pet.

13 – Expose the cat to very loud noises

This is very stressful for cats, because their hearing it's very potent. He needs to have a quiet area in his house. This is precisely why it is completely inadvisable for him to have a rattle on his collar, as the sound can be too loud for them.

14 – Dress them up with accessories

If you are thinking of purchasing any clothes or accessories for your kitten, consider carefully. Know how much the animal will like it. Also assess whether or not it is comfortable for him, or if it hinders his mobility in everyday life.

15 - Leave it

Finally, if you are not aware of the responsibility of having a kitten, do not adopt the animal. Many of the abandoned animals end up dying because they don't know how to survive alone. If they're lucky, they go to a shelter, where they don't always have all the necessary resources for a full and happy life.

Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.