Our feline friends are known for being quite independent. Fluffy will clean herself daily, and she won’t need walks or training. However, kitties do have some specific care needs, some of which are often overlooked. Read on as a local London, ON vet lists some common cat care mistakes.

Poor Diet

Fluffy may look cute if she’s a bit pudgy, but those extra pounds are very bad for her health! Chubby cats face some very serious health risks, such as heart disease, liver problems, diabetes, and certain cancers, to name just a few. Overfeeding isn’t the only diet-related issue here, however. Many people give their cats things that just aren’t good for them. Ask your vet for specific advice, including portion control and safe snacks.

Not Enough Veterinary Care

Another common mistake is not taking Fluffy to the vet often enough. Your feline buddy should be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on wellness care. It’s also important to watch for signs of illness at home. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Letting Fluffy Roam

Kitties may enjoy sniffing grass, leaving paw prints on your windshield and refusing to come when called, but they really aren’t safe outdoors. Weather, traffic, predators, parasites, and even other cats all pose serious threats to outdoor cats. Keep your furry little explorer safe and sound inside.

Dirty Litterboxes

Dirty litterboxes are not only unpleasant to smell and look at: they also harbor germs. Keep Fluffy’s personal powder room clean!

Ignoring Fluffy’s Needs

Your feline pal’s mental and emotional well-being also play huge roles in her physical health. Kitties need entertainment and enrichment. Fluffy can get quite anxious if she has nothing to do but stare at the walls all day! Offer your furball plenty of toys, and play with her regularly. It’s also important to provide things like comfy napping spots, scratching posts, and the occasional bit of catnip.

Negative Reinforcement

Cats aren’t perfect, any more than we are. Sooner or later, your furry friend will do something that irks you, such as scratching your sofa. Never punish your furball for misbehaving. You may just frighten her or make her feel anxious. Fluffy is just following her instincts, and won’t really understand that she did something wrong.

Please contact us, your London, ON vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!