Punishing them:
Throwing your cat off the counter, hitting it, and scolding it may signal that you're angry, but it won't understand why. Grabbing it and shoving its nose in a mess will leave it frozen. Fear often worsens a cat's behavior rather than improving it. Anger doesn't teach your cat how to behave; it simply teaches it to be afraid of you. A cat that doesn't feel safe in its home is more likely to run away at the first opportunity to find a new one. Leaving old food lying around:
Spoiled food is no better for your cat than it is for you. It can lead to illnesses such as food poisoning and pancreatic problems. Furthermore, cats 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 fussy personality or stem from an ancient instinct that protected their ancestors from eating rancid meat. In all cases, 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 cats aren't social animals, but that's far from the truth. Cats benefit from interaction and affection from their humans. Some cats are naturally affectionate, while others are more fearful of being held and petted.
If you have a fearful cat, be open to receiving affection from it and return it in kind.
Not paying attention to the little details:
Never grooming your cat, ignoring frequent hairballs—which can signal a digestive problem—letting their claws grow so long they snag on the house, not checking their ears for mites or infections even when they repeatedly shake their head. These are things that can harm your cat's well-being. Remember, your cat is much more than a cute, fluffy pet to play with. It's a living being with basic needs to stay happy and healthy.
Disturbing them while they eat:
It's natural for cats to be alert if there's a lot of noise and activity around them at dinnertime. A noisy, busy place can cause stress and prevent cats from eating, or force them to eat too quickly. If you're playing loud music, your children are playing their new video game at full volume, or you're shouting from room to room, this will disturb your cat while it's eating. A quiet, peaceful place allows cats to eat in peace.
Don't neglect providing mental stimulation
. A bored cat is a sad cat. Humans can do many different things in their lives, but your cat is limited by the environment you provide. This means it's up to you to offer your cat activities. Cats need plenty of mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Try playing with them more often or providing toys that will keep them entertained while you're at work.
If you live in a small apartment, consider adopting a second cat. Having a companion to play with and interact with can go a long way in keeping indoor cats stimulated and happy. The two cats will grow up together and feel less lonely.
