Cats have a reputation for being easy keepers. However, Fluffy really isn’t as independent as she wants us to think. Just like any other animal, kitties need love and good care to thrive. Read on as a local Matthews, NC vet lists some common cat care mistakes.

Attention Done Wrong

Cats are always happier when they feel loved. However, there is definitely some fine print to this one. If you pay too much attention to Fluffy, she may feel a bit stifled. Then again, if you don’t pay her enough attention, she’ll feel lonely. Try to spend quality time with your pet every day, but don’t force attention on her.

Dirty Litterboxes

No one likes a dirty bathroom! Keep your pet’s litterbox clean. If you have more than one furball, you’ll need more than one litterbox. Cats don’t like to share.

Lack of Veterinary Care

Many of our furry patients don’t see us anywhere near as often as they should. Fluffy should be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept up-to-date with examinations, vaccines, and parasite control products. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

No Scratching Posts

Keep in mind that cats have very different needs than we do. Fluffy has a deep, instinctive urge to scratch. In the wild, those claws would be crucial to her survival. Don’t punish your pet for following her natural instincts. Offer her a suitable scratching post, like a cat tower.

Letting Fluffy Roam

Our feline friends are skilled hunters. Well, some of them are, anyway. Even though cats are predators by nature, they are still vulnerable to illness and injury. Keeping your kitty indoors will protect her from cars, weather, and other hazards, and will greatly reduce—or even eliminate—the odds of her being lost or injured.

Poor Food

Good nutrition is key to your kitty’s health! Offer Fluffy a nourishing, high-quality food. Ask your vet for nutritional advice, including portion sizes and suitable snacks.

Lack of Kitty Luxuries

Cats really don’t need much to be happy. Make sure your feline buddy has lots of toys, a few pieces of pet furniture, and a comfy window seat with a good view. These are some of the finest thing in life as far as Fluffy is concerned! Please feel free to contact us, your local Matthews, NC vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!