7 Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make (And How to Fix Them)
Cats, huh? They’ve got that whole “I do what I want” attitude down. It’s one of the reasons we love them, but also why owning one can be a little tricky 😉
People assume they’re super low-maintenance, but honestly, there’s more to it than just tossing food in a bowl and calling it a day. So, yeah, mistakes happen.
I’ve made some, you’ve probably made some, and let’s be real: your cat has already judged you for it. But hey, we’re all learning. Let’s talk about the seven most common mistakes of cat owners.
1. The Litter Box Fiasco
Here’s the thing: cats are basically obsessed with cleanliness. Their litter box? It’s got to be just right. Too dirty, and they’ll find somewhere else to go. Somewhere you don’t want them to. Ever had a cat pee on your bed? Yeah, not fun.
The Fix: Keep it clean, people. Scoop daily, and give it a full scrub-down every week. Use unscented litter—none of that flowery-smelling nonsense. Also, put the box somewhere quiet and easy to access. Oh, and if you’ve got multiple cats, you need multiple boxes. One box per cat, plus an extra. It’s math, but for cats.
If you don’t know how to do it efficiently, here’s a good hack!
2. Skipping Vet Visits
Cats are sneaky. They’re experts at hiding when they don’t feel good, so it’s easy to miss when something’s wrong. Plus, let’s be honest: getting them in the carrier is a nightmare. It’s like wrestling with a furry tornado.
The Fix: Just suck it up and take them to the vet at least once a year. Older cats? Maybe more often. And pay attention to any little changes in their behavior, like eating less or hiding more. It’s better to overreact than miss something important.
3. Forgetting They Need Playtime
Think your cat is lazy? Nope, they’re just bored. Cats are predators at heart, even if their biggest hunt is usually a feather on a string. Without enough play, they’ll either destroy your furniture or keep you up at 2 a.m. with zoomies.
The Fix: Play with your cat every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Toys like laser pointers, wands, or even a crumpled-up paper ball can do wonders. Rotate their toys so they don’t get bored. And if you’re really feeling fancy, try one of those automatic toys that move on their own.
4. Overfeeding or Free-Feeding
Leaving food out all day seems like a good idea, but it can quickly turn into a problem. Some cats will eat until they’re the size of a small dog. Others might just nibble and leave you wondering if they’re getting enough. Either way, it’s a balancing act.
The Fix: Stick to scheduled meals. Portion out their food based on their age, weight, and activity level. If you’re not sure, ask your vet. Treats are fine, but don’t overdo it—no matter how cute they look when they beg.
Here’s a good video about maintaining your cat’s weight!
5. Ignoring Dental Health
Be honest: have you ever thought about brushing your cat’s teeth? Most people haven’t. But dental issues are a big deal for cats, and ignoring them can lead to all sorts of problems, like bad breath (yikes) or even infections.
The Fix: Start brushing their teeth if you can. Use cat-specific toothpaste—never human toothpaste, unless you’re looking for a vet bill. If your cat won’t tolerate brushing (shocker), try dental treats or toys designed to help clean their teeth.
6. Not Cat-Proofing Your Home
Cats are curious creatures, which is adorable until they get into something dangerous. Toxic plants, electrical cords, open windows—they’ll find all the hazards you didn’t even know you had.
The Fix: Do a sweep of your house. Get rid of toxic plants (or at least move them out of reach). Use cord protectors and make sure your windows have secure screens. And don’t leave anything sharp or stringy lying around—cats love to chew on things they shouldn’t.
7. Expecting Them to Be Dogs
Cats aren’t dogs. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people expect their cat to come when called or act excited to see them. Cats show love in their own way—sometimes by staring at you from across the room like a serial killer.
The Fix: Learn to appreciate your cat’s quirks. They’re independent, sure, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Just don’t take it personally if they’d rather nap than cuddle.
FAQ: Cat Ownership Questions You Were Too Afraid to Ask
1. Why does my cat knock things off tables?
Because they can. Seriously, it’s part curiosity, part fun, and maybe a little bit of spite. They’re testing gravity, and your patience, at the same time.
2. Do cats really need wet food, or is dry food enough?
A mix is best. Cats need moisture in their diet, and dry kibble alone doesn’t cut it. Wet food also tends to be closer to their natural diet, but dry food is good for their teeth. Balance is key.
3. Why does my cat bring me dead animals?
Congratulations—you’ve been promoted to hunting buddy. They’re sharing their “kill” with you as a sign of affection (and maybe to teach you how to hunt, because apparently, you need help).
4. Can I train my cat to do tricks?
Yes! Cats can learn tricks like “sit,” “high-five,” or even “fetch.” Use treats, keep training sessions short, and be patient. And don’t be surprised if they act like it’s their idea.
5. Is it okay to let my cat outside?
That depends. Outside is full of risks, like cars, predators, and diseases. If you want to let them explore, try leash training or a catio instead.
6. Why does my cat meow at me all the time?
They’re talking to you! Cats don’t usually meow at each other—just at humans. They could be hungry, bored, or just looking for attention. Or they might be roasting you for not understanding them.
Final Thoughts
Owning a cat isn’t as simple as it looks, but the effort is totally worth it. Cats have their quirks, sure, but that’s what makes them so fun.
Mistakes happen—you’re human, and they’re, well, cats. Just do your best to keep them healthy, happy, and out of trouble. Whether they’re curled up on your lap or plotting your demise from the bookshelf, your cat is lucky to have you.
And deep down? They know it. Probably. 😊
