7 Things You Should Never Do With a Cat (If You Like Peace in Your Life)

Cats. They’re adorable, cuddly, and full of personality—until you mess up and they decide you’re no longer worthy of their love.

Living with a cat can be the best thing ever… as long as you avoid making these rookie mistakes. Trust me, your cat’s side-eye is not something you want to earn.

Let’s get into it.

1. Don’t Declaw Your Cat. Just Don’t.

First thing’s first, declawing is straight-up cruel. It’s not just “removing claws,” it’s amputating the ends of their toes.

Yep, their toes. Imagine losing the tips of your fingers. Sounds awful, right?

Cats that get declawed often end up in pain, can’t walk right, and might even get cranky.

There’s no excuse. Scratching your couch? That’s what scratching posts are for. You can even buy those little claw caps if you’re desperate. Honestly, though, if you’re not okay with scratching, why’d you get a cat in the first place? 😉

2. Don’t Forget the Litter Box Routine

You wouldn’t want to use a dirty bathroom, right? Cats feel the same.

A stinky, overflowing litter box is an open invitation for your cat to say, “No thanks,” and do their business elsewhere. And by “elsewhere,” I mean your favorite rug. Or your bed. You’ve been warned.

Scoop daily. Change the litter weekly. And if you’ve got more than one cat, add more boxes. They don’t like sharing. It’s not hard, people. Keep it clean, and everyone’s happy.

3. Never Punish Your Cat (Like, Ever)

Here’s the thing: Cats don’t understand punishment. Yelling? Spraying water? Tapping their nose? All it does is confuse them and make them think you’re a jerk.

Cats don’t act out of spite; they’re just doing cat things.

If they scratch the furniture, it’s because they need to scratch. If they jump on the counter, it’s because they’re curious. Instead of punishing, redirect. Give them something better to scratch or climb. You’re smarter than a cat. I hope.

4. Overfeeding? Don’t Do It.

I know, I know. When they meow and look at you like they haven’t eaten in a week, it’s hard to say no.

But overfeeding your cat is setting them up for a lifetime of problems. Obesity, diabetes, joint issues—you name it.

Stick to portion sizes. Most cats don’t need more than a half cup of food a day. Treats? Keep it minimal. They’re not starving, no matter what their dramatic behavior suggests. Trust me, a healthier cat is a happier cat.

5. Don’t Force Cuddles (Unless You Enjoy Being Ignored)

Cats love attention—on their own terms. If you try to pick them up or cuddle them when they’re not in the mood, you’re basically asking for them to disappear for the rest of the day. Cats have boundaries. Respect them.

Want snuggles? Wait until they come to you. It’s way more rewarding than trying to wrestle affection out of them. Plus, fewer scratches. Win-win.

6. Ignoring Health Problems? Big Mistake.

Cats are sneaky when they’re sick. They’ll act like everything’s fine until suddenly, it’s not. If your cat’s eating less, sleeping more, or using the litter box differently, don’t just shrug it off. Cats don’t get “off days.”

Call the vet. Better safe than sorry. Regular checkups are a must, too. I get it, vet bills can be annoying, but it’s cheaper than dealing with a major issue you ignored for too long.

7. Don’t Let Them Get Bored

You know what a bored cat is? A destructive cat. If your cat doesn’t have toys, scratching posts, or windows to look out of, they’ll find their own entertainment. Spoiler: It usually involves your stuff.

Get some interactive toys, play with them every day, and give them space to climb and explore. They’re not houseplants; they need stimulation. A little effort goes a long way.

Oh, and a Few Things You Should Always Do

Since we’re on the topic, let’s balance this out with a quick list of “always” tips.

Always keep fresh water out. Always give them places to nap (sunny windows = bonus points). And always make time to play with them. Cats might act independent, but they still need love and attention.

Treat them right, and you’ll have a happy cat who might even tolerate your presence. 😉