We all want what's best for our pets, don't we? As a veteran veterinarian (more than three decades in practice), I've looked across the exam room table at enough pet owners to know that the overwhelming majority truly are trying their best. Even when they don't take our recommendations - especially when they want to, but can't usually because they can't afford it.
But what if I told you that I can set your cat on the road to getting healthy and staying healthy with just a few simple don't-do-this tips? And what if I told you they were basically free?
5 Things to Stop Doing, Right Now I have your attention now, right? So let's take a look at my top five recommendations for things cat lovers should never, ever do.
1. Let your cat roam freely. Yes, I'm going to jump right in with the most controversial recommendation of them all. I know that in the United States, most feline behavior experts and veterinarians are strong advocates for keeping cats indoors. And I know, further, that a rather large proportion of cat lovers let their cats roam free. (Interesting fact: In the United Kingdom, it's considered downright odd to keep cats from roaming, and some would go so far as to say it's abusive.) And I know my advice may seem contradictory, considering that the only cats at our Almost Heaven Ranch are the barn cats. But as a veterinarian, I've seen enough cats hit by cars, attacked by dogs or coyotes, or poisoned - accidentally and intentionally - to know that when you let your cat roam, you're likely shortening his life. The quality of an indoor cat's life can be brought to parity with his free-roaming cohort by adding trees, toys and catios to his indoor space, or by allowing him into areas secured with cat fencing - while you keep an eye out for predators.
2. Punish or frighten your cat. The fastest way I know to ruin a relationship with a cat is to hit him, scare him, yell at him or in any way push upon him a negative impression of you. Simply put, punishment does not work to change his behavior, except in one specific way: It will leave him thinking that you're a horrible creature he ought to avoid. That means if you want to enjoy having a cat in your life, the best way to shape his behavior is with treats and praise. Why is this a health tip? Because cats who are afraid are stressed, and stress has been linked to illness. Cats like calm, predictable environments with calm, predictable people who let them be cats. A relaxed, happy cat will be healthier, and that will make you happier.
3. Overfeed your cat. If you think we veterinarians sound like broken records when we harp on the weight of the pets we see, well...we are. We're trying to think of ways to get through to our clients about how they are making their pets' lives miserable and shorter by lovingly giving them more food than they need. What else can we say or do to make you understand this? I'm pulling out my hair, and so are all of my colleagues. We're seeing cats in constant misery from weight-related feline arthritis, or we're being asked to euthanize cats with diabetes because the owners can't cope with the care. Please don't tell me that you've tried everything. Let us help find things you haven't tried. But mostly, try saying no to your begging pet. Cats can't open kibble bags or cans of food, and they can't hop in the refrigerator and help themselves to leftovers. You have the power to make your cat healthy. Use it. Use it now.
4. Use products made for dogs (or horses, or any other species, including people) on your cat. Tylenol can kill your cat. So can aspirin. So can flea-control products labeled for dogs. In fact, cats are super sensitive to so many things we don't give a moment's thought to that I will go so far as to say you should use only products that are labeled for cats (and read the label carefully: That same product might not be OK for kittens). The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's website has a comprehensive list of dangerous substances, as well as plants that can be harmful to your cats. And, of course, when in doubt, ask your veterinarian - she knows what's safe and what isn't for your feline.
5. Ignore your cat's litterbox. If you show me someone who claims to actually enjoy cleaning the litterbox, I'll show you a liar. OK, maybe an exaggerator. I know lots of people who don't mind cleaning the litterbox, but I've yet to meet one who'd honestly prefer it over a free day at Disneyworld. So, no, nobody really enjoys this essential task, but it's one you avoid at your peril - and your cat's. If you don't keep the litterbox clean, you're upping the chances that your cat won't use it, for obvious reasons. More importantly, though, cleaning the litterbox daily means you know what your cat's up to, what's normal and what's not. And because cats are so darn secretive with signs of illness or pain, cleaning the litterbox is one of the few ways to get the clues you need. So don't ignore the box: Keeping the box clean can keep you in the loop with your cat's health.
These five "don'ts" aren't the only ones I can offer, but I think paying attention to them will go a long, long way to giving you the power to keep your cat as healthy as possible. I still recommend regular wellness checks to help you to catch the things that are percolating below the surface, but if you make a practice of avoiding things that risky for your cat, he will have fewer health problems and will just be happier.
And so will you, which makes me happy too.
Follow these tips to have a fresh smelling home, and a healthy cat! Cleaning Up After Kitty Your fabulous feline may think cat hair is the ultimate accessory. If you don’t agree, start by getting a good vacuum cleaner. Look for one with strong suction that has a pet hair attachment. Don’t forget to vacuum chairs and curtains. Wear wet rubber gloves and run your hands over your cat’s favorite spots. Brush tape, sticky-side out, over your clothes. Buy pet bedding that’s easy to clean. And if your kitty goes outside, place a washable cushion where she goes in and out to catch muddy paws. Keeping Your Cat Clean Cats do a good job of cleaning themselves, but yours may need a bath if he gets really dirty -- or if someone in your house has allergies. Start by trimming your cat’s nails to prevent scratches. You can do it yourself with cat nail clippers -- ask your vet to show you how. Brush your cat to remove loose hair or mats. Use only shampoo for cats or kittens and keep water out of his face and ears. Dry him with a towel or blow dryer on low. Give him a treat at the end, so he’ll start to associate a bath with something pleasant. No More Fleas and Ticks No matter what type of flea prevention you use -- spot-on-the-back, flea collar, pills, or shampoo -- follow the directions carefully. Don’t use products for adult cats on kittens, and never use dog products on cats. Whether prescription or over-the-counter, don't touch treated areas until they're dry. Get Fleas out of the House If your cat brings in fleas, it’s time for serious cleaning. Vacuum every day, including upholstered furniture, cracks in the floors, and along baseboards. Then replace the vacuum bag or wash the canister in warm, soapy water. Wash or replace any bedding where she sleeps (including yours), and consider steam cleaning your carpets. Use a flea comb on your cat, and then treat her with flea meds. Flea sprays are better than flea "bombs" to treat your home. Loving the Litter Box Cats are creatures of habit, even when it comes to their litter. Some like the clumping clay kind without a scent. Try a little baking soda on the bottom to help with odors. Scoop litter at least once a day. Dump it all out and wash the whole box once or twice a week for clay litter or every 2 to 3 weeks for clumping. And while you may like liners and covers, your cat may disagree. Liners can interfere with scratching. And, to cats, covered boxes can stink like port-o-potties. Litter Box: Location, Location, Location Like people, cats want a little privacy when they’re doing their business. But they also like to keep an eye on their surroundings. Tuck boxes out of sight but make them easy to reach, preferably at least one per level of your home. Keep them away from hot or loud appliances and noisy kids. Cats have sensitive noses, so keep smelly litter far from their food. When Accidents Happen Cats would rather use a litter box, so accidents are a sign something’s wrong. If your kitty’s upset about a change in your home, give her a little extra TLC. Don’t yell or punish her -- that will make things worse. Accidents also can be a sign of health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or arthritis. Get her checked quickly before missing the box becomes a habit. Use an enzymatic cleaner to treat spots. Why Do Cats Spray? Spraying urine is how both male and female cats mark their territory. The urge is strongest if they haven't been fixed, so try to neuter or spay cats by age 5 months before the behavior starts. Stress can make your cat spray. So can scented cleaners, if he wants to cover the strange smell. Feed or play with him in areas he’s prone to mark. Keep likely targets -- new things, guests' belongings, and items he's already sprayed -- out of reach. Keep Food Safe Both people and animals can get food poisoning from spoiled pet food, so treat your cat’s food like you do your own. Don’t buy damaged packages. Store food in sealed containers. Refrigerate leftover wet food right away. Replace dry food every day. Wash your hands well after you feed your cat. Keep her food and dishes away from areas where you prepare and serve your meals. When You're Allergic to Your Cat As long as your allergy’s not serious, you don’t need to give up your kitty. Keep her out of your bedroom, and buy bedding made for people with allergies. Use air cleaners with high-tech filters. Special anti-allergy room sprays can clear the air, too. Avoid dust-catching rugs, curtains, and cloth furniture. Clean your house (and cat) often. Better yet, get someone else to do it. And talk to a doctor -- preferably a cat lover -- about medicine that will help. Should You Declaw? Declawing is much more serious than just removing a cat's nails. It usually involves taking out the last bone of each toe and can mean a life of problems for them. There are easier options. Cats need to scratch, so give yours scratching posts and toys. Teach them what’s off limits by using a squirt gun or noisemaker, not by yelling or swatting. Can Cats Make You Sick? It’s rare for healthy people to get sick from touching cats. Wash scratches and bites right away with water and mild soap. Always see a doctor for any bite, or if a scratch gets infected (red or swollen). Always wash your hands with soap after you clean litter boxes. If you’re using litter that can’t be flushed, throw away scoopings in sealed plastic bags. Cats and Babies Give your cat time to get ready for a new baby. Let him explore the nursery and get used to new smells like baby lotion. If you have to move his litter box, do it gradually. Let him get comfortable, but don’t let him nap on the nursery furniture. Cats cuddling up next to newborns can make it hard for babies to breathe. Close the door or tent the crib when your baby’s asleep to keep kitty out.
The need to train a cat to eliminate in the right area arises in many situations, including when adopting a new cat, bringing an outdoor cat inside and getting a new kitten. Training a cat to eliminate in a litterbox sounds easy, and for many cat owners litterbox training is hassle free. But for those who face the challenge of their cats going in places such as carpeting and bedding, teaching them to use the proper area can seem like a monumental feat. Here are some quick tips for training your feline, from kitten to mature adult, to eliminate in the litterbox. 1. The first thing to do if you cat isn't using the litterbox is visit your veterinarian. There are numerous reasons cats may resist going to the litterbox, which are medically related. Your veterinarian can be a valuable resource in helping ensure that your cat eliminates in the right areas. 2. Keep the litterbox in an area separate from your cat's food and water, since cat's are naturally clean and unlikely to use the bathroom where they eat and drink. Ensure litterboxes are in easily accessible locations, such as rooms the cat freguents. The more out of the way litterboxes are such as in the basement, laundry room or garage, the less likely they will be used. Keep boxes on the ground for easy access, rather than high up and hidden. 3. Try different litterboxes. In general, most cats prefer uncovered boxes. The optimal size for a litterbox is at least as long as the cat from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter as opposed to highly scented versions. 4. If your cat has an accident, use a pet-safe cleaner with enzyme-eating properties on the area to destroy the scent, which can prompt your cat to eliminate in the same place in the future. If your feline leaves only small amounts of urine, lower in volume than his normal elimination, or if he marks on vertical surfaces, the behavior may be linked to spraying. Spraying is different from inappropriate elimination outside the litterbox, and specific techniques, including reducing stress for the feline, need to be used to end the behavior. 5. Feline pheromones spritzed around your cat's living area can help calm your cat when you are adopting a new cat or during the transition from outdoors to indoors, further e encouraging proper litterbox use. Feliway is a synthetic pheromones that simulates the cheek pheromones in a cat that provide the feline with a sense of well-being and safety. The less stress a cat feels, the less likely he is to express stress through inappropriate elimination.
