These are the 9 most frequent mistakes among those who live with cats common mistakes made by new cat owners how to approach Cat handle, and pet cats as well as how best to deal with difficult cats
They have been branded as independents .
But the cats like people much like dogs . Something that could be corroborated by anyone who shares a residence with them and who also notes the science. But this is not the only myth around these animals.
Many of their masters may overlook some basic aspects for their well-being and, with the best of intentions, comment on some errors that can be harmful to the animal.
Popular wisdom has been responsible for perpetuating false cliches around felines and many of them may be affecting their character and health :
from training them, unconsciously, to scratch them, to exposing them to potentially dangerous plants for them.
The following are some of the most frequent mistakes among those who live with cats and the habits you should change if you do not want to tarnish coexistence with the cats .
1. Calm him if he is on the defensive (or on the offensive)
The attack is the second problem of feline behavior more common, experts say . “ Understanding what cats want to communicate through their body language is essential for feline parents. This will allow them to understand their feelings and motivations.
It will also help them respond effectively to behavioral problems such as aggression, ”they share from ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty).
The body language of cats is interpreted through their postures, facial expressions and the position of certain parts of the body such as ears, tail and even whiskers.
For example, if you keep your hind legs rigid with your butt raised and your back tilted down toward your head, you are in an offensive position.
As if maintaining a direct look or ears vertically, with the back slightly turned forward. “The golden rule is not to touch, or try to reassure or punish those who show these positions,” they add. If these behaviors occur repeatedly, the recommendation is to see a professional.
2. Have plants at home (without assessing their toxicity)
Some of the plants that are common in homes can be toxic to cats. “They are sensitive to poisoning by different species, some extremely toxic, such as the genus Lilium or Dieffenbachia ; although there are many that to a lesser extent can also be harmful
Although for the poisoning to occur, the amount that the cat must ingest has to be very high, prevention must be sent, and it is better not to have them within reach. “The metabolism of cats, compared to that of dogs, is deficient in certain routes, and therefore they are more susceptible to a greater number of potential toxins , or even medications,” explains the veterinarian. In the association of Spanish veterinarians AVEPA you can consult all the harmful flora for cats .
3. Give orders
Calling the cat to order with claps, screams or other strident sounds can have an undesirable effect on the animal. In addition to being a threat to them, due to their hearing sensitivity, these types of attitudes do not work with their character.
“It does not respond to orders as a dog can. The relationship he establishes with humans is more about accustoming or tolerance.
The confrontation, punishment or screaming are not effective with them. The important thing is to develop habits , respecting their needs, ”says Lázaro.
4. Feed them only with feed
A frequent mistake is to feed the cat dry only, because cats have a hard time drinking enough liquid . “The cat, due to its origin of semi-desert areas, is well adapted to the lower consumption of water, but in the long term it can favor the formation of urinary stones or other pathologies if they do not take adequate fluids,” says the veterinarian.
Combining the dry diet with the wet one ensures greater water absorption. “This prevents pathologies and benefits your urinary system,” says the expert.
5. Let him play with bobbins of thread
We have seen the image of a cat playing with clews or bobbins of yarn replicated hundreds of times. However, it is not a suitable object for these animals. “ Disorders occur with some frequency by ingesting what, technically, we call foreign bodies. Among them are cords of all kinds, plastic or rubber objects , and even textile materials, ”says Lázaro. The recommendation is to prevent them from playing with objects that can be swallowed.
6. Stimulate it with your hands
Cats enjoy all games that simulate hunting, but it is extremely important that they do not do so with parts of our body, such as hands, feet or legs. The reason is that they can later lead to a very complicated type of aggressiveness to solve, ”says the veterinarian. As an alternative, the balls work, the dolls that can bite or have their own movement, or the reeds with a lure at the end.
7. Leave food free bar
It is true that some cats know how to manage their food rations. However, “there are many copies that eat more than necessary, being a frequent cause of obesity, ” says Lázaro. In these cases, it is essential to offer only your ration.
When it is not possible to go home to feed them, a good solution is dispensers that release regulated portions of food throughout the day.
8. Offer milk
As much as we have seen in many movies and cats enjoy the sweetened taste of milk, this is not a food indicated for them. “In general they do not need it once they have passed their lactation phase, appearing in many cases lactose intolerance (more frequently than in humans). It is important to note that cow’s milk has much less fat and protein than cat’s milk , and much more lactose, so even in puppies it is not indicated, ”says Lazaro.
9. Shave it
Cats are a clean species by nature, and their body has resources to ensure good grooming. “The cat is a species that maintains optimal hygiene, the result of continuous grooming and the peculiar conformation of its tongue with ‘spines’.
Therefore, it is not usually necessary to take additional measures on their fur, much less shearing, ”says the veterinarian. As indicated, the only case in which it could be indicated is in very long hair breeds, such as the Persians, when knots are created and in very bad condition
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