Cats, as loyal companions of human beings, are closely related to us. However, many cat owners may inadvertently make mistakes that seem insignificant but actually cause long-term harm to the cat's health during the process of raising cats. This article will reveal six common cat raising misunderstandings and provide professional advice to help cat owners give cats a healthier and happier living environment.
Misconception 1: Give cats tap water
Many cat owners may think tap water is convenient and can drink it directly for the cats. However, tap water may contain harmful substances such as chlorine and lead, and long-term drinking may cause burden on the cat's kidneys. In addition, tap water may also contain parasites and bacteria, increasing the risk of cats getting sick.
Professional advice: Provide filtered drinking water or bottled water for cats to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the water source. At the same time, change the drinking water regularly to keep the water source fresh.
Misconception 2: Keeping cats very fat
The obesity problem of cats is getting worse, and many cat owners mistakenly think that the fatter the cats are, the cuter they are. However, obesity not only affects the appearance of a cat, but also may cause various health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Professional advice: Reasonably control the cat's diet, choose high-quality cat food, and avoid overfeeding. At the same time, increase the amount of exercise of cats, such as playing, walking, etc., to help cats maintain a healthy weight.
Misconception 3: Not providing enough water source
Cats’ demand for water cannot be ignored, but many cat owners may ignore this and do not provide sufficient water source for cats. Long-term lack of water may cause problems in cats' kidneys and urinary systems.
Professional advice: Make sure cats have fresh water at any time, place water bowls in multiple places at home, and encourage cats to drink more water. At the same time, pay attention to the moisture content in the cat's diet and choose cat food that contains appropriate amount of moisture.
Misconception 4: Ignore psychological needs
Cats are not only pets, but also animals with emotional needs. Ignoring the psychological needs of cats may lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and even cause behavioral problems.
Professional advice: Pay attention to the emotional needs of cats and give them enough care and company. They can meet their psychological needs by interacting with cats, providing toys, etc. At the same time, pay attention to creating a safe and comfortable living environment for cats, so that they can feel at ease and relax.
Misconception 5: Not brushing cats' teeth
Oral health is crucial to the overall health of cats, but many cat owners ignore the importance of brushing cats' teeth. Long-term failure to brush your teeth may cause oral diseases in cats, such as tartars, gingivitis, etc.
Professional advice: Brush your cat's teeth regularly, and you can choose toothbrushes and toothpastes designed specifically for cats. If the cat is unwilling to cooperate, you can consult the advice of a veterinarian or professional and take other methods to maintain the oral health of the cat.
Misconception 6: Frequent bathing cats
Cats are naturally afraid of water. Frequent bathing may not only cause cats to have stress reactions, but may also damage their skin barriers and increase the risk of illness.
Professional advice: Cats usually do not need to take frequent baths unless they have special skin problems or special needs. Generally, taking a shower every two to three months is enough. If your cat is unwilling to take a bath, you can use dry cleaning powder or other cleaning products to keep them clean.
In short, raising a cat is not only a living habit, but also a responsibility. Cat owners need to pay attention to the physical and mental health of the cat and avoid falling into the above misunderstandings. By providing a safe and healthy living environment to meet the physical and psychological needs of cats, we can make cats live a happier and healthier life. It’s still time to change now, let’s work together to become better cat owners!