Unsuitable Cat Care: Spoiling Your Pet Beyond Repair

Cat ownership is akin to raising a child; it requires discipline. One cannot indulge cats excessively, allowing them to act as they please, for this can lead to a host of bad habits that may even strain the bond between the cat and its owner.

One such bad habit is when cats bite. Often, this behavior is inadvertently encouraged by the owner. Consider these scenarios:

Do you frequently use your hands to play with your cat?

Are you prone to touching your cat's sensitive areas?

Do you continue to indulge your cat after it has bitten you?

Do you simulate prey with your body, like swaying your arms or toes in front of your cat?

If you can relate to any of these, you might be surprised to hear that you might be partly responsible for your cat's biting habit.

When you play with your cat, especially by moving your hand within the range of 10 to 20 centimeters from its whiskers, you're mimicking a vulnerable prey. Cats are naturally drawn to such movements, mistaking your hand for a potential meal or a toy, and thus, they may bite.

Simulating prey with your body can have the same effect. Cats are attracted to regular, rhythmic movements, and they may pounce on them, thinking they are catching a real prey.

Additionally, if you indulge your cat after it has bitten you, especially when it was young and learning its limits, you are reinforcing the behavior. Cats may not differentiate between gentle and firm bites, and it's crucial to correct this early on to prevent the habit from worsening.

Lastly, avoid touching your cat's sensitive areas, such as its belly, paws, or tail, especially if the cat is not fully trusting you. It's best not to provoke these areas unnecessarily.

Cats can also be picky eaters, a problem often exacerbated by overindulgence. If your cat loves a certain type of food, you might give it to them without limits, thinking it's the best for them. However, this can lead to picky eating habits.

Here are some solutions:

Feeding your cat at designated times and removing the food bowl after a set period.

Limiting treats and ensuring a balanced diet to prevent picky eating and malnutrition.

Being firm and not catering to your cat's every demand to avoid spoiling them.

Ignoring your cat's attempts to beg for treats, ensuring it understands that it must not rely on them.

Cats can also disrupt your sleep schedule, either by partying at night or waking you up early. This behavior is often a result of hunger, boredom, or a desire for attention.

When your cat wakes you up, and you respond by giving it food, you're actually reinforcing this behavior. If you consistently respond positively, your cat will continue to repeat the behavior, expecting the same outcome.

Instead, you should ignore your cat's attempts to wake you up. If you don't respond, your cat will eventually learn that this behavior is ineffective.

Cats may also rummage through the trash, often in search of leftover human food. This behavior is not only dangerous for the cat but can also lead to picky eating habits.

Here are some solutions:

Never feed your cat human food, even if it persists in asking for it.

Stop your cat from rummaging through the trash by using deterrents like citrusscented air fresheners, doublesided tape, or water.

Keep the trash in a place where your cat cannot reach it, or use a trash can with a lid.

Remember, every action and response we have with our cats can either reinforce or discourage their behavior. It's essential to be mindful of our interactions to ensure a harmonious relationship with our feline companions.