So that the human-feline relationship is equally beneficial for both, we must respect each otherThis means that, just as the cat respects our personal space, we must do the same for it, respecting its timing, its body language, and its... particular way of relating to the environment.
Our duty, as their caregivers, is of course Give it water and foodBut it's also very important that we do everything we can to make him happy. This involves understand their emotional needstheir natural behaviors and avoid actions that may cause them fear, pain, or chronic stress.
Therefore, it is necessary to know that there are a number of things that cannot be done to a catBoth physically and emotionally, we must ensure their well-being. Below you will find the most important factors, explained in detail, along with practical recommendations for living with them respectfully.
Things you should never do to a cat
Leave him alone for a long time
You may have heard that cats are independent animals and can live on their own for a week, needing only food and water. Well, this is false. Physically, nothing serious may happen to them for a few days, but emotionally that furry is not ready to spend so long without his family, for the simple fact that he has always lived with her and wants to be with her.
Cats need quality daily interactionPlay, social interaction if desired, scent exchange, and communication through meows and body language are all important. Simply leaving food in a bowl in the morning and forgetting about it all day isn't enough. It's preferable to divide the daily ration into several small meals, using interactive feeders or puzzle toys so the cat can... simulate hunting and foraging.
If the cat spends many hours alone, it's a good idea to enrich the environment with Scratching posts, tall shelves, rotating toys Every so often, and with safe windows from which it can observe the outside. A cat without stimulation, besides feeling lonely, can become bored and develop behavioral problems such as scratching furniture, excessive vocalization, or eliminating outside the litter box.
When you have to be away for more than a day, the best thing to do is Someone you trust should visit the cat. at least once or twice a day to feed him, clean the tray and, above all, dedicate a few minutes to gentle interaction and play adapted to his character.
Mistreat him (yell and / or hit him)
Although it may seem obvious, there are still people today who think that yelling at a cat will make it stop doing what it's not supposed to do, or that you can squirt it with water, shake a can loudly, or slap it to make it "understand." Nothing could be further from the truth. The only thing that the furry man will understand is that his human, the person he loves the most in the world, is making him feel bad.
Physical punishment, shouting, loud noises, or intentional scares only make the cat more aggressive. associate the person or environment with fearAvoidance behaviors, defensive aggression, urination outside the tray due to stress, or even health problems resulting from a sustained state of anxiety may appear.
Instead of punishing, it is essential to use positive reinforcementReward desired behaviors (using the scratching post, going to the litter box, coming when called gently, etc.) with petting, gentle words, or a healthy treat. When a cat does something inappropriate, there's usually a reason: boredom, fear, pain, lack of suitable resources, a dirty litter box, etc. The correct approach is Identify the cause and modify the environment, do not punish.
It's also unacceptable to "play" at scaring the cat to record funny videos, causing it to arch its back or raise its fur. Although some people may find it amusing, for the animal it's a... terrifying experience which can seriously damage your relationship of trust.
Pull his tail
Many parents let their children pull the cat's tail, and then are surprised if the feline "attacks" the little ones. This behavior is completely normal. he is defending himselfThe tail is a very delicate area, with vertebrae and nerves, and a sudden pull can cause intense pain and even injury.
If someone grabbed our arm and squeezed it tightly or pulled it out, we would defend ourselves too. That's why it's essential. educate the children From the beginning, children should be taught to respect the cat: no tail pulling, ear pulling, or forced hugs. They can be taught to pet it gently only when the animal approaches on its own.
Adults should also avoid picking up the cat roughly, lifting it without properly supporting its body, or immobilizing it against its will just "because." Every physical contact should be predictable, gentle, and respectfulalways letting the cat leave whenever it wants.
Give him a biologically inappropriate food
This, although it may seem obvious, is worth remembering often. A cat is a strict carnivorous feline, meaning that You should eat mainly quality meatIf no one would dream of giving a salad to a lion, let's not give our dear friend foods that his body doesn't need and that, in fact, could make him sick. allergies or digestive problems, such as feeds with excess cereals, sugars or poor by-products.
There is also human foods that are dangerous For cats: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, alcohol, caffeine, cooked bones, some sweeteners, and much more. It's also not a good idea to give them seasoned leftovers, fried foods, or sauces, as their digestive system isn't equipped to handle them.
Ideally, you should offer them a diet specifically formulated for cats, either a good quality commercial diet or a well-balanced homemade diet supervised by a professional, that meets their nutritional needs. animal protein, taurine, vitamins and mineralsAnd, in any case, always with fresh water available and clean containers away from their sand tray.
Not allow him to be a cat
The cat has retractable claws, fangs, and a body built for hunting, especially in low light. From a very young age, it dedicates a lot of time to perfecting its hunting techniques through play. However, humans sometimes do things we shouldn't: amputating their nails so they don't scratch, dressing them in uncomfortable clothes, not providing tall scratching posts where they can climb and control their territory, or expecting them to behave like a stuffed animal.
Instead of preventing him from scratching, you should provide him with stable and sufficiently tall scratching postsChoose scratching posts made of materials your cat finds pleasant (rope, cardboard, wood, or carpet, depending on their preference). It's a good idea to offer both vertical and horizontal options, placed in walkways and near where they usually sleep, as many cats scratch when they wake up.
It is also important to respect their need to observe from the heightsShelves, cat trees, and secure furniture allow your cat to visually monitor its territory and feel more at ease. Denying this can increase its stress and lead to conflicts with other animals.
Another common mistake is over-humanizing them: dressing them in clothes that restrict their movement, forcing them to stay in your arms for long periods, exposing them to loud noises (loud music, shouting, parties), or treating them like just another toy in the house. The cat needs quiet refuge areas where no one will bother him, as well as the possibility of deciding when he wants contact and when he prefers to be alone.
Other behaviors you should also avoid
In addition to the points above, there are many others everyday actions that can harm your cat without you being fully aware of them. Knowing about them will help you improve their quality of life.
- Disrespecting their physical limits: insisting on petting him when he moves away, touching sensitive areas such as his belly or the base of his tail if he is uncomfortable, or waking him up abruptly when he is sleeping.
- Forcing contact with other animals or peopleIntroductions should be gradual and controlled, always allowing the cat to retreat to a safe place.
- Ignoring changes in their behaviorIgnoring signs such as hiding more, ceasing to play, changes in appetite, or rejection of caresses may signify pain or illness.
- Exposing it to irritating odors or productsHighly perfumed cleaners, aerosols, tobacco or other strong odors are bothersome and even toxic to an animal with such a sensitive sense of smell.
Cats make excellent companions, and we should be the same for them. This means that, as their human guardians, we need to... to know what your cat needs to be happy and what we should avoid so as not to cause discomfort. Every small, respectful gestureEach game adapted to their character and each decision you make thinking about their well-being strengthens the bond and creates a home where your feline can feel safe, understood and truly loved.
