By Angela Pollock

Even the most well-intentioned cat owner can make mistakes with their pet’s care. In many cases, it’s not a case of neglect but simply not fully knowing all that it requires to care for their cat – until it’s too late.  The top 5 common mistakes cat owners make may seem like common sense. Surprisingly, there are many cat owners who think they are providing the best care for their pet but forget about one or more key elements in proper cat care.

Vet Care
A responsible cat owner will take their cat to the veterinarian when their pet is ill. But vet care goes beyond getting an antibiotic for the sniffles. Cat owners should also take their feline pet to the vet for annual check-ups. A vet may possibly find a potential health problem early during a routine exam thus preventing the condition from becoming worse. Yearly check-ups are also the time for updating vaccinations and checking for internal parasites.

Checking for Illness
In between yearly vet visits, cat owners should routinely check their cats for signs of problems. The best time to do a home check up of your cat’s body is during grooming or at least once a month. Look inside the ears, check the teeth, and physically rub your hand over the cat’s body to feel for bumps or anything out of the ordinary. Cats will hide that they are sick so owners should watch for changes in their cat’s behaviors including their eating and bathroom habits.

Identification
Cat owners often overlook the importance of proper identification on their pet especially if their cat stays indoors. A cat can vanish in the blink of an eye – it only takes one opening of the door.  An ID tag attached to a collar or a microchip quickly says “this cat belongs to someone.” A cat wandering without identification can be mistaken for a stray, dropped at an animal shelter, and re-homed – or worse, euthanized.

Deadly toxins
Just like toddlers exploring their environment, cats enjoy getting into places that they don’t belong. A person’s home is filled with poisonous substances that can be deadly to a cat. All chemicals should be kept out of reach of cats – almost impossible since cats can reach almost any place they choose. Cleaning products, bug sprays, and medications need to be kept behind closed doors – doors that a cat can’t open. And don’t forget about houseplants. Many indoor plants can be highly toxic to cats.

Spay and Neuter
Unless a cat owner is a breeder, all cats should be spayed and neutered. The biggest mistake an owner can make is thinking their indoor cat is safe from adding more to the already overpopulation of cats in the US. Female cats that come in heat will search for a way to find a mate. Male cats that get a hint of a female in heat nearby will try to get to her – it’s just their instincts kicking in and where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Most loving cat owners dote on their cat’s diet, living environment, and daily needs. They provide their feline with the best of care but sometimes overlook the little things. A cat can live a long and happy life, providing years of companionship - if the owner avoids these common mistakes cat owners make.