The Top 7 most common mistakes that cat owners make

As a cat sitter and consultant I have the absolute pleasure of meeting many gorgeous cats and entering their homes. I have listed here the 7 most common mistakes that cat owners make. Are you guilty of any of them?...

1. Positioning the water and food side by side - Does you cat prefer to drink from the tap or a source in the garden rather than from the water bowl? A cat's water should be placed well away from its food. Cats will not drink water that is near food because in the wild their prey (food) might have contaminated the water. Water which is near food is considered dirty. Place the water bowl at the other end of the room to the food, or better still, in a different room. Have more than one water source. Consider putting one up on a table or bench.
2. Placing the litter tray close to the food and / or water - this point is similar to No. 1. Would you want to eat your dinner in the bathroom? No you wouldn't. Neither does your cat. Cats are incredibly clean creatures and so having a litter tray near their food or water causes them a great deal of stress and they might stop using the tray altogether. Place all three items (food, water and litter) well away from each other.
3. Over feeding or free feeding - I am always greatly saddened when I meet overweight cats and unfortunately it is all too common. Feed 2 small meals per day. Don't forget to take into account any treats that you might like to give your cat. You should be able to feel your cat's spine easily and, if looking from above, your cat should have a 'waist'. If you can't feel or see these then there's a good chance that your cat is a bit on the chonky side. See my previous blog post on why free feeding is not good for your cat.
4. Assuming cats don't need stimulation - As well as overweight cats, I often meet bored cats; and one often leads to the other. Cats are intelligent animals that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Don't underestimate your cat's need to fulfil the hunt, catch, kill, eat instinct which is still so strong in them.
5. Feeding cows' milk - Cats cannot digest cows' milk. If given often, it can lead to stomach upsets. Instead buy some 'cat milk' which can be bought from the supermarket. This applies to all dairy products.
6. Feeding all your cats in the same place - Unless cats were litter mates, they prefer to eat alone. Place feeding stations a good distance from each other.
7. Getting a new cat or kitten and just putting it with your resident cat and hoping that they will get along - Cats are extremely territorial and so bringing a new cat home can cause issues. Take time to introduce them properly over a couple of months. Consult a professional or book a consultation with me.

If you have any questions regarding the above points or would like a more in-depth explanation, then please contact me. I am more than happy to answer any queries that you might have.
(The photo is of my cat, Astrid, when she was brave and climbed up a bush for the first time!)

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