
Cats are fantastic pets, but new cat owners should be aware of some common missteps. We’ll go over 15 mistakes to avoid to keep your cat healthy and happy. From health and diet tips to setting up a cat-friendly home and understanding your kitten’s behavior, we’ve got you covered.
Declawing your outdoor cat.

Because of risks like other animals and cars, outdoor cats usually don’t live as long—often less than five years—compared to indoor cats, who can reach 18 or even 20 years. Keep your outdoor cat safer by leaving their claws intact. They need those for defense. If they end up in a scuffle with another animal, not having claws to scratch with could mean serious injuries.
Sticking to dry food all the time.

If your cat has trouble with having food out all day and ends up overeating, try wet food at mealtime. It’s got more moisture, which is better for their kidneys. Talk to your vet about how much and how often you should be feeding your cat. And while we’re on the topic of your furry friend’s diet, what exactly does catnip do to cats?
Leaving food out all day.

A shocking 60 percent of American cats are overweight or obese, as per the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. What’s to blame? Leaving a bowl of food out all day. If your cat’s kibble is high in carbs, they’ll just keep snacking. After months of doing this, it’s no surprise your cat could end up putting on some extra weight.
Feeding them too many carbs.

Sorry, vegetarians, but you should put your personal beliefs on pause for your cat’s sake. Cats are hardcore carnivores, and their bodies aren’t made to process plant-based food. Grab a grain-free, meat-based diet so they get the protein they need. If you’re concerned about animal rights, look into brands like Open Farm, which use ethically sourced proteins.
Skipping regular vet visits.

Even if your cat seems totally fine, it’s still a good idea to take them to the vet at least once a year. Don’t let your cat’s fear of the carrier stop you from keeping up with their health. Your vet might catch things like kidney problems, thyroid issues, diabetes, or even inflammatory bowel disease—stuff you might not notice. Also, make sure to tell your vet if your cat’s showing signs of being down or depressed.
Not vaccinating your indoor cat.

Almost every state requires pets to get rabies vaccines unless the vet says there’s some medical reason not to, and just because your cat stays indoors doesn’t mean it’s safe from diseases like rabies or leukemia. Your cat could slip outside, and even cats that are supervised can catch Feline Leukemia just from getting close to another cat.
Cooking your cat’s meals yourself.

If you want to know exactly what’s going into your cat’s food, think twice before making it yourself. Home-cooked meals often don’t provide all the nutrients your cat needs, so check out a site like balanceit.com for recipes you can trust. Besides using vet-approved recipes, remember that you should never feed your cat milk.
Not giving your cat a proper shelter.

If your kitty’s going to be out and about at night, you’ll want to make sure they’ve got a weatherproof shelter to stay safe from the elements, especially on those cold winter nights. Set up something cozy with enough insulation to keep them warm. And don’t forget heated water bowls—water can freeze super fast in cold weather, so make sure your cat always has fresh water to drink.
Ignoring vomiting or health signs.

Chronic vomiting is one of the most ignored health issues in cats. If your cat’s throwing up, it could be anything from manageable hairballs or food issues to more serious stuff like heart disease or kidney failure. Along with keeping an eye on the vomiting, look for other signs that might point to cancer. If the vomiting keeps happening, take your kitty to the vet for a check-up.
Forgetting flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Just like with vaccines, you can’t believe your indoor cat is safe from pests. If you bring in ticks or mosquitoes, your feline friend could be at risk for Lyme disease, heartworms, or even the plague. Open doors and window screens aren’t foolproof. A simple monthly preventive medication can be a lifesaver for your indoor kitties.
Overlooking changes in your cat’s behavior.

Even though vomiting might seem like a big red flag, there are other little signs your cat could be showing. Keep an eye out if your cat’s hiding more, whining, or if their appetite changes. If your cat’s acting off, it’s a good idea to let your vet know. The vet can run blood tests to make sure everything’s working right so you can catch any problems before they get worse.
Having dangerous plants around.

Those lilies might look great on your coffee table, but they won’t be so pretty if your cat decides to munch on them. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals records hundreds of plants that are toxic to cats, so bringing them into your home could be risky for curious kitties. Before buying any plants, double-check that they’re safe for cats.
Not spaying or neutering your cat.

Kitten season isn’t just some myth—it happens every year, causing shelters to get overcrowded with cats and kittens looking for homes. This can often be avoided by spaying or neutering at the right time. Cats can get pregnant as early as 4–6 months old, so don’t wait. Talk to your vet about the procedure to help prevent unexpected litter.
Slacking on grooming.

Even though cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves, you still need to take care of a few areas. Besides keeping their claws trimmed, check and clean their ears and teeth and brush their coat. Groom your cat at least once every week to avoid those nasty ear mites, dental problems, and too much dander.
Letting hairballs build up.

Hairballs are a common issue for all cats. Long-haired cats may deal with them more often than short-haired ones, but they’re a problem for every breed. Cats swallow loose hair while grooming, which forms a hairball in their stomach. Usually, they’ll throw up the hairball every now and then, but you can help prevent them by brushing or de-shedding your cat regularly.