You might accidentally be hurting your cat if you're doing any of these common things

You don’t know until you know.

You might accidentally be hurting your cat if you're doing any of these common things
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By Alexandra Elizabeth
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A cat truly is a unique member of any household. After all, where else are you going to find a fur-covered creature that can go from calm, purring angel to a thrower of tantrums in under five seconds flat? And even though you love your little agent of chaos dearly, it turns out it’s way easier than you might think to overlook certain things that can keep them from feeling their best. Everything from diet to playtime can play a big role in their overall health and happiness. But don’t sweat, because here you’ll find common cat ownership pitfalls and ways to avoid them, so you can have your feline feeling fine in no time.

01

Neglecting their oral hygiene

Fix: A dental toy that’s as fun as it is healthy

Ensure your cat’s canines look their best with this plaque-busting dental toy. Stuffed with catnip, it’s twisted into an engaging pretzel shape, making it fun to chew and bat around. On the outside, there’s a clever mesh covering that helps buff away tartar and other debris from your pet’s teeth.

02

Not giving your pet a chance to unwind

Fix: A silver vine & catnip blend that’s ultra potent

Let your cat relax and go a little wild with this catnip and silver vine blend. Since it comes in a shaker bottle much like a spice container, you can easily dispense it onto their favorite toys and scratchers alike for an energetic burst and a calm come-down. And because silver vine is known to be even more powerful than catnip, you can still use this blend even if your kitty isn’t super reactive to catnip.

03Fix: A tower toy with rotating balls for chasing

This three-tier cat toy is the perfect thing to keep your feline occupied and engaged. It consists of three levels that house a total of six colorful ball toys that your kitty can bat, spinning them round and round. And not only do the balls stay locked inside their rows for a continuous challenge, but the tower itself is sturdy, too, thanks to the nonslip base.

04Fix: A plush cat house with multiple hangout zones

If you’ve got more than one kitty — or want to give your cat options — this two-level cat house ensures there’s plenty of room to hide and lounge, thanks to the luxurious rooftop level. This cat house comes with lots of interactive features, including a scratching pad on the side and a dangling fur toy in the entryway. It even folds up flat for easy storage.

  • Available colors: 10

05

Letting matted fur get out of control

Fix: A brush specially designed for longer coats

Matted fur can tug on your cat’s skin, making it an uncomfortable annoyance, but that’s where this self-cleaning slicker brush comes in. It features long, stainless steel bristles that effortlessly loosen knots and mats, especially in long-haired cats. And it’s convenient for you, too, since with the push of the button you can retract the bristles and easily wipe away the fur.

  • Available colors: 2

06

Putting their water in a regular bowl

Fix: This fountain that tempts your pet to drink

Hydration is so important for cats, and experts state they many felines prefer running water to still, since they may associate it with cleanliness — so make the switch to this cat water fountain ASAP. It boasts a frosted transparent tank that makes it easy to monitor the water level, and even features two modes — a trickling stream and a bubbling fountain. As a bonus, it also comes with a built-in filtration system for optimal freshness.

  • Available colors: 6

07

Not giving them places to perch

Fix: A cushy window platform that’s easy to install

Cats like heights because it can make them feel more secure, so set up this cat window perch and let them take in the view from a new vantage point. Simply secure it in place with the adjustable screw clamps and you’ve got a sturdy, wide base on which they can curl up and nap. And since the removable cover is machine washable, it’s easy to clean as well.

08

Living with your cat — but not bonding with them

Fix: The interactive treats that reviewers are obsessed with

Unlike some treats, this squeezable puree is meant to be hand-fed to your feline little by little, almost like a push pop or tubed yogurt. That way, the activity becomes a shared bonding experience that can enhance trust and bring you closer together. They’re a fan favorite on Amazon, where they boast a stellar 4.8-star overall rating after 34,000 reviews. And since they come in tons of flavors like tuna, chicken, and beef, you’re bound to find one your cat will love.

09Fix: An easy-to-use water additive with dental benefits

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to tackle oral hygiene, this dental-care water additive can help. Most impressively, it doesn’t involve wrangling them for a toothbrushing session, because all you have to do is add one cap of this formula to 2 cups of water in their regular bowl. The enzymes and additives in the tasteless solution help fight the bacteria that causes bad breath as well as plaque and tartar.

10

Forgetting to nurture their hunting instinct

Fix: An engaging bird toy with flapping wings

It’s important to provide your pet with lots of enrichment, and this flapping bird toy can help, as it stimulates cats’ natural hunting reflexes. This plush, stuffed bird has three different settings depending on how vigorously you’d like the wings to flap, so you can offer up a challenge or encourage them to engage in more casual play. Better yet, this bird is rechargeable for fun that won’t quit.

11Fix: This touch-activated spinning toy that’s a real workout

Give your pet never-ending fun with this rechargeable hide-and-seek toy. The motor spin the feathery “bait” around, which is partially hidden by the cover — and your cat will love to chase it. On the top, there are two butterfly attachments that move around in irregular patterns for a lifelike challenge your kitty will adore. Better yet, this toy is motion activated by your cat’s touch for extra convenience.

  • Available colors: 3

12

Yelling at them for scratching up the furniture

Fix: A modern cat bed made just for scratching

Sometimes it’s not your cat’s behavior that needs to change, it’s your preparation, and this scratching bed is a great way to set them up for success and spare your furniture at the same time. It’s made from irresistible cardboard with perforations your pet will love to scratch at. And thanks to the concave shape, it doubles as a relaxing bed, too.

  • Available colors: 5

13

Forcing them into a carrier that stresses them out

Fix: This streamlined version with multiple entries

Whether your cat can be lured to walk right into their carrier with a treat or they need to be gently placed inside through the top, this carrier with front and side entries will fit their needs. The TSA-friendly carrier features multiple mesh panels for optimal visibility and ventilation, which is also helpful for reducing their stress levels. There’s a fuzzy sherpa pad for your kitty’s comfort and a padded shoulder strap for yours.

  • Available colors: 7

14

Passing up easy ways to soothe your cat’s stress

Fix: This plug-in pheromone diffuser that can help calm them

Whether it’s transitional anxiety like a recent move or just garden-variety stress, this cat calming diffuser can help. All you have to do is plug it in and let the calming pheromones get to work curbing stress-related activities like spraying, scratching, or even hiding. Each diffuser can cover an impressive 700 square feet.

15

Skipping the hairball help

Fix: An edible gel that eases hairball heartbreak

If you just hate to see your cat struggling with a hairball, this hairball relief supplement can help. All you have to do is have them eat a small amount off your finger or just place it on their paw to be licked up and the formula will get to work making it easier for them to pass the hair they’ve consumed during regular grooming. And thanks to the yummy malt flavoring, they’ll enjoy it, too.

16Fix: These gloves that let you pet & soothe while you groom

If your cat gets a little skittish when it’s time to brush their coat, these adjustable pet grooming gloves can help put them at ease. The gloves are coated with flexible rubber bristles that tackle tangles, all while you pet and scratch your cat. It doesn’t hurt that they offer you a bit of protection from any stray scratches or nips, either.

17

Neglecting their digestive health

Fix: This cat grass kit that provides natural (& delicious) fiber

Taking care of your cat’s tummy has never been easier, thanks to this cat grass growing kit. The set comes with soil discs, seeds, and grow bags for starting your seedlings. Once sprouted, this grass is irresistible to cats and contains barely, oat, and rye to provide the essential fiber needed for your kitty’s digestive system. The result? Fewer hairballs and a calmer belly.

18

Allowing your cat to hide in questionable places

Fix: A cardboard house that makes the perfect retreat

If you’d prefer your cat didn’t hide under the porch or behind heavy appliances, this cardboard cat house makes for a much safer hideaway. Boasting a mod design, this little house is easy to assemble and features a scratching pad with bonus catnip inside to draw them in. They’ll feel protected and secure, thanks to the full coverage, but you’re both bound to love the little peepholes for a quick hello.

  • Available colors: 3

19

Neglecting an older cat’s joints

Fix: A self-warming bed that’s so cozy & comforting

Normal aches and discomfort may arise as your cat ages, but you can care for them and their sore joints with this self-warming cat bed. It’s made from three layers of thermal fabric that trap your cat’s body heat and reflect it back for a warming sensation that’s so soothing. The plush material is also ultra quiet, so there won’t be any crinkling or rustling sounds to disrupt either of you.

20

Giving fast eaters food in a regular bowl

Fix: A speciality slow feeder with lots of health benefits

If your cat scarfs down their food in the blink of an eye, give this slow feeder bowl a try. The curved pattern inside the bowl ensures they’ll need to be more strategic and thoughtful in order to access their food, and eating more slowly is better for their digestive health, helping to prevent issues like bloating and vomiting. Plus, since the bowl comes on a raised platform, it’s easier on their joints.

21Fix: This slow-feeder licking mat with areas for different foods

Not only does this slow feeder lick mat help prevent eating too quickly, but it also has multiple wells, so you can fill it with both wet and dry food in one sitting. As one five-star reviewer wrote, “I have a food obsessed cat who likes to scarf his wet food down and then vomit it up. After going through several other slow feeders, this is by far the best.” And better yet, it’s dishwasher safe, too.

  • Available colors: 6

22Fix: This plush perch tower that comes with bonus features

Create a raised platform and provide hours of entertainment with this mini cat tree tower. It features a wrapped scratching post on the support pole as well as both swinging and spring-loaded furry toys for pouncing and batting. And thanks to the neutral colorway and chic wooden base, it’s an attractive addition to your home as well.

23

Not providing toys for solo play

Fix: A tunnel toy for roaming & romping

You don’t need to constantly stimulate your cat thanks to this cat tunnel that makes solo play so fun. It features a trio of hollow tubes for them to run through, plus wand feather toys and hanging puff balls for them to attack. It’s durable, tear resistant, and highly rated, with nearly 13,000 reviewers weighing in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.

  • Available colors: 14

24Fix: These bouncy rings that will enthrall your cat

Sometimes the simplest items are the most engrossing, and these cat toys prove it. They’re brightly colored to attract your kitty and are super stimulating as well, thanks to their irregular bounce pattern when tossed or swatted. They’re ultra lightweight and totally safe to play with on a variety of flooring surfaces, too.

25

Leaving for the day without plenty of food & water access

Fix: The gravity dispensers for no-fuss feeding

Ensure your cat never runs out of sustenance while you’re at work with this food and water dispenser set. These gravity dispensers release food and water, providing consistently available meals and hydration. They’re ideal for kitties who pace themselves when eating dry food, and thanks to their minimalist design and aesthetically pleasing colors, they’ll look great in your kitchen, too.

26

Expecting them to *only* play on their own

Fix: This fan-favorite dancing ribbon for interactive play

Felines may be more independent than dogs, but they still crave stimulation and bonding — that’s where this rainbow cat charmer toy comes in. The multicolored rainbow ribbon comes affixed to a flexible, easy-to-grip wand, allowing you to create custom fluttering movements your kitty will love to chase. It’s well loved by cat owners, who’ve awarded it a 4.8-star overall rating after 22,000 reviews.

27Fix: This engaging laser toy for a game of chase

Drive your cat a little crazy in the best way with this laser toy. Sure, they will never be able to tackle their prey (just reward them with a treat after playing), but they’ll get lots of exercise and activate their hunting instincts with you at the helm. It boasts both a laser and a UV light, has a convenient side clip for easy storage, and is even rechargeable via USB.

28

Letting cat messes go unaddressed

Fix: This powerful spray that takes on odors & stains

When cat messes rear their heads, reach for this stain and odor eliminator spray. This cleaning solution uses enzymes to search out and destroy ammonia and other odor-causing particles for a fresher clean. This way, your cat is less likely to return and spray in the same place. After all, your quality of life matters too.

29

Allowing your cat to roam without keeping tabs on them

Fix: A clever collar that houses an AirTag

Give yourself peace of mind with this cat collar with an AirTag holder. It’s made from durable nylon and features a grippy silicone slot perfect for stashing a location-sharing tag. And since the collar also features a breakaway closure, you can be sure it won’t constrict them if it gets caught on an obstacle.

  • Available colors: 8

30

Giving older cats food in lower bowls

Fix: An elevated bowl that’s easier on joints

Set your cat up to enjoy their meals in comfort and style with this raised cat bowl. This chic, monochromatic bowl sits atop a wide, raised pedestal for a more relaxed eating position that’s easier on neck joints. It’s made from sleek ceramic and features a thick outer lip to help keep their food or water in the bowl instead of on the floor.

  • Available colors: 4