4 Things You’re Probably Doing That Veterinarians Wouldn’t

1. You Assume That Your Cat Knows How To Use A Litter Box

Even though most cats are taught by their birthmothers how to void appropriately, if your kitten was separated from his mother or abandoned at a very young age, he might not understand what to do. In that case, you need to become his trainer.

The first step is placing your kitten in the litter box and seeing how he will behave. If he doesn't start digging and voiding, you need to do it for him - take his front paws, and slowly begin digging. Kittens usually start to understand this behaviour when they are around one month old. Just like with dogs, you shouldn't scold them for doing something wrong - the best option is just to remain neutral. Cats are very delicate when it comes to emotions, and it doesn't take long for him to stop trusting his caregiver.

Just for your own benefit, you should invest in a self-cleaning litter instead of a classic one, such as litter robot iii open air. Even though it is slightly more expensive, it will not only save you time but also free you from having to clean your cat's litter all the time.

2. You Don't Train Your Pet Right Away

One of the biggest mistakes that pet owners commit is waiting with the training of their pet until there is some problem. Training is essential as it not only shows your pet how it is supposed to behave, but it also serves as a tool in creating a bond between a pet and its owner.

Furthermore, you should learn how to train your pet or find a trainer even before you adopt it. That way, you can avoid becoming overwhelmed when the new family member comes home with you. And even if you think that you have enough experience with pets, attending some additional classes or just reading about it definitely won't hurt.

Another mistake that people make is that they think that their pet is too old to be trained. Don't be fooled - even an older dog can learn a trick or two, so don't hesitate to start training him. The important thing, however, is to practice positive-reinforcement methods. Don't punish your dog if it did something wrong.

3. You Overfeed Your Pet

This is a prevalent mistake among pet owners, especially since most of them don't even know that they are making it. As a result, nearly 60% of cats and dogs in the US are overweight. However, since most pet owners don't even know how much their pet should weight, they don't realize that it is overweight.

Just like in the case of people, obesity is very dangerous for their health - not only can it cause health issues, but it also can shorten their life. That's why it's essential to keep track of your pet's weight and create a weight-management plan with the vet.

4. You Don't Keep Your Pet Warm When It's Cold

If the place that you live in has a cold climate, you need to help your pets avoid hypothermia by keeping them warm. Pets feel the cold even before the temperature drops to a freezing level, and the fur is not always enough. Especially since if it's wet or matted, it loses its ability to keep your pet warm.

Animals shiver when they are cold, just like humans do, however, they start to do it after they've been cold for a while, not the moment they begin to feel cold. That's why you should be cautious and always try to keep them warm. To do that, you can put on them boots or sweaters designed for pets.

Caring for a pet is never easy, especially if you are not a vet, who spend several years in school just to know how to do it. That's why they are not making the same mistakes that you are probably making. However, don't worry as knowing what you do wrong is the first step to correcting them.

And remember that vets are there to help you, so if you ever have any doubts about if what you're doing is good or not, don't hesitate to talk to them. Good Luck.