Welcoming a new kitten into your home is a significant commitment that requires careful attention to proper care practices. To guide new cat owners, a UK-based veterinary professional, known as Cat the Vet, has detailed five common mistakes she will avoid with her own kitten, Mowgli, based on her professional expertise.
Understanding the Veterinary Perspective
Cat the Vet has built a substantial social media following by providing pet care advice aimed at enhancing animal wellbeing. In a recent video, she introduced her new kitten and shared a list of widespread practices she plans to steer clear of, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions for pet health.
1. Avoiding Raw Food Diets
"Number one, I won't be feeding him a raw food diet; he will be getting commercial kibble and wet food," Cat stated. She explained that, from both personal and professional viewpoints, the risks are too high. These include bacterial infections, potential parasite infections, and nutritional imbalances that could endanger her pet and family. While she acknowledges that raw feeding is a choice for some, it is not one she will make for her kitten.
2. Steering Clear of Laser Pointers
Cat highlighted that laser pointers, though popular for entertaining cats, are not healthy toys. "They're an incredibly frustrating toy for cats because although they're exciting to chase, there's nothing to catch when they pounce," she noted. This frustration can lead to irritation and annoyance in cats, making them unsuitable for regular play.
3. Introducing Dietary Variety
While her kitten will consume commercially prepared kibble or wet food, Cat emphasized the importance of variety. "I will not keep that the same in his entire life," she said. Regularly switching meals helps cats acclimate to different textures and flavours, which is crucial for their dietary adaptability and overall health.
4. Prioritizing Neutering
Cat plans to neuter her kitten at a young age, stating that it benefits both male and female cats. "They're far less likely to fight, to wander, to get themselves in trouble, and of course girls can't get pregnant," she explained. She added that with an abundance of kittens already in need of homes, responsible ownership includes neutering to prevent overpopulation.
5. Opting for Outdoor Access
The final point involves raising her kitten as an outdoor cat, rather than keeping him indoors. Cat mentioned that in the UK, this is quite normal, and she lives in a relatively safe area. "You can give your cat everything they need just living in a house, but it is not as easy as them having outdoor access," she said. She believes the benefits of outdoor exploration outweigh the risks for her pets.
Public Reaction and Debate
Following the video, viewers expressed mixed opinions in the comments section. One individual argued, "As a vet, you definitely should be keeping him indoors," while another noted surprise at the outdoor decision due to potential negatives. A third commenter shared a practical tip: "My cat is outdoor (his choice) I keep him in overnight. He is turning 5 this summer! I would recommend an AirTag for anyone worried to lose them."
Cat's advice serves as a valuable resource for new cat owners, blending professional insights with personal experience to foster better pet care practices.
