Introduction
I remember the first time I brought my kitten home. I was so excited — I had the food bowls, the litter tray, the toys. What I didn’t have was a clue about all the little things that could accidentally harm her. And I’m not talking about obvious dangers like leaving out chocolate or antifreeze. I’m talking about everyday habits that well-meaning owners do without realising the damage they cause.
Here’s the truth: cats are not small dogs, and they’re certainly not furry humans. They have their own language, their own needs, and their own boundaries. When you cross those boundaries — even with love — you risk creating stress, fear, and long-term behavioural problems.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of things you should never do to your cat. Some of these might surprise you. A few might make you uncomfortable. But all of them come from years of hands-on experience and countless conversations with veterinary professionals.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to avoid and, more importantly, what to do instead. Let’s get started. 😺
The 11 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat
1. Punish Your Cat
Let’s start with the big one. I see this all the time — owners shouting, spraying water bottles, or even hitting their cats when they misbehave. I understand the frustration. I really do. When your cat scratches the sofa or wees on the carpet, it’s tempting to react.
But here’s the problem: Cats don’t connect punishment to their actions the way humans do. If you shout at your cat for scratching the sofa, they don’t think, “Oh, I scratched the sofa, and that’s wrong.” They think, “My human is frightening me, and I don’t know why.”
What happens instead:
- Your cat becomes fearful of you
- Trust breaks down
- Stress levels skyrocket
- Behaviour problems often get worse
What to do instead: Use positive reinforcement. Reward the behaviours you want to see. Did your cat use the scratching post? Give them a treat. Did they use the litter box? Praise them. Over time, they’ll repeat the actions that earn rewards.
My honest experience: I once had a cat who refused to use her litter box. After weeks of frustration and cleaning carpets, I finally stopped punishing and started observing. Turned out she hated the scented litter I’d bought. Changed to unscented, problem solved. The punishment wasn’t helping — it was making us both miserable.
2. Declaw Your Cat
I’ll be blunt: declawing is inhumane, and it’s actually illegal in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. But I’m including it here because you might be reading from abroad, or you might have heard people recommend it.
What declawing actually involves: It’s not simply removing the claw. It’s the amputation of the last bone of each toe — imagine having the tips of your fingers cut off at the first knuckle.
Consequences of declawing:
- Chronic pain for life
- Walking abnormalities
- Increased biting (because their primary defence is gone)
- Litter box avoidance (digging hurts)
- Behavioural problems like aggression
Better alternatives:
- Provide multiple scratching posts (vertical and horizontal)
- Trim nails regularly (every 2–3 weeks)
- Use soft nail caps (available from vets)
- Use furniture protectors
3. Feed Inappropriate Human Food
I know, I know — those big eyes are hard to resist. My cat sits on the kitchen counter every time I’m cooking, acting like she’s never been fed in her entire life. But sharing your dinner can be dangerous.
Foods that are toxic to cats:
| Food | Risk | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Onions and garlic | Anaemia | Weakness, pale gums |
| Grapes and raisins | Kidney failure | Vomiting, lethargy |
| Chocolate | Theobromine poisoning | Seizures, heart issues |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | Liver failure | Vomiting, collapse |
| Raw eggs/bones | Salmonella risk | Digestive issues |
What’s safe as treats:
- Small pieces of cooked chicken (no seasoning)
- Freeze-dried meat treats (cat-specific)
- Catnip (in moderation)
- Commercial cat treats (check ingredients)
Social media tip: Don’t trust everything you see on TikTok or Instagram. Just because a video shows a cat eating something doesn’t mean it’s safe.
4. Skip Routine Veterinary Care
I’ll be honest with you — vet visits aren’t fun. My cat hides under the bed when she sees the carrier. I’ve had to crawl after her more times than I care to admit. But skipping check-ups is one of the worst things you should never do to your cat.
Why regular visits matter:
- Early detection of diseases (kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
- Preventative care (vaccinations, parasite control)
- Dental health (dental disease is common and painful)
- Weight management guidance
Annual vet visit checklist:
- Full physical examination
- Vaccination review (boosters as needed)
- Dental check
- Blood work (for senior cats, 7+ years)
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, worms)
Real advice: I schedule my cat’s check-up on the same weekend each year. I put it in my calendar with a reminder. Have I ever wanted to cancel? Yes. Have I ever regretted going? Absolutely not. Last year’s check-up caught early dental disease that I’d completely missed.
5. Leave Your Cat Alone for Too Long
Cats have a reputation for being independent, and to some extent, it’s earned. But that doesn’t mean they’re fine being left alone for days.
How long is too long?
| Duration | Effect on Cat |
|---|---|
| 8–12 hours | Fine with food, water, clean litter |
| 24 hours | Pushing it — needs someone to check in |
| 48 hours | Unacceptable — needs daily care |
| 3+ days | High stress, risk of illness |
Signs your cat is lonely or stressed:
- Excessive meowing when you return
- Destructive behaviour
- Overgrooming (bald patches)
- Loss of appetite
- Litter box avoidance
Solutions for busy owners:
- Automatic feeders for scheduled meals
- Water fountains (cats prefer moving water)
- Pet cameras with treat dispensers
- Cat sitter (even 30 minutes makes a difference)
- Consider a second cat for companionship
My experience: I once had to travel for work for three days. I arranged daily visits from a friend, but my cat still gave me the silent treatment for a week when I returned. Now I keep trips to 24 hours maximum when possible.
6. Use Harsh Training Methods
This ties back to punishment but deserves its own section. Some owners believe that “dominance-based” training works with cats. It doesn’t. Cats are not pack animals like dogs.
Methods to avoid:
- Spraying water bottles
- Alpha rolls (pinning your cat down)
- Yelling or hissing
- Hitting or swatting
- Time-outs in locked rooms
Effective alternatives:
- Redirection: Cat scratching furniture? Gently move them to a scratching post
- Positive reinforcement: Reward good behaviour
- Environmental changes: Make unwanted behaviours impossible
- Clicker training: Yes, cats can learn tricks
7. Neglect Environmental Enrichment
A bored cat is a destructive cat. This is one of those things you should never do to your cat that’s easy to overlook.
Why enrichment matters: Cats are natural hunters. They need to stalk, pounce, chase, and explore. Without these outlets, they become stressed and develop problem behaviours.
Signs your cat is under-stimulated:
- Excessive sleeping (beyond normal cat levels)
- Destructive scratching
- Overeating
- Aggression towards people or other pets
- Repetitive behaviours (pacing, tail chasing)
Enrichment ideas:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Vertical space | Cat trees, wall shelves, window perches |
| Puzzle feeders | Treat-dispensing balls, food puzzles |
| Interactive play | Wand toys, laser pointers (end with a treat!) |
| Novelty | Cardboard boxes, paper bags, cat tunnels |
| Sensory | Catnip, silvervine, cat grass |
Toy rotation schedule:
- Week 1–2: Wand toys, crinkle balls
- Week 3–4: Puzzle feeder, electronic toy
- Week 5–6: Catnip toys, new cardboard box
- Week 7–8: Rotate back to earlier favourites
8. Ignore Litter Box Problems
When your cat stops using the litter box, it’s not being “naughty.” It’s trying to tell you something. Ignoring the issue is one of the most harmful things you should never do to your cat.
Common reasons for litter box avoidance:
- Medical issues: Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes
- Litter box problems: Too dirty, wrong type of litter, wrong location
- Stress: New pet, moving house, changes in routine
- Territorial issues: Multi-cat household dynamics
The perfect litter box setup:
- One box per cat, plus one extra
- Unscented, clumping litter (fine-grained is usually preferred)
- Boxes in quiet, accessible locations
- Scooped daily, fully cleaned weekly
- No hoods (cats prefer open boxes for safety)
What to do if problems persist:
- Visit the vet (rule out medical causes first)
- Review your setup
- Consider a feline behaviourist
- Be patient — resolving litter box issues takes time
9. Hold Your Cat Incorrectly
This might seem minor, but improper handling can cause injury and break trust. Cats are not ragdolls (unless you actually own a Ragdoll breed).
How NOT to hold a cat:
- Scruffing (grabbing the loose skin on the neck) — this is outdated and painful for adult cats
- Holding by the front legs (puts pressure on shoulders)
- Squeezing too tightly
- Holding them on their back (most cats hate this)
How to hold a cat correctly:
- Support the chest with one hand
- Support the back legs with the other hand
- Keep them close to your body (feels safer)
- Watch for signs of distress (tail flicking, flattened ears)
- Let them go when they want to be let go
My tip: I always let my cat initiate cuddles. She’ll climb onto my lap when she’s ready. If I pick her up, I keep it brief and always put her down before she gets restless.
10. Use Dangerous Household Products
This is about more than obvious toxins. Some everyday products are surprisingly dangerous.
Hidden dangers in your home:
| Product | Risk |
|---|---|
| Essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, citrus) | Toxic if ingested or absorbed through skin |
| Certain houseplants (lilies, poinsettias) | Kidney failure, gastrointestinal issues |
| Human medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen) | Liver damage, kidney failure |
| Cleaning products (bleach, ammonia) | Respiratory issues, poisoning |
| String, ribbons, tinsel | Intestinal blockage |
Cat-safe alternatives:
- Pet-safe cleaning products (or vinegar and water)
- Cat grass and catnip instead of toxic plants
- Keep medications in locked cabinets
- Store string and ribbon securely
11. Ignore Your Cat’s Body Language
This is the most important thing on this list. Cats are constantly communicating with us. Ignoring those signals leads to stress, fear, and yes — bites and scratches.
Common cat body language signals:
Relaxed and happy:
- Slow blinking (cat kisses!)
- Tail held high with a slight curve
- Ears forward and relaxed
- Purring (but note: cats also purr when stressed)
Stressed or scared:
- Flattened ears (airplane ears)
- Puffed tail
- Hissing or growling
- Crouching low to the ground
- Dilated pupils
Overstimulated (stop what you’re doing):
- Tail twitching or thumping
- Skin rippling along the back
- Ears rotating back
- Sudden stillness
Real-life story: I once had a friend who kept petting her cat despite obvious signs of overstimulation — tail twitching, ear flattening. She thought, “One more stroke, she loves me.” She ended up in A&E with a cat bite infection. The cat wasn’t being mean. She was literally saying, “Please stop.”
What to Do Instead: A Quick Reference Table
| Don’t Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
| Punish your cat | Redirect to appropriate behaviour |
| Declaw | Provide scratching posts, trim nails |
| Feed human food | Provide species-appropriate treats |
| Skip vet visits | Schedule annual check-ups |
| Leave cat alone too long | Arrange care, consider a companion |
| Use harsh training | Use positive reinforcement |
| Neglect enrichment | Provide toys, vertical space, puzzles |
| Ignore litter box issues | Address medical and environmental causes |
| Hold incorrectly | Support body properly, respect boundaries |
| Use dangerous products | Choose pet-safe alternatives |
| Ignore body language | Learn and respect cat signals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing you should never do to your cat?
In my opinion, it’s punishment. Punishment damages the trust between you and your cat, causes stress, and doesn’t solve the underlying problem. Positive reinforcement is always more effective and strengthens your bond.
Can I use a water spray bottle to stop bad behaviour?
No, you shouldn’t. Spraying your cat with water creates fear and anxiety. Your cat won’t understand why they’re being sprayed — they’ll just learn to fear you or the spray bottle. Redirect unwanted behaviours instead.
Is it safe to leave my cat alone for a weekend?
No. Cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 24 hours without someone checking in. They need fresh food, water, a clean litter box, and social interaction. Hire a cat sitter or ask a friend to visit daily.
Why is declawing illegal in the UK?
Declawing is considered mutilation under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 because it involves amputating the last bone of each toe. It causes chronic pain and behavioural problems. The UK rightly bans this practice.
How do I know if I’m annoying my cat?
Watch their body language. Signs you’re annoying your cat include tail twitching, flattened ears, dilated pupils, skin rippling along the back, and sudden stillness. If you see these signals, stop what you’re doing and give them space.
What household items are dangerous for cats?
Lilies (extremely toxic, even pollen can cause kidney failure), essential oils (especially tea tree and peppermint), human painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and string-like items that can cause intestinal blockage.
Conclusion
Owning a cat is one of life’s greatest joys. They’re funny, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining. But they’re also vulnerable creatures who depend on us completely. The things you should never do to your cat aren’t about being a perfect owner — they’re about being a mindful one.
Key takeaways:
- Stop punishing, start redirecting — positive reinforcement builds trust
- Respect their boundaries — learn their body language
- Prioritise health — regular vet visits, proper diet, parasite prevention
- Provide enrichment — bored cats become destructive cats
- Create a safe environment — remove toxins, secure dangerous items
I’ve made mistakes with my cats over the years. I’ve punished when I shouldn’t have. I’ve ignored signs of stress. But I’ve learned, and that’s what matters. Every day is an opportunity to do better for our feline friends.
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: your cat isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re trying to communicate. Listen to them, respect them, and love them the way they deserve.
Now go give your cat a chin scratch (if they’re in the mood, of course). 😺
Have more questions about cat care? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll answer them in a future article.
