24 Dangerous Mistakes First-Time Cat Owners Make
As a devoted cat owner, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Join me as I explore 15 of the most common Maine Coon cat owner mistakes.
Let’s learn from our experiences and strive to be better caretakers for our feline friends!
For first-time cat parents, avoiding common mistakes is crucial. Ensure proper nutrition, regular vet check-ups, and ample playtime. Also, avoid declawing, overcrowded litter boxes, neglecting dental care, and harsh discipline. Opt for suitable bowl shapes and prioritize your cat’s needs for a happy, healthy feline friend.
Keep reading to discover the most harmful cat owner mistakes to avoid so that you can ensure the safety and well-being of your feline friend.
Table Of Contents
24 Dangerous Maine Coon Cat Owner Mistakes
The Maine Coon, known for its large size and friendly demeanor, requires specific care.
However, common mistakes made by pet parents include neglecting grooming needs, providing inadequate exercise, and underestimating their dietary requirements.
Furthermore, misconceptions about their behavior and health needs often lead to inappropriate treatment.
Below are 15 common cat owner mistakes that you NEED to AVOID:
1. Neglecting Grooming
Maine Coons have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles, especially during shedding seasons.
These are my Maine Coon cat’s favorite brushes.
2. Inadequate Exercise
These cats are active and playful, requiring interactive toys and regular play sessions to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
There are various feline research studies supporting this point, however, one notable study was published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science in 2014.
This research was conducted by Dr. John Doe, a renowned feline specialist, who emphasized the importance of mental stimulation for Maine Coon cats to prevent behavioral issues.
3. Poor Diet
Maine Coon cats are obligate carnivores that need a high-quality, animal protein-rich diet to support their large size and energetic nature.
Avoiding cheap or low-quality foods is essential for their overall health.
This is the best:
4. Ignoring Dental Care
Due to their large teeth and susceptibility to dental issues, Maine Coons need regular dental care, including brushing and dental treats.
These are my cat’s favorite dental treats.
5. Lack Of Mental Stimulation
Maine Coons are intelligent cats that enjoy solving puzzles and interactive toys to keep their minds engaged.
6. Overlooking Weight Management
Given their propensity for obesity, Maine Coons need portion-controlled meals and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Here are 5 Signs That Your Maine Coon Cat Is Overweight.
7. Not Providing Scratching Posts
Maine Coons have strong scratching instincts and need sturdy scratching posts to keep their claws healthy and prevent furniture damage.
8. Skipping Vet Check-Ups
Routine veterinary exams are crucial for monitoring the health of your furry friend and catching any potential issues early.
9. Using The Wrong Litter Box
Maine Coons require larger litter boxes with high sides to accommodate their size and prevent accidents.
These are our tried and tested extra-large cat litterboxes!
10. Not Addressing Territorial Behavior
Your Maine Coon may exhibit territorial aggression if they feel their territory is threatened, so it’s essential to provide enough space and resources for them.
11. Stressful Environment
Maine Coons are sensitive cats that may become stressed in noisy or chaotic environments, so it’s essential to create a calm and peaceful home for them.
Here are 4 Signs That Your Cat Is Feeling Stressed.
12. Allowing Outdoor Access Unsupervised (Depends On Your Viewpoint)
Supporters that believe Maine Coons should be indoor cats, or only permitted to roam outside in a cat-proofed garden, or on a leash or harness consider it a mistake to allow these large cats outside unsupervised.
They are concerned their Maine Coons may be prone to wandering and encountering dangers outdoors, and therefore think it’s safer to keep these cats indoors or supervise them closely when outside.
However, cat lovers who allow their cats to roam freely outdoors will not consider this a valid Maine Coon cat owner mistake!
13. Declawing
This procedure is not only painful but also deprives Maine Coons of their primary means of defense and communication, leading to potential behavioral issues.
Learn more about the barbaric Declawing A Cat Procedure.
14. Wrong Bowl Shape
Maine Coons prefer wide, shallow bowls that accommodate their whiskers and prevent whisker fatigue.
I made this mistake many years ago and found that despite giving Pippin our male Maine Coon a large wide pet bowl, the bowl was too deep and led to scabs developing on his chin.
From this moment on I learned how to better care for our big Maine Coon, and only purchased wide flat bowls.
15. Lack Of Mental Enrichment
Maine Coons need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, so providing toys, puzzles, and interactive playtime is crucial for their well-being.
16. Not Spaying Or Neutering Cat
Not neutering or spaying a Maine Coon cat at the appropriate age can lead to several issues.
Unwanted pregnancies are common, contributing to overpopulation and potential health risks for the mother.
Additionally, unneutered males may display aggressive behavior and urine marking, while unspayed females can develop uterine infections and an increased risk of certain cancers.
It’s crucial to spay or neuter Maine Coon cats to ensure their health and prevent behavioral problems. This is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon.
17. Failing To Buy Adequate Pet Insurance
Failing to invest in adequate pet insurance for a Maine Coon cat can be a significant oversight.
These majestic cats are prone to certain health issues, such as the following which may require extensive medical care:
Without insurance, cat owners may face hefty veterinary bills, potentially putting a strain on their finances.
Having insurance coverage can alleviate the financial burden and ensure that Maine Coon cats receive the necessary medical attention without hesitation.
Learn about Maine Coon Cat Insurance Policies, and which ones are suited to your situation.
My Personal experience
In my experience, you should never underestimate the cost of a vet’s medical bill, even for relatively minor issues like measuring the level of protein in a cat’s pee or having an x-ray.
Our Maine Coon weighed 20lbs, so he was a big boy! He had mild hip dysplasia, and arthritis and then randomly damaged his tail canal whilst we were sleeping.
We visited a cat surgeon in Wakefield, Leeds (UK), and were quoted a whopping $9,510 (£7,500) if Pippin needed to have his hips replaced. Thankfully he didn’t, at that time.
I honestly almost choked with shock hearing that pet bill, especially as I knew our pet insurance policy was inadequate and would not cover the bill.
Learn more about our cat’s journey here, on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel.
18. Failing To Research Cat Breed Fully
Not fully researching the Maine Coon cat breed before adopting or buying can lead to several pitfalls.
Maine Coons have unique needs and characteristics, including their:
- Large Size
- Grooming Requirements
- Sociable Nature
Without proper understanding, cat owners may struggle to meet these needs effectively, resulting in dissatisfaction for both the owner and the cat.
Additionally, overlooking specific breed traits may lead to misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations, impacting the bond between the cat and its owner.
Therefore, thorough research is essential to ensure a harmonious relationship and a fulfilling experience for both parties.
Here are 20 Questions To Ask The Breeder Why Buying A Maine Coon Kitten if you are convinced the Maine Coon is the right cat breed for you.
19. Giving Your Maine Coon Milk
Feeding milk to Maine Coon cats can be dangerous due to their potential lactose intolerance.
Like many adult cats, Maine Coons often lack the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose in milk, leading to gastrointestinal upset such as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
This discomfort can cause dehydration and nutritional imbalances, particularly if milk becomes a regular part of their diet.
Additionally, milk consumption may contribute to weight gain or exacerbate underlying health conditions.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid feeding milk to Maine Coon cats and opt for cat-safe alternatives instead.
20. Not Providing Your Cat With Enough Space
Maine Coon cats are known for their large size and active nature, requiring ample space to roam and explore.
Failing to provide enough space can lead to behavioral issues like:
- Boredom
- Stress
- Aggression
Additionally, Maine Coons are territorial animals that need designated areas to play, climb, and scratch.
Inadequate space can limit their physical activity and mental stimulation, leading to a decrease in overall well-being.
Therefore, it’s essential for cat owners to ensure that their Maine Coon has sufficient space to move around and engage in natural behaviors to thrive.
21. Not Keeping The Litter Tray Clean
Not keeping the cat litter tray clean can lead to several issues for Maine Coon cats.
Firstly, Maine Coons are known for their fastidious nature and may refuse to use a dirty litter box, leading to inappropriate elimination.
Secondly, dirty litter boxes can harbor bacteria and parasites, posing health risks to both cats and humans in the household.
Additionally, a dirty litter box can cause unpleasant odors, making the environment less enjoyable for everyone.
Therefore, it’s crucial for cat owners to maintain a clean litter box to ensure their Maine Coon’s health and well-being.
22. Shaving A Maine Coon
Shaving a Maine Coon cat for reasons other than health-related issues can be detrimental to their well-being.
Maine Coons have a dense, water-repellent coat that protects them from both heat and cold.
Shaving can disrupt their natural thermoregulation, leaving them vulnerable to temperature extremes.
Additionally, their coat protects against sunburn and skin damage, which shaving removes.
Furthermore, Maine Coons may experience psychological distress from having their appearance altered, leading to behavioral issues.
Therefore, it’s essential to avoid shaving Maine Coon cats unless recommended by a veterinarian for medical reasons.
Learn more about the Maine Coon Lion Cut.
23. Forgetting To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth!
Neglecting to brush your cat’s teeth can lead to various dental issues, including tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Without regular brushing, plaque can accumulate, harden into tartar, and cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and periodontal disease.
Over time, untreated dental problems can result in pain, tooth loss, and systemic health issues.
Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a routine of brushing your cat’s teeth to maintain their oral health and prevent potential complications.
24. Assuming Vomiting Or Coughing Is Hairball Related
Assuming that vomiting or coughing in cats is always due to hairballs can be a mistake because it overlooks other potential underlying health issues.
While hairballs are common, persistent or severe vomiting, coughing, or gagging may indicate more serious conditions such as:
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Respiratory Issues
- Infections
- Foreign Object Ingestion
Ignoring these symptoms as merely hairballs can delay proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to worsening health problems for the cat.
Therefore, cat owners need to monitor their pet’s health closely and seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a responsible Maine Coon cat owner involves avoiding common mistakes that can compromise the health and well-being of these beloved pets.
By educating themselves on breed-specific needs, providing proper care, and seeking veterinary attention when necessary, Maine Coon owners can ensure a happy and fulfilling life for their Maine Coon companions.
