To raise a happy and healthy cat, most of the time, it’s important for the cat owner to be diligent! For example, cleaning the litter box as soon as possible, washing the food bowl every day, and changing the water daily are all essential habits. However, there are times when you shouldn’t overdo it. Sometimes, a little laziness is actually the key to raising a happy cat. Here are some cat care tasks where being a bit less diligent might actually be better for your furry friend
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Bathing
What are the downsides of frequent bathing? Cats love grooming themselves and have strong self-cleaning abilities. Bathing them too often will strip the protective oils from their fur and skin. This can lead to:Increased susceptibility to skin infections.Loss of shine in the coat.Increased shedding.Stress and a weakened immune system.If your cat gets dirty quickly, how should you clean them? Regular brushing can significantly reduce shedding and matting, especially for long-haired cats. If they’re really dirty, spot cleaning is a good alternative to a full bath. If possible, a cat can live a lifetime without ever needing a bath. If bathing is necessary, it’s best to do so once a year; for long-haired or hairless cats, you can wait at least 2–3 months between baths. If your cat gets dirty very quickly, check for skin problems or parasites, and also make sure to clean any hidden spots around your home!
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Ear Cleaning and Washing
What are the downsides of frequent ear cleaning or washing? Cats naturally clean their ears with their paws, so they don’t need human intervention. Cleaning their ears too often can:Disrupt the protective oils in their ears, making them more prone to infection.Incorrect cleaning methods can push earwax deeper into the ear canal.Some ear cleaning solutions can irritate the skin or disrupt the natural pH balance in the ear canal.When should you clean your cat’s ears? If there is a thin layer of yellowish wax or oil in the ear, this is normal ear discharge and doesn’t need cleaning! If your cat has an ear infection (like ear mites or yeast), follow your vet’s instructions to clean the ears before applying medication for better absorption. However, there’s no need to clean their ears regularly otherwise!
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Cleaning Paws and Bottom
What are the downsides of frequent cleaning? Healthy cats clean themselves through grooming, so their paws and bottom are typically dry and clean. Cleaning their paws or bottom too often can:Cause irritation to the sensitive skin around their anus, leading to redness, swelling, or even pain when defecating.Create moisture between their toes, which can lead to infections like pododermatitis.If they are dirty, what should you do? If their bottom is dirty: First, check if your cat has soft stools. Normal, firm stool won’t stick to their bottom. For long-haired cats, trimming the fur around the bottom area can help. If the bottom is excessively dirty or smelly, check their anal glands. If their paws are dirty, just wipe the pads of their feet. If their toes are dirty, clean them thoroughly, and if needed, trim the fur around their feet for long-haired cats.
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Disinfection
Is frequent disinfection necessary? Cats naturally have some resistance to the viruses and bacteria in their environment. They usually only get sick if viruses or bacteria multiply to dangerous levels (such as during an outbreak) or if their immune system is weakened. Over-disinfecting can:Cause irritation to their skin, eyes, and respiratory system.Increase the likelihood of allergies.Disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria, making their immune system weaker and more susceptible to illness.When should you disinfect? In households with indoor-only cats, the most likely source of infection is you—especially if you frequently go outside. Therefore, disinfection should focus on areas where you enter the home, including your shoes, coat, and the soles of your shoes.
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Changing Cat Scratching Posts
Why is it not recommended to frequently change scratching posts? Cats love to scratch as a way of marking their territory, creating a sense of security and relieving stress. If you frequently change their scratching post without a gradual transition, it can lead to:Frustration, as they lose the marks they’ve worked hard to create.Increased stress, as new objects appear constantly in their environment.Can you replace it with a non-shedding scratching post? Many cat owners change scratching posts frequently because cardboard posts shed, but it’s not recommended to replace them with “durable, non-shedding” materials. This removes the marking function, which is an essential part of scratching. The best approach is to buy sturdier cardboard scratching posts and replace them less frequently, allowing for a transition period from old to new.
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Changing Cat Food
Why is it not recommended to frequently change cat food? Cats have a high-protein, low-carb diet and have evolved to have a shorter digestive tract. While this helps them digest and absorb nutrients efficiently, it also means they are less adaptable to changes in food. Frequently changing their food can lead to:Digestive stress and potential intolerance.Poor digestion and absorption, which can cause foul-smelling stools.Increased risk of allergies.When is it appropriate to change their food? If your cat is healthy and eating well-balanced food, it’s not recommended to change their diet frequently. For kittens, senior cats, or cats with sensitive stomachs, a stable diet is best. If you need to change food due to health reasons, try transitioning gradually by introducing new food over 7–10 days, starting with the types of meat and brands your cat has already eaten.
In addition to the above, there are other areas where it’s perfectly fine for cat owners to be a little “lazy.” For example, don’t give your cat treats too often! Walking your cat? That can be skipped too! Also, activities like teaching your cat to swim, training them to use a human toilet, or forcing them to pose for belly dance photos… there’s really no need for that. After all, a kitten’s ability to be adorable is more than enough!
