Cat-astrophic Mistakes First-Time Cat Parents Make
Cats are complex, curious, and incredibly rewarding companions, but they are not plug-and-play pets
India's cat craze is catching on fast. According to the industry data, pet cats now make up nearly 9.5% of the country's pet population, with an estimated 3.7 million felines purring their way into urban homes. That is a massive leap from just 2.4 million in 2022, showing how cats are becoming the go-to companions for apartment-dwelling millennials and Gen Z. Meanwhile, dog ownership still dominates at 88%, but the gap is narrowing.
What is fuelling this feline fascination? Lower maintenance, quiet companionship, and a temperament that fits snugly into city life. But here is the twist: many new cat parents walk in with a dog-care mindset, expecting their cats to fetch, cuddle on command, or thrive on constant attention. Spoiler: They do not.
'In cities like Mumbai, where space is limited, we are seeing a sharp rise in smaller dogs and especially cats. On our platform, Mumbai now shows an almost equal split between dog and cat parents," shares Dr. Swathi Hareendran, Veterinary Expert, Supertails.
To help your cat feel at home and avoid any tail-twitching disasters, Dr Hareendran shares seven surprisingly common mistakes new cat parents make and how to fix them before your kitty gives you the cold shoulder.
1. Assuming Cats Do Not Need Space To Thrive
While cats can adapt to compact living far more easily than dogs, that doesn't mean they do not need environmental stimulation. Vertical space (like shelves, window sills, and cat trees) is just as important as square footage. Cats love to perch, climb, and observe their territory from above; it helps them feel secure and mentally engaged.
Top Tip: Create multiple elevation zones with soft bedding, scratch posts, and hideaways. Even a small flat can feel like a jungle gym with the right setup.
2. Ignoring Their Sensitivity to Temperature
Unlike dogs, cats are highly sensitive to ambient temperature changes. They often gravitate towards sunlit patches, warm corners, or enclosed spaces when they feel cold. On the flip side, in hot Indian summers, poor ventilation or lack of cool zones can lead to lethargy or heat stress.
Pro Tip: Ensure your cat has access to both cosy warm spots and well-ventilated, shaded areas, especially in non-air-conditioned homes.
3. Treating Them Like Dogs (No, Really!)
Cats are not pack animals. They do not crave validation the way dogs do and tend to form slow, deep bonds on their terms. Trying to train or discipline a cat like a dog (e.g., yelling 'No!" or expecting them to follow commands) can damage trust.
Reminder: Respect their boundaries, observe their cues, and reward with calm interaction; affection should be earned, not demanded.
4. Skipping Mental Enrichment
A common myth? 'Cats entertain themselves." Not quite. Without interactive play, puzzle toys, or sensory activities, cats can get bored, leading to stress, aggression, or destructive behaviour.
Try This: Invest in a feather wand, laser pointer, or puzzle feeder. Even 15–20 minutes of playtime a day can do wonders for their well-being.
5. Underestimating Their Social Needs
Advertisement
Cats are often thought to be solitary creatures, but many actually thrive on companionship. They may not jump on you like a dog would, but they will show affection in quieter ways: following you around, slow blinking, or curling up nearby.
Watch Out: If your cat is hiding constantly, it could be a sign of stress or unmet emotional needs, not just 'independence."
6. Overfeeding and Underplaying
Indoor cats are prone to obesity due to limited movement. Combine that with free feeding and lack of play, and you have a purring health hazard. Portion control and daily activity are non-negotiable.
7. Delaying Vet Visits Because 'They Seem Fine'
Cats are masters of hiding discomfort. Whether it is a dental issue, joint pain, or gastrointestinal distress, they rarely show visible signs until things get severe.
top videos
View All
Best Practice: Schedule annual wellness checks even if they appear healthy. Preventive care is far easier than emergency care.
Cats are complex, curious, and incredibly rewarding companions, but they are not plug-and-play pets. They need a thoughtful balance of respect, routine, and engagement. With a little awareness and a lot of love, you can avoid these beginner blunders and become the confident cat parent your feline deserves.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 06, 2025, 12:31 IST
News lifestyle Cat-astrophic Mistakes First-Time Cat Parents Make
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Countrywide survey reveals deficits in student learning
The results of the Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshen (PARAKH RS), formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), have revealed that Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Chandigarh are the best performing States and Union Territories in school education. PARAKH RS assessed the performance of 21,15,022 children in Grades 3, 6 and 9 from 74,229 schools in 781 districts of the country in the following subjects: language and mathematics (for Grades 3, 6, and 9), the world around us (for Grades 3 and 6), and science and social science (for Grade 9). As many as 2,70,424 teachers and school leaders responded through questionnaires. Also read:Learning more effectively from the National Achievement Survey Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala emerged as the top performing states in Grade 3. Kerala, Punjab and Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu were the top performers for Grade 6. Punjab, Kerala and Chandigarh were the best performing States for Grade 9. The Kendriya Vidyalayas, run by the Union Government, recorded the lowest performance in mathematics in Grade 3. In Grade 6, government-aided and state government schools showed weak performance in mathematics. For Grade 9, students from Kendriya Vidyalayas performed the best across all subjects, particularly in language. The results found that in Grade 3, 67% students know and use enough words to carry out day-to-day interactions effectively and could guess the meaning of new words by using existing vocabulary. Figuring it out In mathematics, 68% students in Grade 3 could sort objects into groups and sub-groups based on more than one property, while 69% could identify and extend simple patterns in their surroundings, shapes, and numbers. Only 55% could arrange numbers up to 99 in ascending and descending order. In Grade 6, only 54% could represent numbers using the place value structure of the Indian number system, and knew and could read the names of very large numbers. Only 38% students could solve puzzles and daily-life problems involving one or more operations on whole numbers. Only 38% of Grade 6 students asked questions and made predictions about simple patterns (season change, food chain, phases of the moon, movement of stars and planets, shapes of trees, plants, leaves, and flowers, rituals, celebrations) observed in the immediate environment. In Grade 9, 45% of students could explain how the Constitution came to be and understood the ideas and ideals of the Indian national movement enshrined in it as well as those drawn from India's civilisational heritage. About 54% of students could identify the main points in a text from careful listening or reading of news articles, reports or editorials. Only 31% could explore and understand sets of numbers, such as whole numbers, fractions, integers, rational numbers, and real numbers, and their properties, the survey results said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Crocodile alert! City's residents turn rescuers amid monsoon surge
Vadodara: When a crocodile recently entered a residential colony in Sayajigunj, local resident Abhishek Dhanavade didn't panic. Instead, he calmly approached the reptile, covered its eyes with a cloth, and guided it into a corner—preventing any harm to residents. Dhanavade isn't a trained wildlife rescuer, but like many Barodians, he has taken a crash course in crocodile handling. With reptiles from Vishwamitri River, bisecting the city, emerging frequently during monsoon - sometimes in the most unexpected places like kitchens and parkings - an increasing number of Barodians are coming forward to handle the situation on their own. "Last year, dozens of crocodiles were spotted near our colony at night. Rescue teams can't always reach in time, so I decided to get basic training," said 25-year-old Dhanavade. Crocodile rescues are often overstretched as they are flooded with calls due to crocodiles crawling out in public places. So, many residential societies, especially those in the low-lying areas in the vicinity of the river, have been undergoing informal training in handling the reptiles. Wildlife activist Hemant Vadhwana, who regularly conducts training sessions , said increasing number of people are now requesting lessons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Investors Are Buying These Dubai Apartments—Here's Why Binghatti Developers FZE Explore Undo "We educate people on crocodile behaviour and safety. But our primary advice is not to attempt rescue in abscence of experts," Vadhwana told TOI. In just three months of the last monsoon season, nearly 100 crocodiles were rescued from across Vadodara, with some found far from the river—like a baby crocodile that entered a kitchen in Karelibaug and another spotted under a parked car in Bil. Arvind Pawar of Wildlife Rescue Trust (WRT) said crocodile sightings have surged even in densely populated areas. "That's why we conduct awareness training and demonstrations. These sessions help people stay calm and make rescue efforts easier. This also gives us more time to reach the spot." The forest department has also stepped in, launching awareness campaigns and putting up warning signboards in vulnerable zones. "Despite being large and seemingly slow, crocodiles can strike with alarming speed and cause serious injuries," said animal activist Neha Patel.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Indian Rosewood Conservation Act Expires: A Threat to Biodiversity in the Nilgiris
Indian rosewood is a genetic resources for plant breeding, and their disappearance would negatively impact the ecological integrity of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve With the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act quietly lapsing in Feb 2025 after three decades, and no new safeguards introduced, the majestic Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) has been left vulnerable, say environmentalists. Introduced by chief minister J Jayalalithaa in 1995 for 15 years to safeguard endangered and culturally significant heritage trees, the legislation was extended for 15 years in 2010 when M Karunanidhi was in office. The Indian rosewood grows primarily in the lush landscapes of the Nilgiris region in Tamil Nadu, in Anamalai, Mudumalai and Gudalur. An Indian rosewood, estimated to be about 200 years old and standing in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, was honoured as a Heritage Tree of Tamil Nadu by the State Biodiversity Board in 2017. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai 'To us, it's not just a tree. It's sacred,' says B Bellie, a member of the Badaga, the largest indigenous community in the Nilgiris. 'For generations, the rosewood, referred to as 'kaalli mora' or 'kale mora', has held a revered place in our lives and rituals.' In a time when the preservation of native trees is a priority for govt agencies, the forest department's move to annul the Act has sparked outcry from environmentalists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo 'This decision not to renew the Act contradicts conservation principles,' says Dharmalingam Venugopal, founder and director of the Nilgiri Documentation Centre (NDC). 'The authorities should be aware of the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act, a first-of-its-kind legislation in India.' In 1994, Venugopal says, several large estates in the Gudalur belt applied to cut down 2,000 old of the trees 'under the pretext of shade regulation for tea bushes'. 'Some court orders favoured these estates by allowing the felling of Indian rosewood. A front-page article in a national newspaper about this issue prompted Jayalalithaa to enact legislation to protect the Indian rosewood in the state, particularly in the Gudalur belt of the Nilgiri region. It sets an example for other states within the Nilgiri biosphere reserve.' Srinivas R Reddy, principal chief conservator of forests and head of the forest department, says the Act is 'no longer needed'. 'It has discouraged people from planting rosewood in other areas. By removing it, we're hoping more farmers will grow them, especially in irrigated areas, as rosewood doesn't survive in dry conditions.' The objectives of this Act, he adds, are not fully realised because other regulations such as the Tamil Nadu Preservation of Private Forest Act of 1949 and the Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act of 1955, adequately protect these trees. 'A separate rosewood tree act is simply not needed.' B J Krishnan, former member of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, says artificial regeneration of the Indian rosewood is 'near impossible'. 'Artificial cultivation of the species is difficult due to its low seed germination rate in natural conditions and slower growth compared to other native trees in the Nilgiris,' he says. 'As a result, the Indian rosewood population continues to decline even within forested areas. ' Krishnan adds that the trees take more than two decades to reach maturity and achieve a significant diameter of about 200cm. 'So how can a farmer realistically grow and sell this tree?' he says. 'Withdrawing protective legislation would endanger the ancient Indian rosewood in the Janmam lands of Gudalur, many of which are leased to private companies. Known as the 'ivory of the forests', each tree, if felled, could fetch millions in the timber trade. ' A fully mature 30ft tree will fetch at least `60 lakh in the timber market, says K Shankar, a timber merchant. Most of these trees are several decades old, and Krishnan believes the now-lapsed law played a role in protecting them from being logged. 'Maybe some natural regeneration has occurred in the region because of that protection. However, earlier waves of felling have caused a loss of genetic diversity that threatens the long-term resilience of rosewood populations in the Gudalur belt.' Reddy says that naturally grown rosewood will remain protected, but the planting of new trees will only be allowed with proof and approval from the district-level committee. Krishnan says that existing laws such as the Tamil Nadu Preservation of Private Forest Act, 1949, and the Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act, 1955, also fail to address the conservation needs of this critical floral species, he notes. 'Indian rosewood trees is a genetic resources for plant breeding, and their disappearance would negatively impact the quality of the gene pool and the ecological integrity of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. ' He adds that just as there are specific legal frameworks to protect species such as tigers and elephants, Indian rosewood requires an act. 'The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2006 was enacted to facilitate the targeted conservation of tigers by establishing tiger reserves and core/critical tiger habitats, though tigers were protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The same targeted approach was applied when the rosewood tree act was implemented. ' Venugopal says that the withdrawal of this Act would effectively enable the illegal logging of the trees, which are on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 'Estates falling under Section 17 of the Gudalur Janmam Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) of 1969 contain a substantial number of Indian rosewood in the possession of large private companies. Perhaps the Act is being withdrawn to benefit the lessees of the janmam land,' says an environmentalist. Email your feedback with name and address to
