Getting a pet is a significant commitment, and understanding their care is crucial. To assist pet owners, one veterinarian revealed some of the things she specifically avoids doing with her feline friend. Known as Cat the Vet online, the UK-based vet has attracted followers for her helpful pet care insights. In a recent clip, she introduced her new kitten, Mowgli, and listed five typical things she'll steer clear of doing with him.
Cat offers offers useful advice for her followers on TikTok, reports Surrey Live. But despite explaining the reasoning behind her decisions, her thoughts have followers divided. "I'm a vet and here are five things I won't be doing with my new kitten," Cat began in the video before delving into her justifications. Refusing to feed raw food diets, she stated: "Number one, I won't be feeding him a raw food diet, he will be getting commercial kibble and wet food," She expressed her concerns about potential bacterial and parasitic infections as well as nutritional imbalances that could jeopardise her pets or family's health.
"If you choose to raw feed, that's fine, but it's not for me.". Also, she highlighted why she avoids laser pointers during playtime: "They're an incredibly frustrating toy for cats, because although they're exciting to chase, there's nothing to catch when they pounce.". "And they can find that really irritating and annoying.". Further, she mentioned she doesn't feed her kitty the same meal every single day.
Cat shared her plans for feeding her pet, stating that she intends to introduce variety into her kitten's diet. "Although he will always eat a commercially prepared kibble or wet, I will not keep that the same in [his] entire life," she declared. She emphasised the importance of exposing cats to different textures and flavours, hence her plan to regularly change up his meals. She also revealed her intention to neuter her kitten at a young age. "It's far better for the cats, both the girls and the boys, to be neutered," she explained.
She pointed out that neutering reduces the likelihood of cats fighting, wandering, getting into trouble, and females becoming pregnant. She added, "They're far less likely to fight, to wander, to get themselves in trouble, and of course girls can't get pregnant. Because of course kittens are lovely and very cute, we have enough in the world already, and we do not have enough homes for the ones that we have.".
She concluded by saying, "All responsible cat owners will have their cats neutered.". Lastly, Cat disclosed her decision to raise her kitten as an outdoor cat. "Here in the UK, it's quite normal for our cats and I'm very lucky to live in an area which is pretty safe," she said. While acknowledging that cats can have all their needs met living indoors, she believes that providing outdoor access offers a more enriching experience. Therefore, she plans for her kitten to venture outside and explore the wider world.
She went on to express in her video's caption: "It is a balancing act, deciding to let your cat out but for me and my pets the benefits outweigh any risks.". Despite the educational nature of Cat's video, viewers didn't hold back in the comments with their personal stances. One individual, identifying as a vet, insisted: "As a vet, you definitely should be keeping him indoors," causing a stir amongst followers.
Another added their surprise, commenting, "I was surprised you said you'd be letting the kitty outside. So many negatives for letting an animal roam unattended.". However, some shared their own experiences, like one commenter who said: "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.". Get email updates with the day's biggest stories.
