10 Everyday Habits That Are Actually Harmful to Cats (UAE Edition)

10 Everyday Habits That Are Actually Harmful to Cats (UAE Edition)

Cats are independent, curious, and adorable, but they’re also vulnerable in ways many pet parents don’t realize. Especially in the UAE, where extreme heat, apartment living, and cultural habits can impact feline health, some everyday things we do (or don’t do) could unintentionally harm our cats.

In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 surprisingly harmful habits, plus tips on how to fix them, with help from top products available at Petigree Pets UAE.

1. Letting Your Cat Roam on Balconies Unsupervised

🏙️ A Common but Dangerous UAE Habit

High-rise living is the norm in the UAE, but balconies pose a serious risk to cats. Even if your cat “never jumps,” one bird or loud noise can lead to tragedy.

🛒 Safer solution: Install a cat balcony net or enclosure from petigreepets.com to keep your cat safe while enjoying fresh air.

2. Feeding Your Cat Table Scraps

While sharing your meal seems loving, many ingredients in UAE kitchens, like onions, garlic, and spicy foods, are toxic to cats. Even dairy (like laban or cheese) can cause stomach upset.

🛒 Stick to vet-approved, nutritionally balanced cat food, specially curated for UAE conditions at Petigree Pets.

3. Using Strong Cleaning Chemicals

Many UAE homes use powerful cleaning agents like bleach or Dettol, but their residue can irritate your cat’s skin or paws, or worse, be ingested during grooming.

🛒 Use cat-safe cleaning sprays and floor wipes to protect your kitty’s health.

4. Ignoring Grooming, Especially During Shedding Season

In hot, humid UAE weather, skipping brushing can lead to fur matting, overheating, or hairball buildup, especially in long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons.

🛒 Use our gentle grooming tools and anti-hairball treats to keep your cat cool and comfortable.

5. Assuming Indoor Cats Don’t Need Stimulation

Indoor cats can get bored, anxious, or even depressed. Without play and mental stimulation, they may overeat, scratch furniture, or act out.

🛒 Keep your cat entertained with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing towers from Petigree Pets.

6. Skipping the Litter Box Clean-up

In UAE’s heat, dirty litter boxes smell fast, and cats are fastidious. A dirty box can cause stress, urinary infections, or refusal to use it altogether.

🛒 Use clumping, odor-control litter and a litter deodorizer for a clean and cat-approved bathroom.

7. Leaving Water Bowls in the Heat

Water evaporates quickly in hot UAE homes. Cats are also picky about water temperature and cleanliness.

🛒 Try a cat water fountain that keeps water cool, filtered, and moving, encouraging your cat to stay hydrated.

8. Using Essential Oils or Incense Indoors

Fragrance oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or bakhoor incense might make your home smell amazing, but many are toxic to cats when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

🛒 Choose pet-safe air fresheners or keep aromatic products out of reach and in well-ventilated areas.

9. Not Scheduling Vet Checkups

Even indoor cats in UAE apartments need yearly vet visits for vaccinations, parasite checks, and health screenings, especially with rising humidity-related illnesses.

🗓️ Schedule a wellness check at least once a year and keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date.

10. Assuming a Purring Cat Is Always a Happy Cat

Cats are masters at hiding pain or stress. Purring can also be a self-soothing behavior when they’re anxious, ill, or in discomfort.

🐾 Watch for other signs: hiding, reduced appetite, litter box changes, or vocalizations.

🛒 Support calm behavior with calming diffusers, catnip blends, or stress-reducing treats available at Petigree Pets.

🛍️ Why UAE Cat Owners Trust Petigree Pets

At Petigree Pets, we help you do more than love your cat, we help you protect them. From UAE-approved cat food to smart hydration, grooming, and safety products, we bring you everything your feline needs to thrive in this unique environment.

👉 Visit www.petigreepets.com to shop smart for your cat today.

Bonus UAE Cat Tips:

  • 🐱 Keep curtains drawn during peak heat hours.
  • 🐾 Provide shaded napping spots with cooling mats.
  • 🧴 Avoid strong scents and oils around cats.
  • 🚪 Secure all windows, balconies, and AC vents.

Final Meow

Being a great cat parent means knowing what not to do just as much as knowing what to do. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing better alternatives, you’ll give your cat a longer, healthier, happier life, right here in the UAE.

📲 Follow Us for More Cat Tips

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