Vet calls out 3 common but costly mistakes cat owners make by treating them as ‘easier’ than dogs

Many people think cats are "easier" to care for than dogs. They are quieter, independent, and don’t require daily walks. But veterinarian Dr. Amir Anwary, warns that treating cats as low-maintenance pets can be costly. On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, he posted a video on his TikTok account highlighting three common mistakes cat owners often make. Assuming cats need less care can put them at serious risk. Dr. Anwary emphasizes that even small oversights can lead to big vet bills. Awareness, regular care, and attention are key to keeping cats healthy. 

1. Missing tick and flea shots

The video posted under the handle, @amirthevet, begins with what he calls the first mistake, which is not staying up to date with tick and flea medication. “Cats are very sensitive to flea saliva,” he explains. “If they get bitten by even one flea, they can get a severe reaction around their necks.” He suggests that preventing this is better than curing it "because it is also going to cost you a huge vet bill to get that fixed." He advises new cat owners or those in areas with ticks and fleas to keep their cats’ medication current. Fleas and ticks can lead to skin infections, hair loss, anemia, allergic dermatitis, and severe itching, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Skipping treatments may seem harmless, but it can quickly become a serious health issue requiring expensive veterinary care. Dr. Anwary also stresses that even if you have never seen a flea on your cat, keeping preventive medication up to date is crucial for their safety.

2. Lack of play and stimulation

The second mistake Dr. Anwary points out is assuming cats don’t need any playtime. He says, “They really are not very high demand; however, they still need to be played with, they still need stimulation.” Without it, cats can gain weight and develop anxious behaviors. The SafeHaven Humane Society states that regular daily interactive play sessions can help relieve stress and prevent behavioral problems in indoor cats. Furthermore, Pet Doctor of Davie suggests most adult indoor cats need approximately 20 to 30 minutes of activity every day, split into short play sessions, to avoid obesity and other health issues. Indoor cats that eat freely and don’t get much play are more likely to become overweight. Studies show that about 30% to 60% of cats in different groups carry extra weight. “Make sure that you are providing your cat with some form of stimulation,” Dr. Anwary adds. 

3. Ignoring early signs of illness

The third and most important mistake is ignoring subtle signs of illness. Cats rarely show obvious symptoms, but small changes can indicate serious problems. Dr. Anwary explains, “An older cat with kidney problems, they will start drinking more water, or they will start to lose a little bit of weight.” Many owners dismiss these signs as normal aging. Early detection is critical because untreated conditions progress quickly.

According to PetMD, due to cats’ natural instinct to hide vulnerability, even indoor cats often show few signs of illness and may seem quiet or withdrawn. That’s why it’s important to take your cat to the vet for a yearly checkup. Dr. Anwary also advises that when a cat exhibits unusual behavior, it is better to seek veterinary care promptly rather than wait. "If your cat is doing something that you think might be odd or might be different, go to a vet." 

For more cat-related health tips, follow @amirthevet on TikTok.