Red flags to watch out for in pets?

[Olivia]

When it comes time to adopt a pet,

What are some red flags to watch out for when you first meet or observe the animal?

 

[MrDawn]

When a cat shows a constant refusal to use it's litter box.

 

[Crys]

 

[Loki]

I do not like Pets, so no flagging for me.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

When a cat shows a constant refusal to use it's litter box.

Why’s that?
What about cats jumping on your keyboard while playing with the mouse? Driving the computer maverick.

Oh yeah, we have to mention bad training not least of dogs who can go wild, especially those of an illegal breed

 

[MrDawn]

Why’s that?

Because cat shit stinks and I don't want it in the carpet.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

Because cat shit stinks and I don't want it in the carpet.

Oh I an clearly tired 🙈😂

 

[Dee]

Body language depending on the animal. I know more about cats than other animals so: ears lowered, tail swishing, big pupils, backing up, straight up swatting/biting. Depends on the environment, too. If they don't feel they're in a safe space they can retreat to, then that'll make everything worse. Many behaviors, however, can be altered with giving the animal space, patience, and time. Redirecting behavior is also a good reminder (e.g. cat's clawing the couch > give them something else to claw like a catnip toy, cardboard, cat tree, maybe even spray a scent they don't like on the furniture to deter).

 

[ElegantAura]

Continuous barking, meowing, or other vocalization might suggest distress or an underlying issue.