The Most Unbelievable Cat Myths Debunked
If there’s one animal that has been a part of human life for centuries, it’s pet cats. Over time, countless myths and legends have developed about these creatures, and while some myths are fun, others can lead to quite a few misunderstandings about how to best care for our cat. Cats are some of the most cuddly and affectionate animals you could ever have in your home, though they do believe they are superior to human beings and will act as such.
By understanding the truth about cats, you can provide better care and appreciate their unique nature even more. So, in this article, we’re going to debunk some of the most common cat myths and explain why they’re not true. We’ve also got some fun facts to share with you that challenge these misconceptions.
Myth 1: Cats Always Land on Their Feet
One of the most common and famous cat myths is that they are always going to land on their feet. This myth is closely related to the belief that cats have nine lives, a notion that stems from their remarkable survival skills. Cats have an impressive ability to write themselves mid air because of their flexible spines and their writing reflex, but this doesn’t guarantee they’ll land safely or unharmed every single time. The reality is that cats are agile creatures and they often land on their feet from a fall, but it doesn’t mean that they’re invincible. Continue to keep balconies and high rise apartments secure so that your cat doesn’t have a fall that could be devastating.
Myth 2: Cats Are Antisocial
There is a very common method that cats are anti-social, or rather aloof. They are not the cold, distant creatures that only care about themselves as they are portrayed; understanding cat behavior reveals that they are quite social. Sure, they’re not bounding up to you for affection every 5 minutes in the same way that dogs do, but you can guarantee that after you’ve had a good night’s sleep, your cat will be winding around your ankles looking for love and affection.
Cats tend to be more independent than dogs, and don’t always seek attention in the same way, but that doesn’t mean that they’re antisocial. Cats can be incredibly affectionate with their owners and even with other pets, but they often express their affection differently. Some cats enjoy quietly sitting down next to their owners per and contentedly, and others follow their humans around to give gentle head butts. Every cat has its own unique personality. Offering your cat stimulating activities like playing with toys or growing cat grass (available at thecatladies.com) can improve their social interaction.
Myth 3: Cats Hate Water
Many people believe that cats hate water, but most people have experienced their feline friend fleeing the scene when water is involved too. The idea that cats despite water, though, isn't actually accurate. Cats generally tend to be averse to getting wet, but it's not a universal trait. Where some cats like to sit under running water, others prefer to hide. Cat fountains are an option in pet shops, so have a look at those. If your cat isn't drinking their water from their bowl, maybe they prefer a running source.
Myth 4: Black Cats Bring Bad Luck
Did you know that most cats left behind in shelters are Black Cats because people believe that they are bad luck? In some cultures, it was believed that if a black cat walks on a ship and then backs off, it would signal that the ship is going to sink. It’s a myth that can be traced back to the Middle Ages when witches were burnt at the stake. But let’s be honest, it was women being burnt at the stake and cats are only being discriminated against because they were associated with those women. In many cultures, like in Japan and the United Kingdom, Black Cats are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The idea that Black Cats being bad luck is a superstition with no basis. It has led to a lot of Black Cats being adopted less often from shelters though, so let’s hope that others can shake off those outdated beliefs.
Myth 5: Cats Purr Only When They’re Happy
It's not true that cats purr only when they're happy. While cats do purr when they are happy, purring can also signal other needs or emotions, including when they are anxious, in pain or hungry. Purring is a self-soothing mechanism for the cat. It helps them to calm down when they are feeling stressed out. So if your cat is purring but also showing signs of discomfort, such as hiding, it could be a sign that something is wrong. You might need to take your cat to the vet if you.
Myth 6: Cats Can See in Complete Darkness
Did you know that it said that cats can see in complete darkness? While it's true that cats have excellent night vision compared to humans, they still need some sources of light to see. Cats have more rod cells in their eyes than humans, which allows them to see better in low light conditions, but they can't see in complete darkness. Cats need a little bit of ambient light to navigate their surroundings. A small night light on for your cat during the night can help them feel comfortable. Or leaving curtains open so that street lights can come in.
Myth 7: Cats Have Superpowers
It’s easy to think that domestic cats have superpowers when you see them leaping gracefully from high places or navigating the dark with ease. Their agility, flexibility, and sharp senses often seem otherworldly. However, these impressive abilities are not supernatural; they are the result of evolution.
Domestic cats have retained many of the physical and behavioral traits of their wild ancestors. Their ability to jump high, for instance, is a survival trait that helped them hunt and escape predators. Similarly, their excellent night vision is due to a higher number of rod cells in their eyes, allowing them to see in low light conditions.
While it might seem like your cat has superpowers, they are still subject to the laws of physics and biology. Understanding the science behind a cat’s abilities can help us appreciate their unique characteristics and provide better care for our feline friends.
Myth 8: You Should Give Your Cat Cow’s Milk
The image of a cat lapping up a bowl of milk is a classic one, but it’s also misleading. Contrary to popular belief, cow’s milk is not a suitable substitute for cat milk. It lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive issues in cats.
Kittens need their mother’s milk or a specialized formula to receive the essential nutrients for growth and development. Once they are weaned, they no longer need milk. In fact, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning that consuming cow’s milk can lead to stomach upset and other digestive problems.
To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to provide a nutritionally balanced diet. If you’re unsure about what to feed your cat, consult with a veterinarian. They can offer personalized recommendations based on your cat’s age, health, and lifestyle.
Myth 9: Rubbing Butter on a Cat’s Paws Will Help Them Find Their Way Home
The idea that rubbing butter on a cat’s paws will help them find their way home is a myth with no scientific basis. Cats navigate their territory using their sense of smell and spatial memory, not the scent of butter on their paws.
In fact, rubbing butter on a cat’s paws can cause stress and discomfort, as they will likely try to lick it off. If you’re concerned about your cat getting lost, consider more effective solutions like microchipping or using a GPS tracking device. These methods can help ensure your cat’s safe return.
Providing a safe and comfortable environment, complete with familiar scents and surroundings, can also help reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety. This way, your cat will feel more secure and less likely to wander off.
Myth 10: Cats Can’t Be Trained
Many people believe that cats can’t be trained, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats are indeed trainable, but they require a different approach than dogs. Patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement are key.
Clicker training and reward-based methods can be very effective for teaching cats new behaviors. Cats respond well to short, frequent training sessions and positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. While they may be more independent and less food-motivated than dogs, with consistency and the right approach, you can teach your cat to perform tricks, use the litter box, and even walk on a leash.
Training your cat not only helps with behavior but also strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend. So, don’t be discouraged—your cat is more capable of learning than you might think!
Fun Facts about Cats
It’s easy to think that domesticated cats have superpowers when you see them leaping gracefully from high places or navigating the dark with ease. Cats communicate with humans through meowing. They hear adult humans and children talking, so they mimic the noise with their own throats. They don’t meow to communicate with other cats, so they reserve this vocalization for humans, which makes it their way of getting our attention.
Cats have amazing memories. They’re not forgetful, they’re not aloof. They have great long term memory, especially when it comes to remembering their favorite people and their favorite routines.
They can run fast. Cats can run at speeds up to 30 mph. They might seem lazy but capture incredible sprinters. When motivated. They can run fast enough to rival a car.
By debunking these common cat myths, we can understand and appreciate these creatures for who they are. When we shed misconceptions, we can offer better care and help them to lead more fulfilling lives.
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