Cats have an air of mystery that makes them endlessly fascinating—but also easy to misunderstand. Even the most devoted cat parents can fall into the trap of believing outdated or downright wrong ideas about their feline friends.
From the myth of the “aloof cat” to the idea that cats always land on their feet, let’s bust some of the most common misconceptions that still circulate in the world of cat ownership.
Here are 10 myths about cat behavior that even experienced cat owners may still believe.
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1. Cats Are Completely Independent and Don’t Need Much Attention
Sure, cats can entertain themselves, and yes, they enjoy alone time—but that doesn’t mean they don’t need love, interaction, and mental stimulation. Many cats form deep bonds with their humans and crave connection just as much as dogs do (they just show it differently).
If your cat follows you around the house, curls up on your laptop, or meows for attention, they’re proving this myth wrong every day.
2. Cats Only Purr When They’re Happy
Purring is one of the most misunderstood cat behaviors. While cats do purr when they’re content, they also purr when they’re frightened, in pain, or even dying. It’s thought to be a form of self-soothing or even a way to promote healing, thanks to the frequency of the vibrations.
So next time your cat is purring, pay attention to the context. It’s not always a sign of bliss—it might be a cry for comfort.
3. Scratching Furniture Means Your Cat Is Acting Out
It’s not personal—your cat isn’t ruining your favorite chair out of spite. Scratching is a natural feline behavior that helps cats mark territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain healthy claws.
If your cat is scratching furniture, it usually means they don’t have an appropriate place to do it. Provide scratching posts in different textures and locations, and you’ll likely see an instant improvement.
4. Cats Are Nocturnal and Prefer to Be Awake All Night
Technically, cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. This is hardwired from their wild ancestors, who hunted during these cooler, low-light times.
So if your cat starts zooming around at 5 AM, it’s not because they’re nocturnal—it’s just part of their natural rhythm. You can shift their schedule with daytime play sessions and consistent feeding times.
5. You Can’t Train a Cat
This one’s been around forever, but it’s just not true. Cats can absolutely be trained—they just require different motivation than dogs. While dogs are usually eager to please, cats respond best to positive reinforcement and short, consistent training sessions.
From using a litter box to learning tricks and even walking on a leash, cats are clever and capable—you just have to speak their language (and bring treats).
6. A Cat That Hides Is Just Shy or Moody
It’s easy to chalk up hiding to a cat’s personality, but it can also be a red flag. Sudden changes in behavior—like hiding more than usual—can indicate stress, illness, or discomfort.
If your typically social cat suddenly disappears under the bed for hours at a time, it’s worth checking in with your vet. Cats are masters at hiding pain, so any major behavior change should be taken seriously.
7. If a Cat Doesn’t Like to Be Held, They’re Not Affectionate
Cats have different love languages. Just because your cat doesn’t enjoy being picked up doesn’t mean they don’t adore you. Some cats show affection by sitting nearby, following you around, or bringing you gifts (even if it’s a dust bunny).
Respecting their boundaries and learning how they like to express affection is key to building trust. Not all cats are lap cats—but that doesn’t mean they’re not loving companions.
8. Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Yes, cats have a natural righting reflex that helps them twist mid-air and land feet-first. But it’s not foolproof. Cats can still suffer serious injuries from falls, especially from medium-height windows and balconies—a phenomenon known as “high-rise syndrome.”
So, no matter how graceful your cat seems, always secure windows and balconies. Curiosity and gravity don’t mix well.
9. Litter Box Issues Are Just Behavioral Problems
When a cat starts avoiding the litter box, the first assumption is often bad behavior or spite. But the reality is that litter box issues are frequently medical. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or even arthritis can make it painful for cats to use the box.
Stress can also trigger litter box avoidance—like a new pet in the house or changes to their environment. If this happens, don’t scold—schedule a vet visit first and look for ways to reduce stressors.
10. Cats Only Bond With One Person
Some cats are famously “one-human” felines, but that doesn’t mean they can’t form multiple bonds. Like people, cats have different personalities—some are social butterflies, while others prefer a tight-knit crew.
Given time, space, and kindness, most cats will happily bond with more than one person in the household. So if you’re new in a cat’s life, don’t give up—they just need a little extra time to warm up.
10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
Cats have a great memory, especially when remembering bad experiences. While still up for debate, most experts believe felines can retain memories for 15 to 20 years!
This practical capability helps them in the wild and allows them to form long-term bonds, recall useful information, and (yes) even hold grudges.
In short, if you’re a first-time fur mom or dad, it’s crucial to remain on their good side, lest you incur the feline’s wrath!
So, here are 10 things your cat will never forgive and you should never do. Some of these are seemingly harmless mistakes, yet have a lasting impact on your cat’s well-being and your relationship.
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10 Myths About Cats You Should Stop Believing
As a long-time cat owner, I’ve found that many of my friends often have misconceptions about cats. Unfortunately, new cat parents may encounter problems because of misinformation on the internet.
Today, we’ll discuss ten myths about cats that you should stop believing. You’ll be surprised by just how much you didn’t know about your feline companion!
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10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings
Think your cat’s upset? Well, it probably is!
Cats can get annoyed, bored, freaked out, or totally zen. Believe it or not, they can also feel hurt. Yep, our feline friends are more sensitive than we realize.
So, here are 10 everyday things that hurt your cat’s feelings, so you’ll know how to avoid them.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.