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!
Contents
Myth 1: It’s Okay to Give Your Cat Milk
Cartoons often depict cats drinking bowls of milk, leading people to believe that it’s okay to give them the drink. However, cow’s milk can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats.
As cats mature, they lose the enzymes needed to break milk down. This makes cats lactose intolerant!
According to PetMD, milk can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain in cats. It can also make felines prone to obesity by adding fat and sugar to their diet.
If you want to give your cat milk as a treat, one teaspoon once a week should be enough. For kittens, it’s better to give either goat’s milk or lactose-free pet milk.
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Myth 2: Cats Are Low Maintenance
Cats are certainly not as demanding as dogs, but they’re not low-maintenance animals.
Your cats will need plenty of attention. Some breeds require daily grooming, and all cats need to play and exercise.
You must clean your cat’s litter box every day. In addition, you have to bring your cat to the vet at least once a year for checkups, which can get costly.
CNN says you can spend anywhere from $325 to $1,600 per year on a single cat. This covers their litter, food, toys, and vet visits.
That said, if you’re willing to commit to a feline friend, they can become great lifetime companions!
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Myth 3: Purring Is a Sign of Happiness
Although some cats purr when happy, a few may also purr because of injuries.
Experts believe that cats purr when they’re in distress in an attempt to self-soothe and relieve pain.
Studies show that cat purrs have a frequency of 25 to 100 Hz. This frequency is proven to have therapeutic effects, promoting healing in bones and muscle tissues.
In short, when your cat is purring more than usual, you may want to have it checked by the vet!
Read Next: Why does my cat purr and then bite me?
Myth 4: Cats Hate Dogs
Many people believe that there’s an ongoing rivalry between cats and dogs. The stereotype is that these animals are at odds with each other, and you can’t keep them in the same household.
Yet, cats and dogs can live together peacefully!
Cats are surprisingly social animals who will love having a dog around under the right circumstances.
You won’t have issues as long as you teach both your pets how to respect each other’s boundaries. Of course, you should make sure to introduce them to each other correctly.
Myth 5: Cats Only Eat Fish
When you visit a pet store, chances are, you’ll find various fish products in the cat aisle.
Why do we feed our cats fish? If you think about it, cats are land-dwelling animals that rarely see ocean fish in real life. Simply put, fish isn’t in their natural diet and can cause various health problems!
Some veterinarians claim that exclusively feeding your cat fish can lead to thiamine deficiency. The magnesium in fish may even cause urinary tract infections in cats.
What’s more, studies show that 23% of cats are allergic to fish, which can lead to hair loss and inflammation.
As a cat parent, you should feed your cat a varied diet. Go for chicken in addition to the fish, and always give your cats vitamin supplements!
Read Next: How Long Do Cats Grow? A Guide to Their Developmental Journey
Myth 6: Cats Cannot Be Trained
Did you know you can train most cats? Cats learn from their interactions with humans and can quickly pick up new skills.
However, training cats is different from training dogs. To train your cat, you must keep sessions short and eliminate distractions.
Positive reinforcement is key. Plus, you have to maintain consistency!
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Myth 7: Cats Don’t Need Much Space
Plenty of articles will tell you that cats make great pets because they don’t need much space. Yet, once you get one, you’ll quickly discover that your pet requires more legroom than you initially thought.
Cats love to run around and exercise. They can get bored quickly and knock things over if they lack the space.
One way to give more space for feline friends is to build a cat wall system. These are a series of shelves that’ll allow your cat to climb and explore their surroundings!
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Myth 8: Black Cats Are Unlucky
In European folklore, black cats are ominous creatures that bring misfortune. It’s a myth that’s reinforced even today during Halloween.
In reality, black cats were simply a way for people to explain diseases in the Middle Ages. They lacked an understanding of bacteria, and the black cats who blended with the shadows became associated with evil.
Once you get to know them, you’ll discover that black cats are the sweetest animals!
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Myth 9: Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Cats have a natural reflex that allows them to orient themselves in mid-air. Still, they can’t always land on their feet, depending on the height they’re falling from!
According to the SPCA, at least five cats fall from high rises per week, resulting in 130 yearly fatalities.
Cat parents living in condominiums should be aware of the dangers to their cats. Safety systems on balconies may be necessary to prevent these accidents.
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Myth 10: Declawing Is Harmless
Declawing is a recent trend where pet owners have their cat’s claws surgically removed. They do this to prevent the cat from scratching furniture.
Unfortunately, many of these owners are misguided. Declawing isn’t simply cutting the nails. It involves cutting the bone attached to the nail.
For this reason, declawing is an unethical practice banned in some states!
Read Next: Why Does Your Cat Lick You and Then Bite You?
Conclusion
Outdated misconceptions can have harmful effects on your cats. As a cat parent, it’s vital to educate yourself and prepare for a lifetime of commitment.
Once you stop believing myths about cats, you’ll discover that your pet is a lovable animal that can become the best companion!
Read Next: Why Do Cats Sleep Next to Their Owners?
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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.