Myth: Dry food is better for a cat’s teeth than wet food.
Dry cat food isn’t any better for their teeth than cereal is for yours! Dry cat food actually isn’t that healthy since it is often corn or grain based and cats are obligate carnivores – meaning they require a meat-based diet. Also, cats rely more on the moisture they get in their food, rather than getting it from drinking water.
Myth: If a cat falls, it will always land on its feet unharmed.
Cats do not always land on their feet. However due to their lack of collar bones they are more flexible. They can still be seriously injured from falls! Known as aerial righting reflex, cats have a natural ability to bend their back and twist their torso to position themselves with their feet toward the ground. While a cat will usually land firmly on his feet, the height of their fall plays a major role in whether or not he will nail his landing. Click here to read more.
Myth: You can and should feed your cat cow’s milk.
No you should not. Believe it or not, many cats are lactose intolerant! They have trouble digesting milk and it can give them gas. So don’t share – even if kitty asks nicely.
Myth: Cats are terrified of water.
Some cats hate water, some cats are curious and some indifferent. I even had a cat who begged for baths!
Myth: Cats will lay on and smother infants if left unattended.
It is true that cats are attracted to small warm spaces like cribs. However cats are no more likely to smother a sleeping baby than a human is. This myth might stem from the centuries-old bit of folk legend that said cats used to suck the very life out of sleeping babies by swallowing their breath. This is obviously silly…and not true.
Myth: Declawing your cat is harmless.
A very common and dangerous myth. Declawing is the amputation of the cat’s toes at the first joint. It is viewed as inhumane and is illegal in many countries and even some parts of the United States.
Myth: Cats can never form a loving bond the way dogs can.
Cats are more independent and are not pack animals like dogs. So they can appear more aloof than dogs. But many cats break the stereotype with a purr and a head bump.
Myth: A Female cat should have one litter before she is spayed.
Nope. Actually it’s best to have her fixed before 6 months of age to prevent this. Female cats who are not spayed are in danger of contracting a very dangerous and life threatening infection of the uterus called pyometra, that occurs because of hormonal changes in the reproductive tract. It’s best not to subject your kitty to this risk and have her spayed early. There is no evidence to support the theory that a cat needs to have kittens before she can, or should, be spayed.
Myth: If you remove a cat’s whiskers it will lose it’s balance.
Not Exactly. Cat’s whiskers can indicate their mood, and are used for navigation more than balance. In fact some cat breeds don’t have whiskers! But they aren’t the only tool in your cat’s navigational toolbox. Click here to read more about your cat’s amazing whiskers!
Myth: All cats go crazy for catnip.
Catnip can cause some cats to turn into rubber balls of energy, but others just sniff it and walk away. Young kittens and senior cats typically don’t react to catnip at all! Click here to 15 fascinating facts about catnip!
