9 Cat myths that every owner should know
Cat myths: Cats are considered hard to see through – so it’s no wonder there are tons of cat myths out there that many still believe to be true. However, because that can be dangerous, we expose the most common cat errors for you.
Cats always land on their paws.
The myth that cats always land on their paws is so often confirmed that we sometimes forget that there are exceptions. Because: Cats are very graceful, they really land on their paws a lot. But not always. The good balance of the kitties is their righting reflex, with which they can orientate themselves so that they land safely on their paws.
There is also a kind of device in the cat’s ears that allows them to balance and orient themselves. “As a result, cats notice which is up pretty quickly and turn their head there so that the body follows,” explains veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Freeman. However, these two mechanisms don’t always work – especially when a cat falls from a great height.
And even if a kitty lands on its paws, it can break bones or cause other injuries. According to international statistics, cats are most likely to be injured when they fall from around three to three and a half meters. In New York, on the other hand, a cat is said to have fallen from the 18th floor – and survived.
Photo: Envato Elements (symbol photo)
Milk is good for cats.
There is a persistent rumor that you can still give milk to adult cats and even healthy. While kittens can tolerate cow’s milk, this changes in adulthood. Adult cats lack the enzyme with which they can digest the milk – the kitties become lactose intolerant.
By the way, you shouldn’t give kittens cow’s milk if possible. Animal welfare organizations emphasize that they should only drink their own mother’s milk – or special substitute milk obtained from the vet. If your only concern is your cat’s ingesting fluids, it’s better to use water or wet food.
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Cats hate water
many of you don’t know this cat myth. Speaking of wet: Many do not even question that cats hate water – some kitties do not take it easy in front of the water jet or the bathtub. Some even like to play with it. However, indeed, cats do not like to be completely in the water.
Photo: Envato Elements (symbol photo)
Cats and dogs don’t like each other.
One of the other cat myths that Dogs and cats are spider enemies – at least that’s what some films and TV shows try to make us believe. The “aversion” is often just a communication problem between two animal species. That is why we have to function as mediators, ensure that this communication gap is bridged as best as possible.
One thing is certain: if they are used to each other, dogs and cats can get along well.
Cats are unhappy in the house.
As a rule, cat owners have two options: either their cat becomes a house tiger or an outdoor cat. Some think that the latter option is the only true lifestyle for domesticated cats as well.
According to cat expert Jackson Galaxy, it differs from cat to cat. He himself is more of a fan of cats that stay in the house. This is because they have a significantly higher life expectancy than outdoors – far more dangers outside, such as cars, parasites, or enemy cats (Cat myths).
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Cats hardly need any care.
It’s true that cats, at least compared to dogs, require a little less attention and are not really caring for – but they do need care. The idea of cats that hardly need care can even be dangerous, for example, when cat owners think they can leave their kitties alone for days. And even if cats have enough food and water, they need our company just as much as dogs – otherwise, they can develop separation anxiety.
Superstition: Black cats bring bad luck
“Black cat from the left, bad luck brings it” – many of us grew up with this saying; in other cultures, too, cats represent the bearers of bad luck. Of course, we now know that there is nothing in such old wives’ tales – nevertheless, even today, black cats in animal shelters still have a harder time being taught. These cat myths can give you just as much love, affection, and happiness as any other kitty.
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Cats have seven lives.
In Germany, we often say that a cat has seven lives – in English-speaking countries, there are even nine lives. Where this assumption comes from is a mystery in itself. Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” already speaks of the nine lives of the cat. But some suspect that these cat myths arose in ancient Egypt: At that time, cats were considered divine creatures with supernatural powers.
However, it is more likely that this prejudice arose because cats often emerge largely unscathed even from tricky situations. Be it falls from a height or natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Cats are loners
The reasons for this myth are obvious: While dogs are descended from wolves – that is, pack animals – most wild cats live alone. However, we do not share our everyday life with wild cats but with domestic cats. And they are used to forming close bonds with people.
Mythos is probably reinforced because we look at cats through “dog glasses.” If you compare the kitties with dogs, you quickly get the impression that they are repellent and less cuddly. Cats show their affection in different ways than dogs (Cat myths).