There are many unfortunate myths and misinformation about cats still floating around, including the superstition about black cats being bad luck. In Japan, black cats are actually considered good luck! See below for explanations of some of the more common cat myths.
Cats always land on their feet.
Cats have a built-in balancing system called the “righting reflex” that allows them to orient themselves and often land on their feet. However, while they may land the right way up, the height of their fall and other factors can affect their ability to land safely. They may also break bones and incur other potentially serious injuries in a fall.
Cats should drink milk every day.
People tend to believe that cats love milk and need milk for their diet. It is true that they tend to like milk, but they do not need it for proper nourishment. They may also get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. We suggest that you do not give your cat milk at all.
Cats get their balance from their whiskers.
Cats use their whiskers to feel, but not for balance.
If you are pregnant, you need to get rid of your cat.
Sadly, hundreds of cats are relinquished to animal shelters or rehomed every year because of this myth. It is true that some cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis, which occasionally can be spread to humans through cat litter boxes and cause serious problems in unborn babies. However, these problems can be controlled if the expectant mother avoids contact with the litter box and assigns daily cleaning to a friend or family member.
Cats may try to suffocate babies.
This is an unfortunate myth that causes hundreds if not thousands of cats to be brought to animal shelters or rehomed every year. Cats may try to get into a crib with a baby because it is new or warm or smells good, but there is no intent on the part of a cat to “suffocate” or “steal the breath” from a baby. Learn more about this myth here.
If a cat is injured, it can lick its wounds and the wounds will heal automatically from their saliva.
Actually licking can slow the healing process and cause more issues. If your cat is injured, it needs to see a veterinarian.
Cats are unhappy if they are kept indoors.
For some cats that are used to being outside, there may be an adjustment period to being an indoor-only cat, but it can be done. Giving them access to windows to look out of and providing them with plenty of companionship, toys and other enrichment inside the house can help with the transition. Over time even cats that have spent part of their lives outside will be fine and happy being inside cats. Inside cats also live much longer, healthier lives than outside cats.
Cats don’t really like people, so they don’t need a lot of care.
Cats may appear to be independent in nature, but the truth is that cats are social creatures that form strong bonds with their humans. When cats were domesticated thousands of years ago, we assumed the responsibility that we would care for their needs. Nowadays, cats are treated like members of the family and they continue to live longer and longer lives because of the increasing level of care we are able to provide for them.
Female cats should have a litter before you spay them.
There are no medical benefits to justify allowing a cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying female cats at a young age can prevent infections of the uterus, which can be fatal. It also reduces the risk of mammary cancer, prevents ovarian cysts and complications of pregnancy, and prevents unwanted males from bothering your pet. Spaying is also vital to helping control pet overpopulation.
Cats and dogs hate each other.
Unfortunately, the entertainment industry has helped to perpetuate this myth, but the reality is that cats are totally capable of affectionate and close relationships with dogs. A proper introduction between cats and dogs is key – just like proper introductions between pets of the same species – but cats and dogs can and do peacefully coexist within families, and they may even be best friends.
