Cats have been our beloved companions for centuries, but they remain shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. 45.3 million U.S. households own at least one cat.1 Despite their popularity, many myths about cats persist, from their supposed nine lives to their aloof nature.
These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about feline behavior and care. We’ll separate fact from fiction and debunk the 15 most common cat myths.
1. Cats Always Land on Their Feet
While cats are known for their agility and remarkable ability to right themselves during a fall, they don’t always land on their feet. Cats possess a unique “righting reflex” that allows them to twist their bodies mid-air, but this doesn’t guarantee a safe landing every time.
Falls from significant heights can still result in serious injuries, so it’s crucial to keep cats away from open windows and high balconies.
Cats falling from heights of less than six stories have a higher survival rate compared to those falling from greater heights. However, even if a cat does land on its feet, the impact can cause internal injuries, fractures, or other complications.
It’s important to remember that cats are not invincible and should be protected from dangerous situations.
2. Cats Hate Water
Contrary to popular belief, not all cats despise water. While many cats prefer to stay dry, some breeds, such as the Turkish Van and Bengal, are known for their love of water. These cats often enjoy playing in shallow water, splashing around, or even joining their owners in the shower.
The myth that cats hate water likely stems from their ancestors, who originated in arid regions with limited access to water. However, domestic cats have evolved and adapted to various environments.
Some cats may avoid water due to negative experiences or a lack of exposure, but with patience and positive reinforcement, many cats can learn to tolerate or even enjoy water.
3. Cats are Nocturnal
Cats are often thought to be nocturnal creatures but they are actually crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. This misconception likely arises from the fact that cats are often more playful and energetic during the early morning and evening hours.
In the wild, cats hunt during these twilight hours when their prey are most active. Domestic cats have retained this instinctive behavior, which explains why they may wake their owners early in the morning or become more lively in the evening. Understanding your cat’s natural activity patterns can help you establish a routine that works for both you and your feline friend.
4. Cats are Solitary Animals
While cats are often portrayed as independent and aloof, they are actually social creatures that form strong bonds with their human companions and other cats. Many cats enjoy cuddling, playing, and interacting with their owners, and some even develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
In multi-cat households, cats often form close relationships with their feline housemates, engaging in mutual grooming, playing, and sleeping together. Socialization from a young age can help cats become more comfortable with human interaction and living in a social environment.
5. Cats Have Nine Lives
The myth that cats have nine lives has been around for centuries, but it’s just that – a myth. This misconception likely originated from ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as sacred animals and believed to possess supernatural powers.
In reality, cats have just one life, like all other living creatures. However, their remarkable agility, quick reflexes, and ability to survive dangerous situations may have contributed to the belief that they have multiple lives.
While cats are resilient animals, they are not invincible and require proper care and protection to ensure their safety and well-being.
6. Cats Can See in Complete Darkness
While cats have excellent night vision, they cannot see in complete darkness. Cats’ eyes are well-adapted to low-light conditions thanks to their large pupils and a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum, which amplifies available light.
However, cats still require some light to navigate their surroundings effectively. In total darkness, cats rely on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to orient themselves and detect potential threats or prey.
7. Cats are Low-Maintenance Pets
Many people believe that cats are low-maintenance pets compared to dogs, but this is not entirely true. While cats may not require daily walks or extensive training, they still have specific needs that must be met to ensure their health and happiness.
Cats require regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, clean litter boxes, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Neglecting these needs can lead to health issues, behavioral problems, and a decreased quality of life.
Responsible cat ownership involves dedicating time, effort, and resources to provide the best possible care for your feline companion.
8. Cats Should Drink Cow’s Milk
Despite the popular image of cats lapping up bowls of milk, most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. Kittens rely on their mother’s milk for nutrition, but as they grow older, they lose the ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
Feeding adult cats cow’s milk can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Instead, cats should be provided with fresh, clean water and a balanced diet appropriate for their age and health status.
If you want to offer your cat a special treat, consider lactose-free cat milk or consult with your veterinarian for suitable alternatives.
9. Cats Always Purr When They’re Happy
While purring is often associated with contentment in cats, it’s not the only reason they purr. Cats also purr when they’re stressed, anxious, or in pain. Purring is believed to have healing properties, as the low-frequency vibrations can promote bone and tissue regeneration and reduce pain and swelling.
In some cases, cats may purr to communicate their needs or to self-soothe in stressful situations. As a cat owner, it’s essential to pay attention to your cat’s body language and overall behavior to determine the context of their purring and address any underlying issues.
10. Cats are Untrainable
Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. While they may not respond to training in the same way as dogs, cats can learn a variety of behaviors, such as coming when called, using a scratching post, and even performing tricks.
The key to successful cat training is to use rewards that motivate your cat, such as treats, praise, or playtime. Short, consistent training sessions and patience are also essential.
By providing mental stimulation and reinforcing desired behaviors, you can strengthen your bond with your cat and help them become well-behaved companions.
11. Cats are Spiteful
Some cat owners may interpret their cat’s undesirable behaviors, such as urinating outside the litter box or scratching furniture, as spiteful or vengeful. However, cats do not have the cognitive ability to understand or plan revenge.
Unwanted behaviors in cats are often a result of stress, anxiety, medical issues, or unmet needs. For example, a cat may stop using the litter box due to a urinary tract infection, or they may scratch furniture because they lack appropriate scratching surfaces.
By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the behavior, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and secure in their environment.
12. Cats Don’t Need Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Some cat owners believe that indoor cats don’t require regular veterinary check-ups, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. All cats, regardless of their lifestyle, need routine veterinary care to maintain their health and detect potential issues early on.
Regular check-ups allow your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s weight, dental health, and overall well-being. They can also administer necessary vaccinations, dewormers, and preventive treatments.
By investing in preventive care, you can help your cat live a longer, healthier life and avoid costly medical issues down the road.
13. Declawing Is a Harmless Solution to Scratching
Declawing cats is a controversial practice that involves surgically removing the last bone of each toe, effectively amputating the cat’s claws. Many people believe that declawing is a harmless solution to prevent cats from scratching furniture or people, but this is far from the truth.
Declawing can cause chronic pain, nerve damage, and behavioral issues in cats. It can also impair their ability to defend themselves, climb, and perform natural scratching behaviors. Instead of declawing, cat owners should provide appropriate scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or pads, and trim their cat’s claws regularly.
Positive reinforcement training can also help redirect scratching behavior to appropriate objects.
14. Cats Don’t Need Mental Stimulation
Cats are intelligent creatures that require mental stimulation to maintain their cognitive health and prevent boredom-related behavioral issues. Without sufficient mental stimulation, cats may become lethargic, anxious, or destructive.
Providing your cat with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can help keep their mind engaged and promote physical activity. Rotating toys, creating obstacle courses, and teaching new tricks can also add variety to your cat’s daily routine. By offering a stimulating environment, you can help your cat lead a happy, fulfilling life.
15. Cats are Unaffectionate
The stereotype of cats being aloof and unaffectionate is a widespread misconception. While cats may not show affection in the same way as dogs, they do form strong bonds with their human companions and express love in their own unique ways.
Cats may show affection by rubbing against your legs, purring, kneading, or bringing you “gifts” such as toys or small prey. They may also seek out your company, sleep near you, or groom you as a sign of trust and affection. By understanding your cat’s individual personality and communication style, you can develop a deep, loving relationship with your feline friend.
Many of the myths and misconceptions about cats have been perpetuated by popular culture and a lack of understanding of feline behavior. By separating fact from fiction and providing our cats with the care, attention, and respect they deserve, we can create a stronger, more fulfilling bond with these fascinating creatures.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.