Cats cause so much admiration and curiosity for their skills and instinctive behaviors that they have become the main characters in various myths. That they have seven lives, that they always land on their feet, that they cannot live with dogs, that they harm pregnant women… There are many false statements regarding our kittens.
To combat prejudice and promote better knowledge about felines and their true characteristics, our site invites you to know 10 false myths about cats that you should stop believing.
1. Cats have 7 lives: MYTH
Who has never heard cats have 7 lives? Surely, this is the most widespread myth about cats around the world. Perhaps the legend originates from the agility and ability of felines to escape or avoid accidents and fatal blows… Or perhaps it comes from some mythological story, who knows?
But the fact is cats have only 1 life, just like us and all animals. In addition, they are delicate animals that need to receive adequate preventive medicine and specific care with their foodand hygiene to develop optimally. A feline raised in a negative environment can easily develop symptoms associated with stress
two. Milk is a suitable food for cats: MYTH
Although lactose has gained a certain "bad fame" in recent years, the image of the cat drinking milk from its saucer still persists. For this reason, many people continue to question whether cats drink cow's milk.
All mammals are born ready to drink breast milk, and this is their best food while they are babies. But their body changes as they develop and acquire new nutritional needs and, consequently, different eating habits. During the lactation period (when they are suckled by the mother), mammals produce a large amount of an enzyme called lactase, whose function is to digest precisely the lactose in breast milk. But when it reaches the weaning period, the production of this enzyme progressively decreases, preparing the animal's body for the food transition (stop consuming breast milk and start feeding on its own).
Although some kitties may still produce some of the enzyme lactase, most adult males are allergic to lactose. The consumption of milk, for these animals, can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems Therefore, it is a myth that milk is the right food for our felines. We can opt for commercial feed specially prepared to meet your nutritional needs, as well as increase your diet with homemade recipes for a natural diet.
3. Black cats bring bad luck: MYTH
This false statement derives from the remote times of the Middle Ages, when the black cat was associated with the practice ofwitchcraft In addition to being harmful, it has very negative effects, since it is a reality that black cats are less adopted due to these mythical beliefs.
There are several arguments to show that this statement is a myth. In principle, luck would have nothing to do with a color or a pet. In addition, the color of a cat is determined by its genetic heritage, which is also not related to good or bad luck. But the best way to prove the falsity of this myth is by adopting a black cat. Those who have already had the opportunity to live with these kittens know very well that their unique character brings a lot of joy to our home, and no bad luck.
4. Cats always land on their feet: MYTH
Although cats can land on their feet many times, this is not a rule. In fact, cats have a very flexible skeleton, which allows them to have excellent mobilityand withstand some crashes. But many times, the position that an animal reaches the ground depends on the height from which it falls.
If the feline has time to turn around on its own body before reaching the ground, it may land on its feet. However, any fall can represent a risk to its well-being, and landing on its feet does not guarantee that the animal will not be injured.
Furthermore, cats only develop this instinctive orientation reflex called " righting" (turning quickly on its own axis when falling), from their 3rd week of life. For this reason, falls are often especially dangerous for baby cats, and should be avoided throughout the life of the animal.
5. Pregnant women should not have cats: MYTH
This unlucky myth caused many cats to be abandoned because their owner became pregnant. The origin of this statement would be in the supposed risk of transmission of a pathology called toxoplasmosisIn very brief terms, it is a disease caused by a parasite (Toxoplasma gondii), whose main form of contamination occurs from direct contact with the faeces of infected cats
However, toxoplasmosis is actually rare in domestic cats that consume commercial feed and have adequate medicine preventive. So if a cat does not carry the pathogenic parasite, there is no risk of transmission to a pregnant woman. In addition, if said woman already has immunizationrelated to the toxoplasmosis parasite, she has no chance of becoming infected
To learn more about the topic Toxoplasmosis and pregnant women, we recommend our article: "Is it bad to have cats during pregnancy?"
6. Cats can educate themselves: MYTH
Although cats naturally develop many instinctive skills and behaviors characteristic of their species, this does not mean they can educate themselves. Actually, training is not only possible, but absolutely recommended for our felines. Proper education will help your kitty adapt to home life, prevent him from running away and developing aggressive behavior.
7. Cats are treacherous and don't care about their owners: MYTH
Betrayal has nothing to do with the behavior of a cat. Felines have an independent character and usually maintain solitary habits This does not mean that a cat does not care about its owner or does not feel affection; certain characteristics are simply inherent in its nature. However, domestication has changed (and continues to change) many aspects of cat behavior, incorporating good notions of cooperation and coexistence
It is also not fair to compare the character of a cat with that of a dog; they are different animals, with different life forms and ethograms. Canines learned to live in packs to ensure the survival of their species. This makes them recognize and respect the role of an "alpha", that is, of a leader. Already cats, as well as their feline relatives, are prepared to hunt and survive on their own, and tend to avoid exposure to unknown individuals and contexts to protect themselves.
8. Cats and dogs can't get along: MYTH
As we said, home life and proper early socialization can shape certain aspects of feline and canine behavior. If a cat is properly introduced to a dog during (preferably while he is still a puppy, before his first 8 weeks of life), he will learn to see him as friendly.
9. Cats see in black and white: MYTH
Human eyes have 3 types of color receptor cells: blue cone cells, red cone cells, and green cone cells. This explains why we are able to distinguish a huge number of colors and shades.
Cats and dogs do not have the red cone, so they become unable to perceive shades of pink and red. They also have difficulty recognizing the intensity and saturation of colors. But it is false that cats see in black and white, since they distinguish shades of blue, green and yellow
10. Cats need less care than dogs: MYTH
This statement is actually quite dangerous. It is still common to hear that cats do not need adequate preventive medicine, thanks to the resistance of their organism. Although they are really strong and independent animals, they can be very delicate.
Just like any other pet, they require care with their diet, hygiene, vaccination, deworming, oral hygiene, physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization. So, it is a great myth that cats "give less work" than dogs: the dedication is in each of the owners, and not in the animal.
