As someone who has been around cats their entire life, it pains me to know that so many people are afraid to give them a chance – either out of fear, disinterest, or just a general disdain for cats.
And if you ask me, it’s all these inaccurate cat stereotypes and misconceptions about cats floating around the internet that have people on edge every time a cat walks into the room – they’re just misunderstood.
But don’t worry – we’re going to dispel a few of those cat myths below.
Debunking the Most Common Cat Stereotypes
If you were to come across a black cat in your neighborhood, you’d probably feel a little spooked – as if your luck was about to run out or something unfortunate was going to happen to you in the near future.
That’s because black cats have been the subject of myth for centuries.
But don’t give in to any of it because that’s all it is – just a myth.
In fact, running into a black cat is thought to bring you good luck in Japanese culture. And if a black cat were to show up at your doorstep in Scotland, then there’s a chance some big money is coming your way.
These, of course, are all just myths. The truth is black cats aren’t out to get us and, while they’re unique in their own way, they’re no different than any other cat – they want to be loved, and they’ll love you back!
With that said, here are five more cat myths and misconceptions about cats!
1. Cats Always Land on Their Feet
You’ve probably seen videos of cat owners throwing their cats in the air, just to watch them flip and land on their feet. “See, I told you they always land on their feet,” you hear in the background of every video.
But that’s wrong – they don’t always land on their feet.
And even when they do, injuries can still happen.
“Cats have what’s called a ‘righting reflex,’ which is a built-in balancing system that helps them orient themselves to land on their feet,” Dr. Jennifer Freeman, a veterinarian at PetSmart, told INSIDER.
But like most reflexes, the ‘righting reflex’ isn’t perfect – and sometimes fails completely.
To avoid any sudden falls and tragic injuries: 1) make sure your windows have screens, 2) don’t let your cat get too comfortable jumping on high counters, and 3) don’t let them fall asleep in awkward positions.
2. Cats Have Nine Lives
There’s an old proverb that says, “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.” It’s unclear if it’s the origin of this myth, but it’s certainly one of the first records of it.
In fact, William Shakespeare even referenced the concept in Romeo and Juliet.
“Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives,” he wrote in the play.
As much as we want our cats to live forever, they don’t actually have nine lives – they have one, just like the rest of us. And it’s our responsibility to make sure they have a happy, healthy, and rewarding life.
So, if you’ve been avoiding the vet because your cat is only on life No. 4, please take your cat to the vet. You never know when something might be wrong – and the earlier you find out, the quicker they recover.
3. A Wagging Tail Means Your Cat Is Happy
If a cat walks up to you with its tail wagging, most people will immediately associate that behavior with happiness, playfulness, and friendliness – we do the same thing with dogs and any other animal, really.
And while that’s true in some cases, it’s not true in all cases.
Cats use their tails – as well as their eyes, ears, and overall body posture – to communicate a variety of emotions. But more often than not, cats wag their tail when they’re angry, frustrated, irritated, or focused.
In fact, a better sign of a happy cat is a tail that’s straight up or in a hook shape.
So, the next time your cat walks up to you with a wagging tail, try your best to analyze the situation. There’s a good chance something is bothering them and, if there is, then it’s on you to help them fix it!
4. All Cats Hate Water
Most cat owners I’ve come across would never even think about trying to give their cat a bath. In fact, most cats will run and hide just at the sound of running water – especially if we’re talking about the sink.
With that said, it’s understandable why so many people think all cats hate water.
And it makes sense. After all, most cats evolved in arid climates and had little exposure to water sources – so seeking water isn’t hardwired into their DNA.
And since their coats don’t dry very fast, getting wet gives them the chills.
But even that’s not enough to keep all cats away from it. For example, the Turkish Van, Bengals, and Maine Coons are all known to like water – and even those that don’t like it will swim in it, if needed.
5. Milk Is Healthy for Cats
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about cats is that milk is healthy for them – and we’re not talking about the milk they get from their mother. We’re talking about the milk we give them from a cow.
Even if they like it, most cats are lactose intolerant – so dairy isn’t the best idea.
While all cats are born with lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) in their system, their levels of this enzyme often decline as they age. And when it does, their bodies can’t digest dairy products properly.
As a result, your cat will get sick.
While this isn’t true in all cats – there will always be cats who love milk, and it won’t make them all sick – it’s best to err on the side of caution. Unless they sneak it out of your cereal bowl, avoid giving them any.
