Top 10 cat myths

Animal behaviorists recommend not to explain the behavior of cats with human motives, so as not to be disappointed later. The fact is that cats almost never mean what we think is true. Confusing? 

We endow animals with those qualities and thoughts that do not correspond to reality. Believing in one or another belief (and if it is supported by the opinion of a neighbor or girlfriend, then it’s generally excellent!), We expect from cats what they cannot give us. Because they actually think and behave differently.

Let’s talk about the most common myths about cats that prevent us from understanding each other correctly. And sometimes they even ruin our lives.

• Myth 1. When cats go to the toilet in the wrong places or tear everything with their claws, they take revenge on a person.

Debunk it: cats do what their instincts dictate. They don’t know how to take revenge.

Everything that cats do is dictated by their instincts. A cat will never do anything for evil or to take revenge. She has no such concept. In nature, a cat marks what it considers its own. Even when she claws at a tree, she leaves not only scratch marks, but also a smell that her relatives catch. If the cat leaves marks, tears up the walls and furniture of the house, it means that she is trying to demonstrate that this is her territory, her home. If suddenly she marks the shoes of Petit, who ran to you for tea, this will not mean that she did not like him. Thus, she will demonstrate that Petya has come to her territory. Well, just in case.

A cat can write in the wrong places if it is disturbed by the organs of the urinary system. This is how she shows that she is in pain. And here, an attentive owner should quickly run with his pet to the doctor.

The main thing, understand, to scold or even beat a cat for going to the toilet in the wrong place is both cruel and senseless. It is better to study the psychology of your pet and monitor its health.

• Myth 2. A domestic cat does not need to be vaccinated.

We debunk: you need to vaccinate any cat.

It is we who bring the infection into our homes on shoes, clothes and bags without noticing it. Unnoticeable to us, this infection quickly affects our pets. For the first weeks, a sick cat does not show her condition in any way. When we already see the symptoms – runny nose, fever, lethargy, refusal to eat, this means that the disease has already taken over the cat’s body. Vaccinate your pet, even if she never visits the street. The amount you pay for a vaccination once a year is not that big. But in the case of a disease, the treatment will cost three times more, and the animal will suffer.

• Myth 3. A cat must give birth at least once!

We debunk: the joy of motherhood in the world of cats does not exist.

All the talk that a cat experiences the joy of motherhood is a myth. During pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum cat is controlled only by hormones. As soon as the cat stops feeding the babies, her interest in them gradually disappears. She communicates with them in the same way as with relatives in the pride. Can play, lick, and maybe fight.

In terms of health, pregnancy and childbirth is a strong stress for the body, it does not make the cat healthier and stronger. Moreover, cats can give birth up to 3 times a year.

If your cat is not a valuable breeding animal, you do not need to breed it. Sterilization will not only save you from caring for offspring, but also help to avoid the occurrence of cancer. A healthy and cheerful cat will live for many years.

• Myth 4. The cat does not need anyone, she can easily do without you.

We debunk: any cat needs a caring owner.

A cat is an independent and independent creature, but it also attaches its soul to a person, just like a person to it. She loves affection and tenderness, will purr with pleasure about her news, play with you. We are members of their pride for them. And in the pride everyone needs each other! Our cats, on the other hand, are not only happy to communicate with us, but also make us their comfortable habit – for example, at a certain time they come to take a nap on their owner or wait for our arrival at the window.

A cat is a member of the family, which means it needs attention.

• Myth 5. If a cat purrs, she is happy.

Let’s debunk: purring can talk about a whole range of emotions. And not all of them are positive..

By purring, a cat conveys its sensations and moods. She purrs not only when she feels good, but also when she is hurt or scared. So the cat tries to calm itself.

• Myth 6. Milk is good for cats!

Let’s debunk: milk is the food of babies. Adult animals do not need milk.

Milk is useful while kittens are small. Milk is not recommended for adult animals: it can make them upset or vomit. Many cats are lactose intolerant in the same way that humans are.

Myth 7. “They live like a cat and a dog” …

Debunked: In fact, cats and dogs can be best friends.

Cats and dogs get along well in the same house, even if there are several of them. The main thing is to properly organize the space and help them learn to understand each other’s language. Sometimes cats and dogs get so used to living together that they even sleep on the same couch.

• Myth 8. When a cat licks its wounds, it is cured.

Let’s debunk: the cat’s tongue is not sterile and brings bacteria into the wound.

Licking the wound can lead to additional inflammation. A cat’s tongue is not sterile, it carries bacteria from the surface inwards. Therefore, it is necessary to close the wounds or put on a postoperative protective collar on the cat. 

• Myth 9. The cat leaves to die …

We debunk: the cat does not leave the person, she is looking for a quiet place.

Sometimes owners lose their pets and claim: the cat is gone to die! With such a conviction, the owners relieve themselves of responsibility: perhaps they simply did not follow the cat.

When a cat feels bad, she instinctively looks for a place where she will be calm. A cat can constantly move around the apartment, hide in a corner or under a bed. If the cat lives in a private house, she may look for a secluded place in the outbuildings. 

The cat does not leave the person purposefully. She just needs peace.

• Myth 10. A cat has 9 lives!

We debunk: cats are fantastic creatures, but not to such an extent.

A cat has only one life and what it will be depends entirely on the owner. We wish you never to check how many lives a cat has left, but just live happily in a calm, safe environment.

Now you know more about cats than you did three minutes ago, and you will be able to understand them better.