We have gone through quite a few myths about dogs. So now I have brought to you more myths. But this time, its regarding our feline friends. Read on and find out if what you have been thinking about your cat is a fact or just another misconception.
Cat myths
1. If a black cat crosses your path, it is considered to be bad luck
This has got to be the most famous myth about cats. It originated centuries ago when black cats were associated with black magic and witchcraft. However, in the modern times we have to understand that the poor little creature does not choose it colour. A black cat is just like any other cat and there is absolutely nothing supernatural about it.
2. Cats hate water
Disliking water is not a characteristic of cats. Just like us humans, different cats have different likes and dislikes. Some cats detest water while some others find it intriguing to play with running water from the tap or the shower or even water fountains.
3. Cats always land on their feet
Cats have got fast reflexes and they are good at balancing themselves. So usually when they fall from a height they need the time to adjust themselves to fall feet first. This is not possible is they fall from a very small height. But if they fall from a great height they can sustain internal or external injuries and also broken bones, teeth and palates.
4. Cats scratch objects to sharpen their claws
Generally cats scratch due to two reasons. Firstly they scratch objects near their territory to mark them visually and by scent so that other cats will know another cat had been there. Secondly, they might scratch to remove loose fragments of nail sheath.
5. Cats smother sleeping babies
It is not the intention of cats to kill babies and they never smother them on purpose. Cats love warmth and so they want to cuddle with babies. But sometimes since cats are huger than little babies, they might happen to harm them. That is why it is advisable not to leave both unattended.
6. Cats are independent and do not need attention
Some cats may be aloof but many others are very loving. If you are a busy person and cannot devote much time to your cat then it is better if you do not have any pets. Or you must at least have another person or cat to keep the first cat company while you are not around. Otherwise, it might suffer from depression.
7. Cats are lazy and they sleep all the time
A minimum of 14 hours of sleep is needed for cats. This helps them to maintain good health and keep their body in good balance. If they cannot sleep for a long time then they might face health problems and become irritated, increasingly sensitive and aggressive in behaviour. It will also affect their capacity to learn.
8. Indoor cats cannot get diseases or fleas
Diseases and fleas can also be passed on to indoor cats by different things they come in contact with. Fleas and ticks can inter the house via the owner’s shoes or clothing. Diseases can be passed on to indoor cats through the organisms that are carried by the air. Therefore it is important to take care and also to get them vaccinated regularly.
9. Pregnant women must avoid cats
Pregnant women can take care of their cats without having to worry about contracting toxoplasmosis. It is the litter box of the cats that they must stay away from as toxoplasmosis (a disease of cats that can harm unborm babies) spreads through faeces and litter.
10. Cats cannot be trained
While the same training methods that are used for dogs cannot be used for cats, it is true that felines can be trained. Cats are independent and less social than dogs. So they may not be very easy to train. However, it is not an impossible task.
11. Cats are nocturnal
Most cats are crepuscular, not nocturnal. Crepuscular species that are active primarily during twilight. Cats are most active during dawn or dusk because in the wild, even their prey is active at those times. But due to this they must not be left outside during the nights as in the present times it might prove to be dangerous for them.
12. Declawing is like trimming nails
It is absolutely not so. Declawing is not just the removing of claws but also the surgical amputation of the first joint of each toe of the cat. It is extremely painful and inhumane to the little animal. Since cats walk on their toes, it becomes very painful for them to walk after being declawed. Some cats may not fully recover from this and will develop behavioural problems. Hence, instead of getting them declawed, it is better to trim their claws a little or use Soft Paws.
It is important for us to stop relying on such myths and many more as in many cases, it will affect our treatment towards our pets. Sometimes, it might even be bad for their health. So we must always take care when it comes to myths and facts about our pets.