In the world of cat lovers, there are many common myths and misconceptions floating around about cats and their behavior.
Whether you heard them from a friend or family member, or discovered them while surfing on the internet, these common myths can steer you in the wrong direction regarding your fuzzy feline friend.
Learn the true facts about these five common cat myths.
Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Cats have been known to land on their feet during a fall. How do they do this? Cats have an amazing sense of balance and are extremely agile. When falling, the fluid in the inner ear shifts and the cat will rotate its head until the fluid is equal again. As the head moves, the body will follow and the cat will land on its feet.
Cats have been known to survive falls from high story buildings, but this doesn't mean they don't secure injuries. They may be able to right themselves, but they cannot absorb the shock of such a high fall. In fact, a fall of only 10-12 feet is usually when cats get injured the most. That's because in this short of a fall, there typically isn't enough time for a cat to fully upright itself.
This is especially true for older cats who can become seriously hurt from a short fall like this. Cat's don't always land on their feet and can be easily injured so it's important to make sure that upper level windows and balcony doors are secure. Safety first!
Cats and Dogs are Arch-Enemies
You've seen it on television cartoons time and time again - The cat chases the bird, the dog chases the cat, and dogs and cats can never be friends. But is this really the case? - Not at all. Cats are fully capable of having affectionate relationships with dogs and other family pets. There are many pictures on the internet of cats and dogs cuddling together as proof.
However there may be times when a particular cat may not get along with a certain dog or other pet. But the statement can't be generalized to all cats and dogs. With the proper introductions, cats and dogs can live in harmony under the same roof. If you have a cat and are looking to get a dog, search for a dog that is known to be accepting of cats.
If you have a dog and are looking to get a cat, work on your dogs obedience before bringing the cat home. It's important to consider all the possibilities before adding a new member to a family that already has a pet. You have to consider what you would do if these pets don't get along. But with planning and patience, this shouldn't be the case.
Cats Are Low Maintenance Pets Who Take Care of Themselves
Unfriendly and aloof, that what others conception about cats. While there is a hint of truth on this but this is a big contradiction.
There are times that cats become neglected or left to support themselves. While there are cats that are more independent. Cats needs love and affection from their owners and they need to ensure that they can take the responsibility of these felines
Cats aren't just pets, always remember that. They always seek the perfect home and they should be treated as members of the family.
Cats Should Have Milk
This is probably one of the most common misconceptions about cats. It's been stamped into our minds that cats and milk go hand in hand. We've seen it on television, in the movies and in advertisements. What’s cuter than a cat lapping at a bowl of milk? It’s because of this that many cat owners have been led to believe that providing milk for their cats is the best treat of all.
The truth is quite the opposite. Milk is often too much to handle for the digestive systems of such small animals, and can often cause upset stomachs or diarrhea. A diet with too much milk has also been linked to causing obesity due to its high fat content.
So when it comes to feeding your cat, it's best to stick with nutritional food that has been specifically formulated for felines.
Pregnant Women Can't Live With Cats
You may have heard the myth that pregnant women can't live with cats. This has to do with the fear of contracting toxoplasmosis, which is an infectious disease that can harm an unborn baby. Pregnant women don't have to avoid cats; they should just stay clear of the litter box.
Toxoplasmosis is spread through feces, so someone else should clean the litter box during pregnancy. It can also be contracted by eating undercooked meat or poorly washed fruits and vegetables from the garden. There is no need to get rid of your cat if you are pregnant, just take the proper precautions.
If you do have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to consult a health care provider.