Whether you’re a curious cat owner or just someone interested in cats, you may be surprised to know that there are many misconceptions and misbeliefs about these creatures. While cats are extremely popular pets, they’re often misunderstood. In this article, we separate fact from fiction to debunk 18 popular cat myths.
One Human Year Equals Seven Cat Years
There’s a common belief that each year of a cat’s life is equal to seven human years, but it’s not that simple. As explained by Cats.com, “Cats mature rapidly in the first year of life: a one-year-old cat is more like a teenage human than a seven-year-old child.” The second year adds another 9–10 human years, and subsequent years equate to approximately 4–5 human years each.
Declawing Cats Is Pain-Free
Some people believe that declawing cats doesn’t harm them and that it’s as inconsequential as cutting a human’s nails, but this is not the case. Declawing involves amputating part of the cat’s toes and can lead to chronic pain and behavioral issues. Declawing is never medically recommended or necessary, and there are humane alternatives.
Cats Can Be Vegan
Another myth that certain individuals believe is that cats can survive on a plant-based diet. On the contrary, cats are obligate carnivores, requiring meat for nutrition. Vegan diets can cause malnutrition in cats. Taurine, for example, is an essential amino acid found in meat and is vital for cats to thrive. Blue Cross states, “Taurine can only be found naturally in animal-based proteins and it’s really important for their eyesight, growth and immune system.”
It’s Beneficial to Let Your Cat Have a Litter Before Spaying
Kittens can go into heat as early as 5–6 months, which can cause significant behavioral problems at home, so waiting to spay isn’t the best option—especially considering that there are no medical benefits to letting your cat have a litter first. If your cat goes outdoors, early spaying is recommended to avoid overpopulation, and unspayed cats contribute to local wildlife disruption.
Cats Don’t Need Exercise
Some pet owners believe this, but it’s far from true. Indoor cats especially are at risk of obesity without exercise, but in general, all cats require mental stimulation and physical activity to keep them from being bored and behaving badly. At least an hour of vigorous play each day is recommended.
Cats Have Nine Lives
Unfortunately for cat owners, our beloved pets don’t have nine lives. This myth likely has roots in ancient Egypt. According to Wonderopolis, “The ancient Egyptian sun god, Atum-Ra, was believed to take the form of a cat on visits to the underworld. Legend has it that Atum-Ra gave birth to eight other gods and thus represented nine lives in one.”
Pregnant Women Can’t Live With Cats
Some individuals believe that pregnant women shouldn’t have cats, but this isn’t the case. Cats are fine to be around during pregnancy and do not inherently pose a risk to pregnant women—the only issue comes with handling litter. The CDC advises that, when possible, someone else should scoop and clean the cat’s litter, as some cats may carry toxoplasmosis, which can affect the mother and baby.
Cats Steal the Breath of Babies
This myth is the belief that cats can suffocate babies by breathing in their breath. As stated by TrustedHousesitters, however, “Of course, this moggie myth is untrue and it’s as silly as it sounds—our furry friends do not suck away the breath of babies!” Nevertheless, cats may seek warmth near babies, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye out to prevent accidents or suffocation.
Cats Only Purr When Happy
It’s true that cats purr when they’re happy and relaxed, but this isn’t the only time that they’ll purr. While purring is typically a comforting mechanism for both the cat and its kittens, purring can also indicate pain, anxiety, or distress. Understanding different purrs is key to understanding your cat.
Cats Hate Water
Some cats do hate water, but others are fascinated by it. The general dislike for water stems from the fact that cats’ coats don’t dry quickly, or they may have experienced an uncomfortable or stressful situation involving water in the past. Certain breeds, like the Turkish Van, however, are said to enjoy water.
Cats Are Nocturnal
In reality, cats are actually crepuscular, most active at dusk and dawn. Their eyes are adapted to low-light conditions, but they can’t see in absolute darkness. As the Animal Humane Society says, “Some kitties are more active through the night, but that doesn’t make them nocturnal animals.”
Black Cats Are Unlucky
This myth actually varies by culture; some consider black cats lucky, and some consider them unlucky. Nevertheless, there’s no truth to either sentiment. Cat color has no impact on luck or personality. However, superstitions have, unfortunately, made it harder for black cats to be adopted.
Cats Always Land on Their Feet
While cats do often land on their feet, it’s not always guaranteed and can depend on the height that they’re falling from. According to Purina, “Cats have an inbuilt balancing system called the ‘righting reflex’ that allows them to orient themselves and land on their feet. But while cats are often able to land the right way up, it’s not the case that they always land on their feet.” Serious injuries can result from falls.
Cats Are Loners
Depending on their individual personalities and social backgrounds, cats may prefer company or may prefer to be on their own. Either way, cats can form colonies and social groups, especially outdoors. They can also bond extremely well with humans and other pets. Their independent nature is often mistaken for aloofness, but they can be very loving and even clingy.
Cats Are Less Loving Than Dogs
It’s not true that cats are less loving than dogs, though they do show affection differently. It’s often said that cats simply want food from their owners, while dogs actually like their owner’s company, but many cats are known to follow their owners around, sleep in bed with them, and enjoy cuddles and affection. Bonding with a cat can be as rewarding as bonding with a dog.
Cats Can See in Total Darkness
We addressed this briefly earlier, but to confirm, cats can’t see in complete darkness—they need some light to see. Their eyes are adapted to low-light conditions, not no-light conditions, though they can still see in darkness far better than humans can. This popular myth overestimates cats’ night vision capabilities.
Milk Is Good for Cats
Cats in cartoons and movies are often seen drinking from bowls of milk, but the truth is that many adult cats are lactose intolerant. Cow’s milk can cause digestive upset in cats, resulting in diarrhea. While there is specially formulated milk for cats, water is the best drink for them—no matter how much they seem to want milk.
Cats Don’t Like High Places
On the contrary, cats often seek high vantage points and absolutely love to climb. Why do you think so many cats end up stuck in trees? Trees and cat towers are popular with many cats for this reason. Height gives cats a sense of security and a good view, even though they may struggle to get down at times.
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