There is much myth regarding the cat. Here is a list of many such myths that are FALSE!
- Cats have nine (9) lives.
- Cats need to drink milk.
- Cats purr when they are only happy. No, they can
purr if they are sick, hurt, or even if they are dying.
- Cats eat plants when they are sick.
- Cats are dangerous around babies. Even a newborn
is loud enough and physical enough to keep a cat at a
distance.
- Cats can be kept from using their claws.
- A well fed cat doesn't hunt.
- Cat's fur causes allergies. In fact, it is the
wet saliva on the fur that causes the allergic reaction,
not the fur itself.
- Black cats are bad luck. Superstitions vary
from country to country. In fact, in England, a white cat
is bad luck.
- All Calicos are female.
- Cats always land on their feet. No they don't
always land on their feet.
- A cat's mouth is clean or sterile. No despite
this old wive's tale, you can get a nasty infection from a
cat bite. The antibacterial substance in the cat's saliva
is strong enough to keep the cat's groomed fur smelling
good, but not strong enough to prevent infection.
- There is no need to groom a cat.
- All cats become fat after being spayed or
neutered. Cats become fat only when you
overfeed them regardless of whether they are intact or
altered.
- Cats are sneaky. Cats tend to do their own thing
but they are very open about it.
- Cats cannot be trained.
- Cats can survive when dumped. No! Both kittens
and adults cats are prey to larger animals. And even with
the adult cats, unless their mother had a chance to teach
them how to hunt, they won't have the skills to survive.
- Cats are loners. Strays will form large
colonies. Most cats enjoy having other cats, dogs or lots
of people for roommates. Kittens who are shown love and
who are touched and handled gently, will grow up to be
loving cats.
- The female should have one litter before spaying. No. The surgery is actually easier on her when done before her first heat. The early surgery is more beneficial to her overall health and longevity.