5 Common (False) Myths About Cats

Dear Diary,

There are many myths about cats.

The first thing that comes to my mind is that they have nine lives. Nah, come on ….

Cats always land on their feet is another popular one. Yeah, that’s quite possible.

And black cats are said to bring bad luck. Hang on, that doesn’t sound right though.

So, while some myths might be true, others are just utterly bonkers.

Here are 5 common myths that need debunking once and for all.

1) Cats should drink milk

It’s a tale as old as time. Cats, especially kittens, should drink milk. It’s a very common image in children’s books as well.

While it’s true that kittens feed on milk, this refers to their mother’s milk and not cow’s milk.

What’s more, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk can actually upset their tummy.

2) Cats hate water

It’s true that most cats try to avoid water when possible. Which is understandable, it takes a while for their thick coat to dry. And who likes to feel all wet and soggy?

Some argue that an explanation for this might be their heritage. Cats evolved in the Middle East, which typically has a rather dry climate, so they were rarely exposed to water.

However, some cats simply adore water. Jamie likes to stick his paw under the running tap. He’s probably just fascinated by the moving water.

Some breeds are known for their affinity towards water, such as Maine Coon, Bengal and Norwegian Forest Cat. The Turkish Van Cat is even nicknamed “the swimming cat”.

3) Cats only purr when they are happy

Purring is a comforting sound, not only for humans but also for the cat itself.

Some cats use it to get attention, or, as in Jamie’s case, his way of demanding a cuddle.

But there are other reasons why cats purr. They make this noise when they are in pain or frightened. So, it’s important to look for other clues, such as their body language and pupils.

Did you know that purring also has healing properties? The vibration apparently reduces stress and anxiety.

4) Cats are solitary animals

Another common myth, cats, unlike dogs, like to be on their own.

Whilst cats are indeed solitary creatures by nature, domestic cats are social without doubt.

They can form very close bonds with their owners or even other animals. Some can also develop separation anxiety when left alone.

Jamie is like my little shadow, he follows me around and jumps on my lap the moment I sit down.

5) Cats are nocturnal

To be correct, cats are not nocturnal (active at night), they are crepuscular.

This means they are most active at dawn and dusk, which are the best times for some hunting. Twilight hours also protect cats from prey that are active during the day.

This is definitely true for Jamie, he often gets his “midnight” zoomies when the sun goes down and when I’m ready to go to sleep …