5 Cat Myths You Need To Know

You may have heard many things about cats that were said to be true. Some of these you may have questioned because they seemed contrary to common sense. Well, below I explore 5 common myths
and what you need to know.

Cat myths have been around for a long time. Some of these myths are harmless but not all. The 5 myths discussed today deal with health and safety aspects of our beloved furry friends. Getting past these myths and to the truth will mean a happier and healthier pet for years to come.

Cats always land on their feet

Cats have a great ability to land on their feet. They have a keen sense of balance as many owners are well aware, but also are very aware of their body position.
As a cat falls it can quickly twist it's legs into a landing position to cushion the impact. This ability is called the righting reflex.

This isn't always the case though. Several different variables come into play such as the height of the fall. Studies have shown cats have survived falls of great heights unscathed, but this is not the rule.

Veterinarians routinely see broken limbs from felines who fell from distance. The point is, a cat does not always land on it's feet in a fall and an owner should take precautions to ensure a cat is protected from such an occurrence. 

Cats should drink milk everyday

The truth is cow's milk can cause problems for felines as most are lactose intolerant. They do not need the nutrients from this milk and it might upset their stomach.

According to PetMD, treats such as milk if your cat can tolerate it, should make up no more than 5% to 10% of your cat's diet. The rest should come from a high-quality, nutritionally complete food.

Ideally provide fresh water throughout the day for your pet and forgo milk products all together.

Cats cannot get rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including cats, dogs and humans. Any warm-blooded mammal can carry or contract rabies.

In the United States, rabies is reported in cats more than in any domestic species according to PetMD. 

Rabies vaccination is especially critical for cats and outdoor cats are at a greater risk of exposure to wildlife that could be infected with rabies. Don't approach or handle wild animals, especially sick wild animals.

Indoor cats should be declawed

Declawing is more than just trimming the nails. It is surgery that removes/amputates the first joint of the toes. The surgery is painful as you can imagine since it affects the toes and nerves.

You should also know this process has no benefit to the cat and removes the natural defense it normally has.

The Humane Society of the United States opposes declawing except for the rare cases when it is necessary for medical purposes.

Alternatives to declawing are firstly to trim the nails if needed. Secondly, provide scratching posts for your pets needs.  

Cats only purr when they are happy

We know cats purr when content and happy, but that's not all.  Their purr communicates other emotions too. They may purr to reduce anxiety and comfort themselves.

It's been suggested that because of it's low vibrations, purring may heal and repair bones and wounds.
But how do cat's purr? They are able to vibrate throat muscles to act as a valve for the air passing across. This valve opens and closes rapidly, which makes the purring sound. 

Bonus Question

Do indoor cats need regular vet visits?

Yes, healthy cats should visit the veterinarian at least once a year, and some recommend every 6 months. Work with your vet to develop a schedule appropriate for your pet.
Your cat will get a well-visit and be weighed, then looked at from tail to head. Don't forget about the required yearly shots either.

An indoor only cat may not need the same number of vaccinations as an outdoor cat. If there is an issue with your furry friend it's best to catch it early and start treatment.

What's the takeaway?

Who knows how so many cat myths got their start. It's important to look past the talk and get to the truth. We all want the best for our pets. So these 5 myths have been debunked, our cats will be happier and safer because of it. Make sure to talk to your vet for any concerns about these or any pet myths..

What myths have have you heard about pets? Let me know..

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