Cat Psychologist Busts Common Myths About Cats And They Will Change Your Relationship With Your Cat
Cats can be charming, confusing, and just a little bit dramatic, which is part of why so many myths about them stick around.
From scratching furniture to peeing on belongings, people often read cat behavior the wrong way and end up blaming the cat for things they do not fully understand. This roundup pulls apart a long list of common cat myths and shows how strange, funny, and misunderstood feline behavior can be.
Some of these will probably change the way you look at your own cat. Read on.
Myth: Cats are inherently mean and plot revenge on their owners.
The truth: Cats are still a little wild, and sometimes their natural instincts kick in! While cats can be a bit rude or cheeky, it doesn't mean they're inherently bad—remember, cats don't understand morality!
They're just doing what they want!
Myth: Cats are non-social animals.
The truth: Cats have been studied and found to often work together and unite in the wild. Even domestic cats sometimes get lonely and need a companion.
However, cats often enjoy their alone time, just like we do!
Myth: If a cat pees on a person's things, they do not like this person.
The truth: Sometimes, cats pee on their owners' belongings if they think their owner is mad at them—they see it as a sign of peace (I, however, do not!). In nature, cats sometimes pee in the same place as another cat to form a common scent and unite.
Although it can feel pretty personal (speaking from experience!)
Myth: Cat scratches the furniture intentionally.
The truth: Cats scratch things to mark their territory, release tension, and sharpen their claws. Try getting a couple of different varieties of scratching posts before getting too mad.
Myth: Cats don't need to be trained.
The truth: While not as intense as dogs, cats still require some level of training.
Myth: Cats can entertain themselves.
The truth: Cats need to be played with and require attention as well. While they are more independent than dogs, they still need just as much love and playtime!
And if you’re wondering what to try next, these odd cat-parent tricks that people swear actually work can help.
Myth: If a cat is aggressive, they are trying to dominate you, and you should prove who is boss.
The truth: You should never be aggressive with your cat! They don't understand punishment as humans do and may end up becoming more aggressive or mean as a result of how you treat them.
Cats can be aggressive for hormonal reasons, or sometimes they are just trying to be playful.
Myth: Cats only get sick if they go outside.
The truth: Cats can get sick wherever they are. They can contract bacterial infections and viruses from many places.
Myth: Cats always land on their feet.
The truth: Cats do have the ability to roll mid-air to try and land on their feet, but it doesn't always work, and cats can still get injured.
Myth: Cats heal themselves by licking their wounds and eating grass.
The truth: These myths come from the days before veterinarians—cats definitely need proper medical attention if they become too ill, as they can get infections from licking their wounds. Eating grass does help with hairballs, though.
Myth: Cats aren't attached to people; they are attached to houses.
The truth: Cats do get attached to their houses—they feel safe there and do not always cope well with changes, particularly environmental changes. However, cats also love their owners; it just depends on the cat and the kind of bond you can create with them.
Myth: Dogs and cats are enemies!
The truth: Do you get along with everyone? Probably not—and our pets are the same!
Cats and dogs can become friends (it depends on how they are raised and the personality of the pet), just like cats can be friends with other cats. But, like people, some cats prefer to be left alone!
Myth: Cats drink milk.
The truth: Some cats are lactose intolerant, just like people!
That is a lot of feline drama to unpack.
Cats coming online to defend themselves like:
What do you think of these? Did you learn anything new? Tell us in the comments.
Find more insights from Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist, who highlights the significance of understanding emotional connections in relationships, or explore her work on Dr. Gary Chapman, marriage counselor, who states, "Understanding your pet's behavior can deepen your emotional bond with them."
Think you’ve seen every “cat parent” moment, check out the 15+ situations you only get when you have a feline friend.
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