Myth 1: Black Cats are Bad Luck
Black cats have some of the lowest adoption rates and highest euthanasia rates in shelters across the United States. This is attributed to the misconception that black cats are bad luck and shouldn’t be adopted. This false superstition originated during the late 1600s when witches were thought to turn into cats and attack people. If you have ever seen a black cat, the worst thing it will do is leave hair on your couch. This idea is incorrect because in many cultures, black cats are a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Many people also avoid adopting simply because they don’t photograph as well as light-colored cats, making them look “uglier.” The best way to know whether adopting a specific cat is right for you is to meet and spend time with the cat rather than judging it because of the color.
Myth 2: Cats always purr when they are happy
Not necessarily. Although it is true that many cats purr when they are happy, it is wrong to assume that purring means that they are in a good mood. Cats can purr if they are happy but also if they are hungry, stressed, or in pain, depending on the context and situation. Purring releases endorphins in the brain, so many experts think that cats purr to soothe their nerves when they are feeling anxious.
Myth 3: Cats can drink cow’s milk
It’s time to debunk the popular image of the kitty drinking the milk. When cats are young, they have an enzyme that gives them the ability to digest lactose since it provides a valuable source of energy. However, if an adult cat drinks cow’s milk, the indigestible lactose stays in the stomach and ends up fermenting, which upsets gut health. This can lead to numerous gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting. Drinking whole milk, 2% milk, or skim milk can add unhealthy amounts of fat to your cat’s diet and cause obesity. So giving a cat milk is not a treat or a source of essential nutrients that the cat needs to stay healthy. A substitute for giving your cat cow’s milk is to feed lactose-free milk specifically designed for cats or just feeding it regular cat food.
Myth 4: Dog food is fine for cats
Feeding cats dog food can have many long-term consequences because dog food lacks the vital nutrition that cats need to survive. Cats are carnivores, which means that they eat only meat while dogs are omnivores. Dog food contains rice, grains, and corn which aren’t essential for a cat’s diet. Cat food also needs to contain taurine, which is essential for vision, heart function and other vital functions, and taurine is not found in many brands of dog food. If a cat eats a couple of bites of dog food, it won’t harm your cat in any way, but it doesn’t have protein or animal-based fats to survive. However, feeding a cat dog food everyday can make a cat lose muscle mass and become lethargic, it is best to feed your cat expert-approved cat food.
Myth 5: Cats have 9 lives
Many people assume that cats have 9 lives. This misconception started because cats are incredibly intelligent and can withstand falls and serious accidents without being fatally wounded. Historians believe that this myth originated when the ancient Egyptians felt that cats were “spiritual.” As a pet owner, you need to be just as careful with cats as you do with other animals.
Myth 6: Cats can’t be trained
Contrary to popular belief, cats can actually be trained. There's even a cat named Tuna who plays instruments in a band and tours the US. Cats are more independent creatures than dogs so they may be more reluctant to follow your commands. However, many cats can learn useful behaviors such as shaking hands or even coming to you when you call. It will take a little bit more patience to train cats, but it is certainly not impossible. Certain types of cats are more trainable than others, and it really depends on the cat. Cats that are more treat-driven are more likely to listen to human’s commands. The best way to train a cat is to focus on positive reinforcement, so the cat associates a specific behavior with a reward.
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