Feline Myths – Busted!

MYTH: CATS ARE “NO-MAINTENANCE” PETS THAT ARE ALOOF, INDEPENDENT ANIMALS & DON’T WANT MUCH ATTENTION.
Because cats are litter-box trained, some people think that giving them food, water and fresh litter is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care, exercise and, just as important, lots of love and attention. Cats are domestic animals and crave human companionship and to establish loving bonds with their human families.

MYTH: CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR FEET.
While cats often do land on their feet after a short fall, falling from great heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats.

MYTH: CATS CAN’T BE TRAINED
Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Gentle and consistent training gets results. Also, if a cat has an approved outlet, such as a sturdy scratching post, there will be no need to have her declawed which is a painful and unnecessary operation.

MYTH: CATS AREN’T HAPPY UNLESS THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE TO ROAM & HUNT
Cats like to play, prowl and pounce. They can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys without being exposed to predators, diseases, traps, poisons and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier and safer.

MYTH: CATS WHO DISAPPEAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS ARE JUST OUT HUNTING; THERE’S NO NEED TO WORRY
The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. For their own safety and well-being, cats should always be kept indoors. If your cat does somehow become lost, search for her immediately.

MYTH: CATS WILL SUCK THE BREATH FROM SLEEPING INFANTS
Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new creature the family brought home. While they might sniff the baby’s breath, they will NOT suck out the baby’s breath for it is physically impossible. Sniffing is a common behavior between cats that have an interest in what the other has recently eaten, not an indication that they are planning to suck the baby’s breath.

MYTH: CATS DON’T NEED TO WEAR A COLLAR & TAGS
Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag. It’s a cat’s ticket home should they be found by someone. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat by becoming caught on something during a jump or a fall; buying a “break-away collar” eliminates this risk.

Please note, articles in the Animal Resource Library are for reference only, and are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical or behavioral issues your pet may be experiencing.