Common Feline Myths
Is it a Myth or is it Fur-Real?
The domestic cat has been around for thousands and thousands of years – more than enough time for us humans to come up with the silliest of myths, rumors and superstitions. The myth of the unlucky black cat has surely done a number on these sleek and beautiful creatures; today black cats statistically take the longest to find a new home when up for adoption.So let’s keep our facts straight – all for the good of our favorite furry family members!
Myth: Declawing does not hurt a cat
Truth: Yowch! Declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of each of their toes right through the joint. While the use of anesthetics during surgery may help, if you can imagine, the following weeks, months or even years can be painful and frustrating for your cat. Complications such as joint stiffness, hemorrhaging or even phantom pain (painful sensations the cat may still feel in claws that are no longer there) can arise and cause your cat further discomfort.
There is even the possibility of emotional trauma due to the inability to instinctually climb, scratch or even defend oneself. There are many solutions to scratching problems, that don't involve surgery such as giving your cat a tall scratching post that will satisfy his natural urge to scratch and stretch. You can also purchase sticky sheets to place on furniture, special sprays that will deter your cat, or cat nail covers to soften their touch.
For more information on cat scratching, visit www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/scratching.
Myth: Cats will always land on their feet
Truth: Never, ever assume your cat will land on his feet. Yes, they do have impeccable balance and their brave and graceful jumps and landings can make them seem almost invincible at times, but even the biggest daredevil of a feline can seriously injure themselves from a fall. If a fall is too small, a cat may not have time to reposition themselves before landing, and a fall from too high could be deadly whether the cat lands on their feet or not. And no, it’s not one life down, eight to go, so always help your kitty if it looks like they can’t get down on their own.
Myth: Purring = HappinessTruth: Yes, usually that evening snuggle after a scrumptious dinner results in a motorboat purr that will allow you to go to sleep knowing your cat is happy, healthy and content. However, cats also purr when they are injured, unwell, or stressed out; possibly to comfort themselves. No one will know your pet better than you, so if you notice something is a little ‘off’, don’t assume everything is ok just because you hear a purr. Check for injuries, see if they have been eating and keep a close eye on your cat – it could be time for a visit to the vet.
Myth: Milk is good for cats
Truth: Actually, most cats are lactose intolerant. After a kitten no longer needs milk, the best thing to do is feed them cat food and water to keep them healthy and happy. They’re just not built to digest dairy products and can become sick with diarrhea or vomiting. Of course, this doesn’t mean they won’t like the taste of milk, so keep an eye on that tray of milk and cookies! Give them a yummy treat made for cats and some exciting playtime instead.
Myth: Cats will suffocate babies or steal their breath from them
Truth: This myth is most likely just the result of cats being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Years ago, if they were found in or near a nursery, cats tended to take the blame for what we now know is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Even a little more over-the-top is the superstition that a cat will steal a baby's breath by sucking it out of them. This myth dates back hundreds of years, and again, is probably the result of some curious kitties being found at the scene of an infant tragedy.
Cats can be attracted to babies for their warmth and the way they smell like milk. Sometimes cats will try and clean extra milk off of a baby’s face in the same way they would clean their young. There has never been any real evidence that a cat has intentionally suffocated a baby, but to keep everybody in your family safe, from the bald to the furry, never leave your cat alone with an infant. You can purchase netting or screens to cover cribs if you'd like but any interaction between children of all ages and animals should always, always, be supervised.
