Kitty Confidential: Common Cat Myths Debunked

Since their domestication nearly 12,000 years ago, cats have long been considered creatures of myth and mystery. From being worshipped in ancient Egypt (a cat cemetery with more than 3,000 cat mummies was discovered!) to being viewed as a symbol of liberty during the Roman Empire, the housecat has had a wild ride through history.

Even in this age of modern technology, many cat myths still abound. Let the team at Cat Care of Vinings debunk some of today’s most common cat myths.

Cat Myths Decoded

• Cats always land on their feet. Sometimes, but not always! Cats are actually more likely to be injured from shorter falls when they don’t have ample time to twist and turn their bodies appropriately.
• Cats lose their balance without whiskers. While you should never cut or trim a cat’s whiskers, they won’t lose their balance without a full set. Whiskers are used as “feelers” to help a cat determine the width of tight spaces and are also one of the many ways a cat communicates their emotional state.
• Indoor cats don’t need to see the vet. Even cats who never go outdoors can still be exposed to dangerous diseases via contact with insects and rodents that make their way inside. Regular wellness exams will ensure your feline remains current on necessary vaccinations and will enable your vet to check for any developing health issues.
• Cats only purr when they’re happy. This myth is partially true. Cats do purr when they’re happy, but they also purr when they’re in pain or experiencing extreme illness.
• Cats hate water. Your cat may not enjoy a forced bath, but many find water fascinating and can spend long periods of time pawing at a dripping faucet or playing with the water leftover after your shower.
• Cats are nocturnal. Cats are actually crepuscular, meaning they’re most active in the early morning and early evening hours (also when prey are most active). Your cat’s eyes are specifically designed to see best in low light, but contrary to popular belief, they can’t actually see in the dark.
• Cats are low-maintenance pets. Although cat owners may not expend as much energy as their canine counterparts, cats are by no means low-maintenance. Cats need lots of love, attention, interaction, and preventive care to stay happy and healthy. 
• Black cats are bad luck. This is perhaps the silliest cat myth, but it’s still surprisingly pervasive in our society. Black pets are adopted less often from shelters and rescues, and black cats are still at risk for increased cruelty/pranks around Halloween.

In case you haven’t noticed, we absolutely adore cats here at Cat Care of Vinings! Do you have any questions or concerns about your sweet cat? Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff. We’re always here to help!