Cats may be celebrated on the internet, but they’re also often misunderstood. Here are the most common misconceptions about cats that you can dive into before you decide to welcome a furry feline companion into your home.
#1 – Cats aren’t affectionate
While cats are depicted in memes and popular culture as low maintenance badasses, they can be affectionate creatures with distinct personalities. Most cats are affectionate towards humans they respect and trust. They don’t seek approval and show love in the way dogs do. Instead, they coexist with humans and they show affection in different ways:
- Purring
- Rolling over and showing their bellies
- Slow blinking at you
- Kneading
- Rubbing their cheeks on you
You’ll also find that male cats tend to be more affectionate towards their human owners. Female cats may be more aloof.
#2 – Adults cats have no need for playtime
Most cats are suited for a domestic life in homes of busy city folk, but they still require care and attention. In the words of the extraordinary cat behaviorist, Jackson Galaxy, cats are like “energetic balloons”. They fill up with energy throughout the day.
When they’re on the verge of popping, they need an outlet to release this energy. This is why there’re so many videos online of cats:
- Swiping things off tables
- Dashing across hallways in a burst of sudden energy
- Behaving in an agitated and aggressive manner (biting or hissing) when you pet them
Making playtime a routine allows cats to get all this energy out of their system.
#3 – Cats have 9 lives and can survive falls from heights
Most assume that cats are hardy and able to land on their feet after falling from a height. This is not always true and is a dangerous misconception. A fall from an open window can result in your cat sustaining traumatic injuries that affect its quality of life. In the worst cases, even death.
According to SPCA, they see about 5 cases of cats falling from height a week! That’s 250 cats a year. It’s absolutely critical for cats to be kept safe indoors through the meshing of windows and doors to prevent such accidents.
#4 – Only pedigree cats have predictable personalities
Pedigree cat breeds may have certain genetic characteristics and may be more inclined to exhibit certain personality traits. But cats are a product of their environment as well.
In the hands of an inexperienced and irresponsible breeder, a pedigree cat may develop behavioral issues due to neglect. They may also have genetic defects caused by inbreeding.
In the hands of a loving fosterer, a street cat can also blossom into a confident, affectionate, and predictable cat.
#5 – Sterilization isn’t necessary
There are more benefits to neutering or spaying of your cat than just preventing feline overpopulation through unwanted births.
Male Cats:
- May become more docile
- Eliminate territorial urine spraying
- Reduce fights with other male cats
Female Cats:
- Stop howling or caterwauling while in heat
- Reduction in risk of certain cancers
Unsterilized cats may contract feline AIDs and leukemia as they seek out other cats during the mating season. They’re also less likely to try to escape and roam while in heat.
#6 – Cats only eat what they need
Providing an abundance of food throughout the day will mean some cats will continue eating even when they don’t need to. To prevent obesity, it’s essential to monitor your cat’s intake of food and note if they are gaining or losing weight.
Every cat has a different body type and activity level. There is a need for some trial and error in terms of the portion size of their meals.
Obese cats may need a larger dose of medication due to their size if they fall ill. This means more expensive vet bills. They are also at risk of getting diabetes and arthritis.
#7 – Indoor cats don’t require routine vaccinations
Even if you intend to keep your cat indoors, there is still a risk that it may contract feline specific diseases. It’s therefore still advisable to take your cat to the vet for vaccinations and boosters.
- While boarding your cat at a boarding facility when you’re away on holiday
- When introducing new cats to your family
- When hardier viruses survive in the environment and are transmitted through shoes or clothes
- In the event, your cat ventures out of your house by accident and encounters other cats
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