10 myths surrounding your cats
So you though you knew everything there is to know about cats? Well, guess what? You could be and you probably are mistaken about most of these things. Contrary to popular opinion many cat myths are just that, myths. Historically, cats have always been associated with mystery. The Egyptians worshipped cats and believed that they would keep away evil. People's opinion of cats range from extreme fear to utter disregard. One can only wonder why people always love forming theories about cats. Most of these myths are of course localized. For example, people in India believe that a cat crossing a person on his way out is a bad omen. Let us take a look at a few more myths that shroud cats.
1) No they do not have nine lives
Believed to have originated from William Baldwin's book, this idea somehow gained popularity all over the world. Believe me guys, they don't. So kindly refrain from pelting them with stones under some misguided belief that they have 8 other lives to protect them.
2) Neither do they land on their feet all the time
Cats are sure footed yes and most of the times they land safely on their feet. However, I can say first hand (being the owner of about 8 cats) that this is not always the case. A cat of mine actually broke his leg while jumping down from a tree. So yeah, do not experiment with your cat by throwing him down from two floors.
3) Buttering his paws
If you smear a cat's paws with butter he would easily find his way back home. This myth is not just funny, it is also dangerous. You might end up losing your cat, especially if you have moved to a new place. If you want to ensure that your cat does not get lost in a new place, then keep him inside for a few weeks to make him learn where 'home' is.
4) Milk and cats
A cat might happily lap up a plate full of milk, but most of them are lactose intolerant and this is actually bad for them in the long run.
5) Litter before spaying
If you want to sterilize your female cat then you need not wait until she has her first litter.
6) Cats live longer than you think
Yes, cats live longer than the 1-3 years that people think. So, take good care of your cat and don't pamper him thinking that he has a short life.
7) Pregnancy and cats don't mix
Yes toxoplasmosis does affect pregnant women. Not if you take appropriate precautions and let someone else clean the cat feces.
8) Bell the cat
Tying a bell around your cat's neck does not make him less effective at hunting. On the contrary, it makes him stealthier and enables him to actually become a better hunter.
9) Sterilizing makes her fat
Don't find excuses to not sterilize her. It is overeating and lack of exercise that is making her fat and not sterilization.
10) Train your cat
We save the best for the last. Cats cannot be trained. Agreed, they are not as easy to train as dogs are. But cats are quite smart, and I have trained my cats to sleep and eat at particular places and times. They also respond well to basic commands to come and go.
Cats are beautiful animals. They make loving pets and are great company. Understand them and you would have gotten a pet for life.
